Afghanistan and Namibia stay on course

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day six produced some outstanding individual performances.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Scores in brief

Group A

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

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

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

Man of the match: Samiullah Shenwari (Afghanistan)

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

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

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

Man of the match: Irfan Ahmed (Hong Kong)

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

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

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

Man of the match: Michael Swart (Netherlands)

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

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

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

Man of the match: Paras Khadka (Nepal)

Group B

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

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

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

Man of the match: Ed Joyce (Ireland)

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

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

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

Man of the match: Louis Klazinga (Namibia)

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

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

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

Man of the match: Usman Shuja (USA)

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

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

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

Man of the match: Gareth Berg (Italy)

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

GroupB

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

Monday's schedule

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Cricket: ICC backs Saeed Ajmal's bowling action

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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India complains about Ajmal's action, ICC denies

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

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

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

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

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India finds a new hero in Virat Kohli

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Cricket: Windies end six-year losing streak to Australia

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

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

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

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

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

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Poor fielding lets Pakistan down against India

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Bangladesh call-up uncapped Abul for injured Shafiul

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

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

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

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

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

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West Indies win toss, field against Australia

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

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

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

Both sides were unchanged from Friday's match.

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

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

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

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India beat Pakistan in the Asia Cup

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

Over 01: India 03/1

Over 02: India 10/1

Over 03: India 22/1

Over 04: India 30/1

Over 05: India 38/1

Over 06: India 42/1

Over 07: India 45/1

Over 08: India 49/1

Over 09: India 56/1

Over 10: India 58/1

Over 11: India 63/1

Over 12: India 67/1

Over 13: India 79/1

Over 14: India 87/1

Over 15: India 98/1

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

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

Over 18: India 114/1

Over 19: India 131/1

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

Over 21: India 136/2

Over 22: India 146/2

Over 23: India 153/2

Over 24: India 157/2

Over 25: India 161/2

Over 26: India 164/2

Over 27: India 170/2

Over 28: India 174/2

Over 29: India 180/2

Over 30: India 187/2

Over 31: India 194/2

Over 32: India 198/2

Over 33: India 202/2

Over 34: India 207/2

Over 35: India 215/2

Over 36: India 225/2

Over 37: India 233/2

Over 38: India 237/2

Over 39: India 241/2

Over 40: India 247/2

Over 41: India 263/2

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

Over 43: India 283/2

Over 44: India 292/2

Over 45: India 300/2

Over 46: India 307/2

Over 47: India 318/3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Asia cup: Pakistan innings against India

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

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

After:
Over 05: Pakistan 27/0

Over 10: Pakistan 51/0

Over 15: Pakistan 81/0

Hafeez and Jamshed complete their half centuries.

Over 20: Pakistan 121/0

Over 25: Pakistan 150/0

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

Over 30: Pakistan 184/0

Hafeez completes 4th ODI century, first against India

Jamshed scores maiden century

Over 35: Pakistan 218/0

Over 40: Pakistan 256/2

Over 45: Pakistan 287/3

Over 46: Pakistan 295/3

Over 47: Pakistan 307/3

Over 48: Pakistan 316/4

Over 49: Pakistan 324/5

Over 50: Pakistan 329/6

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

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

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

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

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

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New Zealand boost batters for final Test

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Yuvraj discharged after cancer treatment

NEW DELHI: India's World Cup cricket hero Yuvraj Singh announced Sunday that he has been discharged from hospital after undergoing chemotherapy for a cancerous tumour.

"3rd chemo cycles over, back from hospital n I am free.... Can't wait to be back home," the 30-year-old all-rounder said via Twitter from the United States, where he has been receiving treatment.

Left-handed Yuvraj, named man of the tournament after India's World Cup triumph at home last April, was diagnosed with a rare condition, mediastinal seminoma -- a malignant tumour between his lungs -- soon after the event.

Thousands of well-wishers, including US cycling great Lance Armstrong, have sent messages to the player, who is known for his aggressive batting and disciplined spin bowling.

