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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ICC to probe fresh fixing claims: report

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

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

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

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

An ICC spokesman said it would investigate the new allegations.

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

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

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Australia experience gives rivals edge in Asia Cup: Misbah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Cricket: South Africa set New Zealand record mark

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Cricket: McCullum, Taylor lead New Zealand run chase

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Rahul Dravid announces retirement

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

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

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

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Tendulkar hails Dravid as retirement nears

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Cheema ready for honour of leading Canada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Bangladesh recall Tamim after fitness row

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

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Smith, Kallis lead South Africa fightback

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

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

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

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

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

Bracewell has been the only successful New Zealand bowler.

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

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

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

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

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Cricket: McKay helps Aussies snatch tri-series win

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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New Pakistan coach Whatmore geared up for first challenge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Pak cricket team leaves for Asia Cup

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sri Lanka restrict Australia to 231 in ODI final

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Rahul Dravid to announce retirement: reports

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

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

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

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

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

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

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New Zealand 243-9 v South Africa 238 at close

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Cricket: Bangladesh chief selector quits over Tamim row

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Asia Cup: Pak squad leaves today

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Bangladesh chief selector Akram Khan quits over 'interference'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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South Africa 86-1 at tea in New Zealand Test

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Clarke, Pattinson out of series decider vs Sri Lanka

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

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

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Pakistan not to repeat England mistakes in Asia Cup: Younis

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

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

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

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

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Cricket: Sri Lanka thrash Australia by 8 wickets

ADELAIDE: Sri Lanka took the tri one-day finals series into a decider with an eight-wicket thrashing of Australia in the second final at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday.

Australia won the toss and scored 271 for six off 50 overs, but were easily reeled in by the Sri Lankans, who scored 274 for two off 44.2 overs.

Skipper Michael Clarke hit 117 and opening batsman David Warner 100 in Australia's innings but it was no where near enough as openers Tillakaratne Dilshan and captain Mahela Jayawardene came out blazing for Sri Lanka.

The pair had put on an opening stand of 179 runs by the 28th over with Dilshan hitting 106 off 119 balls and Jayawardene scoring 80 off 76 balls.

Their wickets were the only ones to fall as Sri Lanka coasted to victory with 34 balls remaining to set up a Thursday decider at the same stadium.

Kumar Sangakkara hit the winning runs to remain 51 not out with Dinesh Chandimal on 17.

Match scores: Australia 271 for 6 (50 overs); Sri Lanka 274 for 2 (44.2 overs).

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PCB must organise PPL if not in Pakistan then abroad: Rana

ISLAMABAD: With the influx of Twenty-20 tournaments around the world, former Pakistan pacer Rana Naved-ul-Hasan believes Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should also organise Pakistan Premier League (PPL) even if they have to host the tournament outside the country.

"I believe the PCB have been looking to organise a tournament similar to the BPL and IPL. Unfortunately the problem we have at the moment is that international teams are reluctant to come and play cricket in Pakistan and fans in Pakistan are being deprived of high quality cricket," Rana told PakPassion.net in an interview.

Rana said that once Bangladesh tours Pakistan this year in April than other countries will also start touring Pakistan.

"Once international tours start taking place in Pakistan, then that will pave the way for tournaments such as the PPL to commence.  If it cannot be organised in Pakistan, then yes the overseas option is also one to think about," he said.

Rana, who was a member of Dhaka Gladiators squad winners of the inaugural edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), praised the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for a successful tournament.

"The BPL was very enjoyable, I had a really good time and it was good to be playing against a number of Pakistani cricketers.      Some of them performed really well in Bangladesh, including Mohammad Sami, Ahmed Shehzad, Imran Nazir, Kamran Akmal and Sohail Tanvir," he said.

Rana who is representing Wapda in the ongoing National One Day Cup division one, said it will be a high standard of cricket, a very tough competition. All of the best departmental teams are in Division One and I'm confident that Wapda can do very well this time around.

Rana said that Wapda reached the semi-finals last time around and he thinks the team can do better this season.

Rana last played for Pakistan 2 years ago in a Twenty-20 international in Australia. Given Pakistan's recent dismal performances in the shorter formats, some observers were keen for Rana to be given a recall.