Thanking fans for their support, Yuvraj also doffed his hat to Indian cricketing superstar Sachin Tendulkar for achieving the "unachievable" after becoming the only player to score 100 international centuries on Friday.

"Overwhelmed and full of emotions Tendulkar take a bow What he has achieved is immeasurable and what he has done is unachievable," he said.

Yuvraj, who scored 362 runs and bagged 15 wickets in nine World Cup matches, has not played competitive cricket since taking part in two of the three home Tests against the West Indies in November.

He has scored 8,051 runs in 274 one-dayers and 1,775 in 37 Tests since making his international debut in 2000

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Proteas come up big in key moments to seal win

South Africa's crushing nine-wicket victory over New Zealand to win the second test inside three days on Saturday was achieved by three 20-minute periods of superb pace bowling and their tail contributing a valuable 165 runs when they were in deep trouble.

Graeme Smith completed the victory when he drove part-time spinner Rob Nicol through the covers to take his side to 103 for one, two more runs than they needed, shortly before tea on the third day at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

Skipper Smith, who finished on 55 not out, and Hashim Amla (46) had needed less than 90 minutes to score the 101 runs that gave their side a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

The victory, however, had been set up through the exploits of their fast bowlers Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander, when they captured five New Zealand wickets for no runs late on day one to trigger a collapse from a comfortable 133 for two to 133-7.

Philander and Steyn also provided the spark needed in New Zealand's second innings when they reduced Ross Taylor's side to 7-3 just after tea on the second day, while the former ran trhough the lower middle order either side of lunch on Saturday.

Philander finished with combined figures of 10-114, his second 10-wicket haul in just his sixth test to be named man of the match.

"I thought Philander and Steyn bowled well in both innings and they put pressure on the batsmen and pressure told at the end of the day," Taylor said in a televised interview.

"It was a pretty flat wicket but they put the ball in the right areas and put us under pressure."

VALUABLE LEAD

Despite being comprehensivbely outplayed in the match, which lost more than two hours of play due to rain on the first day, New Zealand had an opportunity to impose themselves on the South Africans' first inning after Mark Gillespie had ripped the heart out of their order.

Gillespie took 4-24 from seven overs as the Proteas collapsed to 88-6, before AB de Villiers (83) rallied the tail and the final four wickets added 165 runs that gave the visitors a valauable 68-run first innings lead.

"At 88-6, things were a bit squeaky in our changing room but it is the sign of a good test team that we were able to get ourselves out of trouble and then able to dominate the game," Smith said.

"Crucial knock," Smith added of de Villier's innings. "He marshalled the innings very well when we were under pressure and each of our tail was grafting very hard and it's a big part of the team when they contribute."

Taylor also said his side's inability to finish off the South African tail had been crucial in the first innings and they needed to make the most of such opportunites as they headed to Wellington for the third and final test next week.

"With the ball, I thought we were okay. We had them at six for 90-odd but we weren't able to put the ball in (those good) areas for long enough to put them under pressure.

"(But) we're not out of the series, we have to pick ourselves up and can still draw the series come Wellington."

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Asia Cup 2012: Pakistan cross swords with India today

DHAKA: The battle is being predicted to be bloody as well as beautiful when traditional rivals, Pakistan and India, cross swords in Asia Cup Cricket Tournament’s One Day International match in Dhaka on Sunday (today),
With a few hours remaining in the clash of titans --after almost a year’s hiatus-- the excitement is peaking across the divide.

Cricket crazy fans have set up giant screens in public and amusement parks to make every moment sheer fun for friends and families.

For many Pakistanis the Asia Cup encounter is a chance for their country to avenge the World Cup semi-final defeat in Mohali exactly a year ago.

As expected most of the television channels have also prepared special programmes for the match, with advertisers and sponsors keen to cash in on the hype.

Pakistan is in high spirits after defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets on Thursday almost booking their place in the final of the Asia Cup.