"I was hopeful after the series in Bangladesh last year that I might be given a chance. My name was being mentioned but it never materialised, but never mind, I wasn't disheartened or disappointed."  "I know that if I am recalled I will perform to the best of my ability and I hope that I'm given another chance by the selectors," he concluded.

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Cricket: Clarke injury concern for tri-series and Windies

ADELAIDE: A hamstring injury is hampering Australian captain Michael Clarke's prospects of being fit for this month's tour of the West Indies.

Clarke will have scans on his left hamstring, which was strained while making 117 in Australia's loss in the second tri-series final against Sri Lanka in Adelaide on Tuesday.

He is unlikely to be fit for Thursday's deciding final in the best-of-three series and could also be in doubt for the looming tour to the Caribbean.

The Australian players are due to fly to the West Indies on Friday with the opening ODI match at St Vincent on March 16.

"I have done something to my left hamstring, I don't know to what extent,"Clarke told reporters after Tuesday's ODI loss.

"But it's obviously not feeling good at the moment, that is for sure.

"We leave for West Indies in three days. I don't want to make a judgment until I make a scan, I think I would be silly to do that."

Clarke only returned to action last weekend from a strain to his right hamstring, which sidelined him for three games.

And the captain admitted he went against the wishes of Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris by returning so soon.

"It's a tough one, I pushed really hard to try and get back for this finals series," he said.

"And I tried my best not to give Alex much of an option, to be honest.

"So I feel for him as well as my left leg at the moment because I know he probably would have preferred me to take it easy.

"But I wanted to be part of this finals series.

"But after straining my right one, I probably favoured my left over the past couple of weeks, 10 days, and I have done a bit of damage there.

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Cricket: Asia Cup 2012 tickets go on sale

DHAKA: Tickets for Asia Cup 2012 cricket four-nation tournament went on sale Tuesday.

Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and hosts Bangladesh compete in Asia Cup which starts on March 11 with match between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Final will be on March 22.

City Bank Limited, ticketing partners of Bangladesh Cricket Board BCB, are responsible for selling and distributing tickets across Bangladesh. "Tickets are sold through 21 branches of City Bank in six divisions. We successfully completed ticketing operations of high-profile events like ICC Cricket World Cup and BPL. We hope to make entire process easier and more convenient for spectators at Asia Cup," said Dewan Shafiul Arefin, member secretary Asia Cup 2012 tournament committee.

Micromax Informatics Limited bagged title sponsorship for Asia Cup tournament for second consecutive year. Nimbus Sport & Micromax entered into agreement and event will be titled as Micromax Asia Cup 2012. Deepak Mehrotra, CEO, Micromax said, "We are proud to be part of Asia Cup 2012, which is one of most coveted cricket championship in Asia. Cricket is not just another sport, but a culture that connects youth beyond boundaries."

Itinerary:
11 March: Bangladesh v Pakistan
12 March: Reserve Day/ Rest Day
13 March: India v Sri Lanka
14 March: Reserve Day/ Rest Day
15 March: Pakistan v Sri Lanka
16 March: India v Bangladesh
17 March: Reserve Day/ Rest Day
18 March: India v Pakistan
19 March: Reserve Day/ Rest Day
20 March: Sri Lanka v Bangladesh
21 March: Reserve Day/ Rest Day
22 March: Final
23 March: Reserve Day for Final

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Cricket: Sri Lanka thrash Australia by 8 wickets

ADELAIDE: Sri Lanka took the tri one-day finals series into a decider with an eight-wicket thrashing of Australia in the second final at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday.

Australia won the toss and scored 271 for six off 50 overs, but were easily reeled in by the Sri Lankans, who scored 274 for two off 44.2 overs.

Skipper Michael Clarke hit 117 and opening batsman David Warner 100 in Australia's innings but it was no where near enough as openers Tillakaratne Dilshan and captain Mahela Jayawardene came out blazing for Sri Lanka.

The pair had put on an opening stand of 179 runs by the 28th over with Dilshan hitting 106 off 119 balls and Jayawardene scoring 80 off 76 balls.

Their wickets were the only ones to fall as Sri Lanka coasted to victory with 34 balls remaining to set up a Thursday decider at the same stadium.

Kumar Sangakkara hit the winning runs to remain 51 not out with Dinesh Chandimal on 17.

Match scores: Australia 271 for 6 (50 overs); Sri Lanka 274 for 2 (44.2 overs).

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Cricket: Watling injury gives van Wyk Test debut for NZ

WELLINGTON: New Zealand will give South African-born wicketkeeper Kruger van Wyk his Test debut against the Proteas on Wednesday after a hip injury sidelined regular gloveman BJ Watling.

Black Caps physiotherapist Paul Close said a problem with Watling's right hip joint meant he was unable to play in the first Test in Dunedin.

"The nature of the injury is such that we were concerned about BJ's ability to get through the match, based on the high workloads required by a wicket-keeper batsman," he said, adding that it was unclear how long Watling would be sidelined.

The injury gives van Wyk, 32, who was born in South Africa and moved to New Zealand in 2006, an opportunity at the top level late in his career.

The Proteas have dominated the home team during their first trip to New Zealand in eight years, winning the Twenty20 series 2-1 and cruising to a 3-0 whitewash in the one-day series.

A whitewash in the three-match Test series would see them overtake England as the number one team in the ICC world Test rankings

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South Africa aim for clean sweep to claim No 1 ranking

South Africa will be aiming to carry the winning momentum from its ODI series into the three-Test series against New Zealand starting in Dunedin on Wednesday which will earn it the status of the number-one Test ranked side in the world in the Reliance ICC Test Championship table at the 1 April cut-off date for the first time since the Test rankings were introduced in 2001.

Second-ranked South Africa trails top-ranked England by just one rating point. And to move ahead of Andrew Strauss's side, Graeme Smith's men have to win all the three Tests. A 3-0 win will put South Africa one ratings point ahead of England on 119 while any other series result will not be enough to help the Proteas make history.

Though England and Sri Lanka go head-to-head in a two-Test series from 26 March in Galle, the series outcome will not affected the Test Championship table as the series will conclude on 7 April in Colombo.

If South Africa wins all the three Tests, it will celebrate the achievement by receiving the prestigious Reliance ICC Test Championship mace which is presented to the side which tops the Championship table at the 1 April cut-off date, along with a cash award of US$175,000.

However, if South Africa fails to achieve the desired series result, then England will retain the mace it won at The Oval last year after defeating India 4-0, as well as a cheque of US$175,000 whereas South Africa will once again have to settle with the runner-up prize of US$75,000.

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Porterfield brimming with confidence

Ireland captain William Porterfield is confident his side can build on the recent good form to be one of the two sides to qualify from the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier 2012 scheduled to be held in UAE from 13-24 March.

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

Ireland is placed in Group B of the competition. The side is presently training in Port Elizabeth, South Africa after finishing a tour of Kenya which also featured three Twenty20 Internationals.

"We were in Kenya for the Intercontinental Cup and after those matches we played three T20 games and won all three. The camp in Port Elizabeth has been about fine tuning our Twenty20 skills. The past few weeks have been a good reminder about our abilities. We are confident that we have covered all aspects of our game," said Porterfield.

On the Kenya tour Ireland also became only the 11th side and first Associate Member to enter the Reliance ICC Twenty20 Rankings Championship table after completing the criterion of having played in eight or more T20I matches since August 2009.

Porterfield believes this is a positive development going into the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier."It is great to be on the table. We had been working towards that, now if we maintain our momentum then it will help us to qualify. We need to continue to play good consistent cricket. It will be a tight competition but we are confident. All teams have dangerous match winners, so it is going to be hard to pick the qualifiers," added Porterfield.

The recent Twenty20 International series between Pakistan and England held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been a great pointer for all the 16 teams in the Qualifier. Porterfield believes his side has the personnel to build on the pointers gained from the Pakistan v England series.

"We are a happy squad with competition for spots. We have quite a few all-rounders which gives us lot more options with the ball. We have good spinners who can exploit the slow pitches in Dubai because they will be hard to get away. There could potentially be low-scoring games as during the Pakistan-England series. So putting runs on the board will make any side competitive," reckoned Porterfield.