On the other hand India was under pressure as, Bangladesh beat the former by five wickets, despite Sachin Tendulkar's 100th ton making India's next match versus Pakistan crucial for the team.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq, whose team were blanked 4-0 by England recently, said the match against India would be a highlight.” Against India it is something special because of the supporters of Pakistan and India,” he said.

“Everyone wants to enjoy India-Pakistan rivalry and that adds to the pressure. But we want to play good cricket and improve our own performance. It’s going to be a tough tournament.” India severed cricket links with its neighbour after the deadly 2008 Mumbai attacks, which New Delhi blamed on militants based across the border in Pakistan.

The Asia Cup will be the first assignment for new Pakistan coach Dav Whatmore, the former Australian international who guided Sri Lanka to World Cup glory in 1996. The tournament provides Indian batting superstar Sachin Tendulkar with yet another opportunity to record an unprecedented 100th international century.

The world record-holder has gone a year without a three-figure knock since scoring his 99th ton in a World Cup match against South Africa in Nagpur last March. India hope to make amends after their disastrous tours of England and Australia, where they lost both the Test and one-day series.

India, who won the last Asia Cup title in Sri Lanka in 2010, have rested hard-hitting opener Virender Sehwag and key paceman Zaheer Khan, but will feel at home on the low, slow pitches in Dhaka.

Sri Lanka, who finished runners-up to India in the World Cup, have produced encouraging results after reappointing Mahela Jayawardene as captain and South African Graham Ford as coach.

They not only knocked India out of the recent tri-series in Australia, but also gave the hosts a close run before losing the best-of-three final 2-1. Bangladesh are boosted by the return of opener Tamim Iqbal, who was initially dropped by the country’s cricket chief before being added as a 15th member of the squad on Thursday.

Each side will play the other once in the round-robin league, with the top two advancing to the final on March 22.

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Thanks a ton - India in awe of Tendulkar

NEW DELHI: World and Indian greats on Saturday bowed to Sachin Tendulkar - "the best" - for scoring 100 international centuries, but speculation about his future threatened to overshadow the achievement.

Fevered Indian media seemed unconcerned that their side had lost the Asia Cup match to Bangladesh in Dhaka on Friday despite Tendulkar's hundred, as newspapers devoted several pages to celebrate the unprecedented feat.

"Thanks a ton", screamed identical headlines in the Times of India and Hindustan Times newspapers, while the front page in the Indian Express gave scores of the 38-year-old's centuries above the headline, "Mathemagic".

West Indies legend Viv Richards, regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all-time alongside Don Bradman and Tendulkar, said he was a great admirer of the record-breaking Indian.

"I have seen Sachin bat and I think I have seen the best," Richards wrote in a front-page tribute in the Times of India. "The 100th century was a testimony to his self-belief and his unwavering focus."

Amid calls for Tendulkar to retire from one-day cricket to prolong his Test career, Richards urged everyone to let the batsman decide his own future.

Tendulkar himself played down talk of retirement, saying he had not made up his mind.

"If I decide to retire, it won't be done secretively," he told a media conference in Dhaka late on Friday night. "I will let you guys know. As of now, I am enjoying the game."

Tendulkar was disappointed that India lost the game to Bangladesh despite making 289-5 following his 147-ball 114.

Tendulkar said the year-long wait to reach his 100th century after scoring his 99th on March 12 last year had frustrated him at times.

"I am not God. I am Sachin Tendulkar," he said.

Asked what could be his next milestone, Tendulkar replied: "I've never played cricket for milestones. I play cricket just because I enjoy the game."

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly said the 100th ton was unlikely to be the last for Tendulkar, who turns 39 next month.

"Amazing, incredible, unbelievable," Ganguly wrote in the Hindustan Times about his long-time team-mate, who is the world's leading scorer in both Test and one-day cricket.

"I can surely tell you, hundred hundreds is not the ultimate figure for Sachin and many more are still due from the 'Special One'

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South Africa beat New Zealand by nine wickets

HAMILTON: South Africa beat New Zealand by nine wickets on the third day of the second Test in Hamilton on Saturday.

New Zealand were all out for 168 in their second innings leaving South Africa a 101-run target, which they easily reached in 20 overs and with more than two days to spare.

Kane Williamson top scored in New Zealand's second innings with 77 while Vernon Philander was the most successful of the South African bowlers with 6-44.

After South Africa lost Alviro Petersen in the second over for one, Graeme Smith (55 not out) and Hashim Amla (46 not out) carried the tourists through to the finish at Seddon Park.

They now lead the three-Test series 1-0, after the rain-disrupted first Test ended in a draw.

The final Test starts in Wellington next Friday.

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Tendulkar becomes first to score 100 centuries

India's Sachin Tendulkar became the first cricketer to score 100 international centuries during the Asia Cup one-dayer against Bangladesh on Friday.The 38-year-old Indian stroked a single off left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan to reach the landmark. He has scored 51 centuries in tests and 49 in one-day internationals.Here are six facts about one of the all-time greatest batsmen and the face of Indian cricket for over two decades.


A teenage prodigy, Tendulkar was born on April 24, 1973 in Mumbai and made his test debut against Pakistan as a curly-haired 16-year-old, becoming the youngest Indian test player. A year later, he hit his maiden test hundred in England.
Tendulkar holds a number of batting records, including the aggregate one-day runs (18,360 at the time of reaching his 100th ton) and centuries (49). He also holds the record for most test hundreds (51).
He had two unsuccessful terms as India captain, the first aged 23 in 1996 before being axed 17 months later after his batting suffered. He was reappointed in 1999 but stood down after a 3-0 test series rout in Australia the following year. * Tendulkar was named player of the 2003 World Cup, scoring a record 673 runs to help India reach the final, where they lost to Australia. The next year, he equalled compatriot Sunil Gavaskar's world record of 34 test hundreds while compiling 248 not out, his highest score, in Australia.
Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1997
Surpassed West Indies' Brian Lara as the highest test run-scorer in 2008. Lara had scored 11,953 runs before he retired from international cricket in 2007. Tendulkar has scored 15,470 test runs .
Became the first batsman to score 200 runs in one-day internationals against South Africa in Gwalior, India in Feb 2010. He finished 200 not out off 147 balls with 25 fours and three sixes.
Became the first batsman to score 100 international centuries after stroking a single off left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan in an Asia Cup one-dayer against Bangladesh.

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Pakistan beat Sri Lanka to reach Asia Cup final

DHAKA: Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets on Thursday to virtually book their place in the final of the Asia Cup one-day tournament here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Saturday.

Chasing 189, Pakistan made a disastrous start losing three early wickets for 33 but captain Misbah-ul-Haq and young Umar Akmal came to rescue and steered their team to a comfortable victory in 39.5 overs.

This was Pakistan’s second successive win after a 21-run victory over Bangladesh on March 13. Now, Pakistan will face India in their last league match on March 18.

Both hit half-centuries, 19th for Misbah and 14th for Umar in one-day international cricket.

They were involved in an impressive fourth wicket partnership of 152 runs which was Pakistan’s second century stand for any wicket in this tournament.

Misbah remained not out on 72, scored off 93 balls with a six and nine fours while Umar hammered 77 from 72 balls with two sixes and seven boundaries.

For Sri Lanka, paceman Suranga Lakmal claimed two wickets for 37.

Earlier, the defending champions were bowled out for 188 runs in 45.4 overs after captain Mahela Jayawardene won the toss and decided to bat first.

Kumar Sangakkara (71) and Upul Tharanga (57) hit half-centuries while only openers Jayawardene (12) and Tillekaratne Dilshan (20) were the only other batsmen to get into double figures.

Paceman Aizaz Cheema was the most successful bowler with four wickets for 43 runs and later won the man-of-the-match award while off-break bowler Saeed Ajmal captured three for 27 and pacer Umar Gul two for 20.

Umar Gul also completed his 150 ODI wickets – the tenth Pakistani bowler to reach this milestone.

Sri Lanka were well-placed at 161-4 following a 96-run fifth wicket stand between former skipper Sangakkara before losing their last six wickets for 27 runs.