Ireland had qualified for the ICC World Twenty20 2010 through a similar global qualifier held in UAE. However, Porterfield believes his side has made rapid gains in terms of experience and exposure in the Twenty20 format since then.

"We have played a lot more cricket against the major teams and have shown that we belong. In addition our lads have played a lot of Twenty20 cricket for counties in England. So all that experience is going to help the side in the tournament," opined Porterfield.

Ireland will be based in Port Elizabeth till 8 March before flying out for the competition. Porterfield believes a place in the ICC World Twenty20 2012 will be a step in the right direction for Ireland cricket.

"It will be massive because that's where we want to be competing with the best teams. It is part of our long-term goals. So all our effort will be channelised towards achieving that dream," concluded Porterfield.

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Cricket: Bangladesh drop Tamim for Asia Cup

DHAKA: Bangladesh cricket chiefs on Tuesday axed aggressive opening batsman Tamim Iqbal for the Asia Cup one-day tournament starting in Dhaka on March 11.

Former captain Mashrafe Mortaza returned to the 14-man squad after steering Dhaka Gladiators to victory in the inaugural Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Twenty20 competition.

Tamim, widely regarded as Bangladesh's number one batsman, was overlooked despite being declared fit from a groin injury he sustained during the BPL.

Chairman of selectors Akram Khan told AFP that Tamim's name was not approved by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Mustafa Kamal.

"It's a decision of the president," Khan said. "He selected the final squad, not us."

The return of Mortaza, a right-arm fast bowler who had been out of the national side for a year because of a recurring knee injury, will bolster the bowling attack of the hosts.

Alok Kapali, Rubel Hossain, Naeem Islam, Shahriar Nafees and Farhad Reza were not considered for the Asia Cup after being involved in matches against Pakistan towards the end of last year.

Opener Anamul Haque is the only uncapped player in the squad, while batsman Mohammad Nazimuddin, wicketkeeper-batsman Jahurul Islam and seamer Shahadat Hossain earned recalls after good showings in domestic leagues.

The BCB said it will announce the name of the captain later.

Defending champions India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are the other teams competing for the Asia Cup.

Bangladesh squad:

Imrul Kayes, Mohammad Nazimuddin, Jahurul Islam, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan, Nasir Hossain, Mashrafe Mortaza, Abdur Razzak, Elias Sunny, Nazmul Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Shahadat Hossain, Anamul Haque

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Clarke, Warner tons as Australia score 271-6 in ODI

ADELAIDE: Skipper Michael Clarke and opening batsman David Warner scored centuries as Australia hit 271 for six off 50 overs in the second tri one-day series final against Sri Lanka at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday.

Clarke, once again inconvenienced by back trouble, hit 117 off 91 balls and Warner reeled off his second consecutive century with 100 off a more sedate 140 balls to set Sri Lanka a testing target to level the series.

Sri Lanka must win the match to take the tri-series finals into a third and deciding match in Adelaide on Thursday.

Sri Lanka didn't help their chances with five dropped catches and a sloppy out-fielding as Clarke and Warner shared in a 184-run stand for the third wicket after Matthew Wade (14) and Shane Watson (15) fell cheaply.

Clarke, frequently flexing his troublesome back, smashed four sixes and five fours in his blazing century, while Warner, passed fit before the match from a groin strain, backed up his 163 in Brisbane with another ODI ton.

Warner played more conservative with four fours and a six to raise his 100.

Clarke, clearly troubled by the back injury which forced him to miss two preliminary games, received three let-offs from the Sri Lankan fielders.

The most notable was on 77 when Lasith Malinga spilt a chance on the deep square leg boundary with the ball flicking out of his fingers over the ropes for six.

Clarke thrived from his let-off to smash Farveez Maharoof for 23 runs off the 44th over clubbing six, four, six and four from successive deliveries.

The run flurry enabled Clarke to beat Warner to a century and the Australian captain hobbled from the field when run out by Rangana Herath after being unable to push his running between wickets in the latter stages of his knock.

Malinga, who also finished the innings in discomfort, finished with three for 40 off 10 overs.

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Cricket: Runako Morton killed in car crash

LONDON: The West Indies Cricket Board on Monday paid tribute to Runako Morton, after the former Test and one-day batsman was killed in a car accident.