Saeed Ajmal started the slide when he bowled Tharanga and then removed Farveez Maharoof and last-man Suranga Lakmal.

Cheema, who conceded 21 runs in his first two overs, came back strongly to dismiss openers Mahela Jayawardene (12) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (20) in quick succession before removing Sangakkara and Lasith Malinga.

The Pakistani bowlers were backed by their fielders, with Younis Khan taking a superb catch to his left in the slips to account for Dinesh Chandimal off Gul.

Sri Lanka raced to 33 in the opening five overs before they were reduced to 65-4, with Cheema taking two wickets and Gul and Hammad Azam one apiece.

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Asia Cup: India record 50-run win over Sri Lanka

DHAKA: India defeated Sri Lanka by 50 runs in the second day-night match of the Asia Cup one-day tournament here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday.

Chasing a huge target of 305 runs, Sri Lanka took the challenge in a brave manner as their two main batsmen Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara posed threat for India.

Jayawardene hit a brilliant 78 from 59 balls with ten fours and two sixes while Sangakkara played a patient innings of 65 from 87 balls with only two fours and a six.

At one stage, Sri Lanka needed 109 runs in 15 overs with eight wickets remaining but then the collapse began as Indian bowlers dominated the scene.

Irfan Pathan was the most successful bowler with four for 32 while Vinay Kumar and Ravichandran Ashwin claimed three wickets each.

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No British visa for Salman Butt’s baby boy

ISLAMABAD: The British High Commission has denied the visa application for the baby boy of former Pakistani captain Salman Butt.

According to family sources, Butt’s wife along with their two children wanted to visit her husband in Britain. The elder son already has a British visa, but the baby’s application was denied.

The visa application was rejected twice.

Salman Butt is imprisoned in a British prison for his role in the spot-fixing scandal and is yet to see his younger son who was born after his sentence was announced.

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Cricket: Baugh replaces Ramdin for Aussies clash

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: Carlton Baugh was called up by the West Indies on Sunday to replace the injured Denesh Ramdin for the first three matches of their one-day series against Australia.

Ramdin suffered a fractured right thumb while batting on Saturday in the second West Indies warm-up match at the 3Ws Oval and will now return to Trinidad to start rehabilitation.

augh made 140 while playing for Jamaica against Trinidad and Tobago in the regional four-day tournament.

The five-match one-day series gets underway in St Vincent on Friday.

West Indies squad:
Darren Sammy (captain), Carlton Baugh, Tino Best, Devendra Bishoo, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Johnson Charles, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels

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Afghanistan eye World Twenty20 after Asia Cup snub

DUBAI: Afghanistan are determined to use their resentment over being snubbed for the Asia Cup to fire them to a second appearance at the World Twenty20.

The Afghans are among the favourites to land one of the two places up for grabs at the 2012 finals in Sri Lanka in September and October when the 16-nation qualifying tournament starts on Tuesday.

But such has been the team's remarkable progress in recent years - from a ramshackle unit developing a love of the sport in refugee camps on Pakistan's wild frontier to attaining one-day status - that they believe they deserve more respect.

The team are angry that they were overlooked for the Asia Cup in Dhaka this week, where they could have faced regional powers India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

"We are not featuring in the Asia Cup, that is really disappointing," said hard-hitting batsman and off-spinner Mohammad Nabi, who was the leading wicket-taker when Afghanistan qualified for the 2010 World Twenty20 in the Caribbean.

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Asia Cup: India amass 304-3 after Tendulkar’s cheap dismissal

DHAKA: Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli smashed centuries as India set a huge target of 305 runs for Sri Lanka in the second match of the Asia Cup one-day tournament here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday.

After Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene won the toss and put India into bat in the day-night match, India lost their star batsman Sachin Tendulkar when they were 19 runs.

Tendulkar, chasing an elusive 100th international century, could make only six runs before pushing a Suranga Lakmal full-toss straight to Jayawardene in the covers.

Then Kohli joined Gambhir and both batted steadily to take India to a formidable position as India piled up a huge 304 for three in 50 overs.