"Our deepest condolences to Runako Morton's family. Such devastating and tragic news," the board said on its official Twitter account, after the 33-year-old's death was announced.

Morton, who played 15 Tests for the West Indies, scoring 573 runs at an average of 22.03, died when he lost control of his car and careered off the road in Trinidad on Sunday, according to the Trinidad Express newspaper's web site.

His last appearance for his country came against Australia in a Twenty20 international in 2010.

Morton's career was blotted by disciplinary breaches.

He was expelled from the West Indian Academy in July 2001, and a year later was called up to the injury-plagued West Indies squad as a replacement for Marlon Samuels.

He pulled out of the ICC Champions Trophy in September 2002, after lying about the death of his grandmother. His career slipped further when he was arrested (though released without charge) in January 2004, following a stabbing incident

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Australia win toss, bat in second ODI final

ADELAIDE: Australia won the toss and chose to bat in the second tri-nation series one-day international final against Sri Lanka at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka must win to keep the best-of-three finals series alive after losing the opening game by 15 runs in Brisbane on Sunday.

David Warner, who scored 163 in a man-of-the-match performance in Brisbane, will play for Australia after proving his fitness following a groin strain.

In Australia's only team change, Clint McKay came in for fellow pace bowler Ben Hilfenhaus.

Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene strengthened the team's batting by replacing fast bowler Dhammika Prasad with middle-order batsman Chamara Kapugedera.

Angelo Mathews and Thisara Perera both remained unavailable through injury.

If Sri Lanka win they will take the series into a decider in Adelaide on Thursday.

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ICC declines comments on BD tour

International Cricket Council (ICC) refusing to comment on Bangladesh's tour of Pakistan said that any talks about it would be premature.

Talking exclusively to  ICC's spokesman Sami-ul-Hassan Burney that the Council would announce its plans after BD's tour of Pakistan.

The ICC has no role regarding security issues during BD's Pakistan's visit- the security matters would have to be settled by the Cricket Boards of the two countries, he added.

ICC plays role in the security matters pertaining to its own events, he added.

Pakistan has invited Bangladesh for a tour in April. A security delegation of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCP) lead by its chief Mustafa Kamal visited Pakistan and returned extremely sataisfied with the security arrangements.

BCP would present its report of the its government which would make final decision about BD's tour Pakistan.

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Mustafa Kamal asks Zaka to initiate PPL

President of Bangladesh Cricket Board Mustafa Kamal advised the Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board Zaka Ashraf to
initiate Pakistan Premier League.

He disclosed this while talking to channel interview exclusi
VelY. He also expressed satisfaction at the security arrangements and measures for Bangladesh's tour of Pakistan
during the visit of BCB's delegation
which he lead and which visited Pakistan to witness the security arrangements.

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Cricket: Intikhab hopes Whatmore will enhance team’s performance

KARACHI: Pakistan hopes new cricket coach, Australia's Dav Whatmore, can find a magic formula to transform the country's talented players into a team that enjoys sustained, match-winning success.

The team's peaks and troughs are infamous. Last month's Test whitewash of England was followed by a flop in the limited overs series, losing 4-0 in the one-day games and 2-1 in the Twenty20s.

Frequent changes in the Pakistan Cricket Board and sackings of captains and coaches have halted progress.

But Sunday's appointment of Whatmore -- who guided Sri Lanka to World Cup victory in 1996 -- could change all that.

Former captain and ex-coach Intikhab Alam is pinning his hopes on Whatmore.

"I think the missing 'more' in Pakistan cricket will be achieved through Whatmore," Alam told AFP. "With his perfect record in the past I hope he will enhance the team's performance, though it will take some time."

The 57-year-old, who played seven Tests and one limited over international for Australia, also guided Bangladesh to the second round of the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean where they beat giants India.

Alam said a lot will depend on the players, some of whom resisted Whatmore's appointment in 2007 when an inexperienced Geoff Lawson was chosen instead.

"It is the coach's responsibility to bring more consistency, which is missing, but at the end of the day it is important players also do their best and listen to the coach," said Alam.

Pakistan has also signed Julian Fountain as fielding coach, which Alam believes will help in their weakest area.