Kohli scored a solid 120-ball 108 and left-handed opener Gambhir a 118-ball 100, each hitting seven boundaries.

Interestingly, each of them completed his tenth hundred in one-day international cricket.

It was Kohli's second successive hundred against Sri Lanka, having made an unbeaten 133 at Hobart in a recent triangular one-day series in Australia.

The pair added 205 runs which was a new Asia Cup record for the second wicket partnership. The previous record was 198, set by Virender Sehwag and Suraish Raina, also from India, against Pakistan at Karachi in 2008.

Both reached their centuries in the 42nd over before both falling in the next over off seamer Farveez Maharoof as they bid to step up the run-rate.

Gambhir, dropped on 36 by Dinesh Chandimal at long-on off, made the most of the chance and hit seven fours, while Kohli also struck the same number of boundaries.

Later, captain Mahinder Singh Dhoni and Suraish Raina plundered 78 runs off the last 7.1 overs, with Dhoni smashing a 26-ball 46 not out and Suresh Raina an unbeaten 30 off just 17 balls.

Pacemen Maharoof and Suranga Lakmal were the only wicket-takers for Bangladesh, with two for 57 and one for 67.

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Cricket: Gambhir, Kohli set new Asia Cup record

DHAKA: India batsmen Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli set a new partnership record for the second wicket in the Asia Cup while playing against Sri Lanka in the second match of the tournament here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday.

Both hit centuries during their 37-over second wicket stand of 205 runs eclipsing the previous record of 198, set by Virender Sehwag and Suraish Raina, also from India, against Pakistan at Karachi in 2008.

Gambhir made 100 from 118 balls while Kohli hit 108 off 120 balls. Both struck seven fours each.

Interestingly, each of them completed his tenth hundred in one-day international cricket.

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Asia Cup: Sri Lanka win toss, put India into bat

DHAKA: Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene won the toss and put India into bat in their first match in the Asia Cup 2012 one-day tournament here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday.

India's Sachin Tendulkar needs just one more hundred to complete an unprecedented 100 international centuries.

Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 21 runs in the opening match of the tournament on Sunday.

Each side will play the other once in the round-robin league, with the top two advancing to the final on March 22.

India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain & wk), Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Irfan Pathan, Ravichandran Ashwin, Praveen Kumar, Vinay Kumar.

Sri Lanka: Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Dinesh Chandimal, Upul Tharanga, Chamara Kapugedera, Lahiru Thirimanne, Farveez Maharoof, Nuwan Kulasekara, Suranga Lakmal, Seekkuge Prasanna.

Umpires: Steve Davis (AUS) and Ian Gould (ENG), TV umpire: Shozab Raza (PAK)
Match referee: David Boon (AUS)

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Spot-fixing: 'Indian Police had information about bookie'

NEW DELHI: Indian Police said they have had information about bookie Vicky Seth's involvement in match fixing for quite some time now.

According to a report published in India's 'The Times of India' quoting police sources: "Seth is a well-known bookie attached to a very big betting syndicate. He started operating out of Delhi and was on the police's radar for his alleged involvement in match-fixing but he has never been arrested".

"Seth's syndicate is operated very professionally. They are always one step ahead of the administration and they are equipped with latest gadgets and software too," the report added.

"If Seth and his group would have been targeting to fix that particular World Cup match, they would have struck the deal when the Indian team was in South Africa or the Pakistan team was touring New Zealand before the World Cup," the paper said.

"You will be surprised to know that these bookies mainly operate from countries where there is very little cricket or no cricket at all. Seth is known for his luxurious life style."

Britain's Sunday Times had reported that Indian bookmakers fixed the World Cup semifinal between Indian and Pakistan in Mohali on March 30 last year.

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Cricket: Nupur Mehta denies any role in match fixing

MUMBAI: Bollywood actress Nupur Mehta on Monday rubbished allegations that she was involved in match-fixing in last year's World Cup Cricket semi-final between India and Pakistan at Mohali and threatened to sue a London daily.

The Sunday Times carried out a sting operation on a Delhi-based bookie who claimed that the 2011 semi-final was rigged. The paper said that a Bollywood starlet was used to lure Pakistani players to under perform, but did not name her.

An image with a blurred face was published in the newspaper with a report claiming that match-fixing is rampant in international cricket and UK's domestic county as well. The image seems to be of Nupur.

Nupur, who has worked in Sunny Deol starrer Jo Bole So Nihal (2005), told PTI, "I have been accused of something that I have not done. All I would say is I am not guilty of any such thing."

"The picture that they have used was taken during my film, 'Jo Bole So Nihal'," she said.

She has threatened to take legal action against the British daily. "I intend to take action against them."

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England's Patel eyes Test spot in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO: Samit Patel said Monday he was hopeful his all-round talents would help him win a Test cap for England during the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.

The 27-year-old Nottinghamshire player will vie with Ravi Bopara for the batting spot left vacant after the exclusion of Eoin Morgan for the two-Test series starting on March 26.

Patel, a left-arm spinner and right-hand batsman who has played 25 one-dayers and eight Twenty20 internationals for England, hoped to prove his Test credentials in the two warm-up matches in Colombo.

"I am looking forward to getting a spot on the Test team," Patel told reporters in Colombo. "Its a massive opportunity and I will push my case in the warm-up games.

"One of my goals is to play Test cricket. I've always wanted to do that. I want to play all formats for England.

"It's easy to get here, the toughest bit is staying in the squad and staying in the team.

"I'm ready to come in and bat where I'm asked to bat, and do the job with the ball. I'm comfortable with the role I've been set."

Patel conceded beating Sri Lanka in their own backyard was a challenge for England, the number one Test side in the world, who were stunned 3-0 by Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates recently.

"Beating Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka is a massive challenge," he said. "Having said that, staying on top of the Test ranking and hanging onto it for another year is also challenging."

Patel, who had been dropped earlier from the England one-day squad for being overweight, said he had worked hard on his fitness regime.

"Fitness is a key factor and everyone has to work hard on their fitness -- some more than others," he said. "It's probably an issue that will stay with me, but I'm not frustrated.

"The more work you do, the better you feel. Hopefully I am doing the right things now."

England will take on the President's XI in a three-day match at the Premadasa stadium in Colombo from Thursday.

The tourists will play another three-day fixture at the Sinhalese sports club in Colombo from March 20, before the two back-to-back Tests in Galle and Colombo.

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Asia Cup: Pakistan beat Bangladesh in thrilling opener

DHAKA: Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal bowled Pakistan to an exciting 21-run victory with eleven balls to spare in the sensational opening match of the Asia Cup one-day tournament here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Sunday.

Bangladesh, chasing a target of 263, were well set after Shakib Al Hasan (64) and Nasir Hossain (47) added 89 runs for the sixth wicket before Gul and Ajmal derailed their chase and the hosts lost their last five wickets for 17 runs.

The hosts were 224 for five when Gul bowled Nasir to end the partnership and in the next over Ajmal dismissed tailenders Abdur Razzak and Mashrafe Mortaza.

In Gul's next over, he trapped Shafiul Islam leg before and delivered the final blow when he bowled Shakib to finish with 3-58.

Spinners Shahid Afridi and Saeed Ajmal took two wickets apiece.

Opener Tamim Iqbal laid the foundation for Bangladesh's run chase with 64 off 89 balls before he dragged a low ball off Mohammad Hafeez on to his stumps.

Hafeez earlier made 89 and shared an opening stand of 135 with Nasir Jamshed (54) as Pakistan made 262-8 from their 50 overs after being put into bat by Bangladesh.

Shahadat Hossain triggered a mid-innings collapse by taking three wickets before Gul thumped a career-best unbeaten 39 with some lusty late blows.

He added 53 vital runs for the eighth wicket with Sarfraz Ahmed (19 not out) to help Pakistan cross the 250-mark in the day-night match.

India face Sri Lanka in the next game on Tuesday. The final will be held on March 22.

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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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