"Fountain comes with rich experience and has served England, the West Indies and Bangladesh so I hope with him around, much-needed improvement in fielding will also come about," said Alam, coach of Pakistan's World Cup-winning team in 1992.

Another former captain, Aamir Sohail, also believes Whatmore can help the team overcome recent mistakes, even if the challenge is huge.

"I wish him the best of luck in his endeavours and hope that he will take notice of our recent mistakes in one-day cricket," said Sohail.

"When you take responsibility in international cricket you are bound to face pressure but you need to be objective and I hope everyone rallies behind him in support to achieve the targets," he said.

Whatmore himself on Sunday acknowledged the enormity of the task ahead.

"We want to be consistent. We don't want peaks and troughs," Whatmore said.

"We want the team to be at a good level for a long period. When we're brilliant there will be peaks, but we want to still perform and win games when we're not brilliant.

"We want to eliminate the bad performances. But you can't do that by focusing on the result. You have to focus on the process."

Whatmore's first task is the four-nation Asia Cup in Dhaka later this month, an event that includes a high-profile match against India on March 18.

A positive performance will give a first hint of Whatmore can bring to Pakistan cricket, but defeat will bring immediate pressure from fans and media.

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WICB sends condolences to Morton's family

President of the West Indies Cricket Board Dr. Julian Hunte said that it is with deep sadness that the West Indies cricket family received the news of the tragic passing of Runako Morton.

"Runako's passing, still in the prime of life, leaves us all in shock," President Hunte said

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as we all try to come to terms with his loss," President Hunte added.

"He will be remembered as a fierce competitor on the field who gave no quarter whether he was playing for West Indies, Leeward Islands, Nevis or Trinidad and Tobago," Hunte noted.

Morton passed on Sunday night after being involved in a motor vehicle accident in Trinidad where he lived with his family. Born on July 22 1978, he was 33.

The robust right handed middle order batsman represented the West Indies Under 19, West Indies Under 23, West Indies B, West Indies A and West Indies Test, ODI and T20 teams. He emerged while playing for his native Nevis and the Leeward Islands but switched to representing Trinidad and Tobago in 2011.

Morton died three days after the sixth anniversary of his debut international century - 110 v New Zealand at Napier.

Morton played in 15 Tests, 56 ODIs and 7 T20s for the West Indies. He scored two ODI centuries and 10 half centuries along with four Test fifties. His most notable performance was a West Indies top score of 90 not out against Australia in Mumbai in the Champions Trophy of 2006. Morton won the Man of the Match award for his match winning innings.

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South Africa to play India in a one-off T20I

South Africa will play a one-off T20 International against India for the New Age Cup at the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium on Friday, 30 March.

"This will be a wonderful way to welcome our Proteas home from New Zealand after what has been an extremely successful tour so far," commented Cricket South Africa (CSA) CEO Gerald Majola. "I believe their form in the two limited-overs formats against New Zealand has grabbed the imagination of cricket fans, notably the brilliant debuts of Richard Levi and Marchant de Lange.

"This match is a follow-up to last year's successful T20 match at Moses Mabhida Stadium and in discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) we have agreed to make this an annual fixture.

"The BCCI have given us an assurance that they will be sending their strongest available team and I would like to thank both them and our sponsors, The New Age, for making this exciting prospect a reality.

"It will bring down the curtain on our home international season on an appropriate note before many of the players depart for India for the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL)."

The match is held to celebrate the bilateral ties between South Africa and India.

The inaugural event was held last year at the iconic Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban, and attracted the largest cricket audience on the African continent. On that occasion President Jacob Zuma called for the match to become an annual event.

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Bangladesh names squad minus captain and vice-captain

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the squad for Asia Cup

The players including standbys will begin training at the SBNCS, Mirpur from 7 March under head coach Stuart Law.

The captain and vice-captain will be declared shortly.,

Squad: Imrul Kayes, Nazim Uddin, Jahurul Islam, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmud Ullah, Nasir Hossain, Masrafe Mortaza, Abdur Razzak, Md Elias, Nazmul Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Shahadat Hossain, Anamul Hoque.

Standby: Tamim Iqbal, Shuvagata Hom, Farhad Reza, Enamul Haque, Muminul Haque, Abul Hasan.

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