Honours even after day 1

Day 1 report – 1st Test: West Indies v India, Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica, 20,21,22,23,24 June 2011

A slightly new-look Indian side, ranked number one in Tests, went into the first Test as favourites, against a struggling West Indian outfit. The thing that was expected to balance out the contest a bit was the sporting pitch which seemed to favour Windies’ quicks. In the end the day belonged to none.

M S Dhoni won the toss and opted to bat first. Absence of stalwarts like Tendulkar, Sehwag and Gambhir meant India handed three Test caps - Abhinav Mukund, Virat Kohli and Praveen Kumar. West Indies, rather surprisingly, opted to go with Edwards – who had not played a Test for 2 years - instead of regular Kemar Roach. Adrian Barath and Chanderpaul also returned, so there was no place for Marlon Samuels.

Murali Vijay was the first to go, driving uppishly against the in-form Ravi Rampaul for just 8. Abhinav Mukund’s patient debut innings was ended by the same bowler when he played on at the score of 30. Dravid and Laxman carried the score to 64, but introduction of Devendra Bishoo gave the home team a surprise scalp in the form of Laxman who poked at a leg-break to be caught at slip for just 12.

Laxman’s was a prized scalp that lifted West Indies and they rocked India with three quick wickets. Debutant Kohli was Edward’s delight, while Bishoo got Dravid and Dhoni in the space of two overs. Dravid was looking set after making 40 but went in a similar fashion to Laxman. At 85 for 6, Harbhajan Singh joined Suresh Raina with West Indies sensing big.

The next two hours or so witnessed why India are number one Test side, as both these players, one a suspect against pace and the other an aspiring all-rounder, launched a sensational counter-attack on West Indies. It was like lightening had struck. Bishoo was hit out of the attack while Rampaul was carted all around the park. Sammy returned to cool the things a bit, but after both batsmen crossed fifties there was another wave of gust.

At the stroke of tea, Bishoo was again punished including a thumping six by Harbhajan. After tea both men were looking set for their respective hundreds but Bishoo had other ideas. As Edwards bounced Harbhajan, the instinctive hook went to almost no man’s land on the leg side, but Bishoo pouched it in the air with a sensational effort diving to his left. He made a whirlwind 70 off 74 balls including 10 fours and a six. Both shared a stunning stand of 146 in just 28 overs to revive India from a precarious position.

Edwards then hurried Indian collapse, removing Kumar and Mishra cheaply. Raina was the last man to go holing out off the bowling of Rampaul. He justified his selection by playing a counter-attacking knock of 82 with 15 fours. India were all-out for a below-par 246. For West Indies, Edwards made a successful come back by taking 4 for 56, while Rampaul and Bishoo took 3 wickets each. By the close of play West Indies were 34 for one losing Simmons cheaply to Ishant Sharma.

Day 1 Scores: India 246 all out (Raina 82, Harbhajan 70; Edwards 4/56, Rampaul 3/ 59), West Indies 34/1 trailing by 212 runs

Gayle’s future in limbo as 'first Test' squad is named

West Indies News: Selectors include Chanderpaul and Barath for the first Test against India

Selectors have made only one change from the squad that played the last Test against Pakistan. Adrian Barath has been recalled at the expense of Kraigg Brathwaite. Following fruitless meeting with WICB, Gayle has been made to sit out again. His future now is on the ropes.

A statement from board read: “Shivnarine Chanderpaul has been asked to meet the WICB authorities before he will be able to join the squad. He did not play 2nd Pakistan test because of injury. Following communications between WICB management and Chanderpaul over the past weeks the WICB management and team management will meet with Shivnarine Chanderpaul prior to the Test. The WICB management and team management will outline to Chanderpaul the WICB's expectations of him in his future participation in the West Indies team as a player."

Allrounder Dwayne Bravo, who chose to sit out of the last three ODIs against India, continues to sit out after being ignored by the selectors for the first Test. Andre Russell too, who sparkled with both bat and ball in the latter half of the ODI series, was not able to make the cut.

First Test starts on June 20 at Sabina Park.

First Test Squad: Darren Sammy (cap), Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Carlton Baugh (wk),Brendan Nash, Adrian Barath, Kemar Roach, Devendra Bishoo, Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Fidel Edwards, Ravi Rampaul.

Afridi handed heavy fine

Pakistan News: PCB has fined Afridi Rs. 4.5 million for violating the code of conduct but has given him NOCs

A hefty fine of rupees 4.5 million ($52,300) has been handed to Shahid Afridi by the PCB for violating the board's code of conduct, a few hours after his hearing with the disciplinary committee. For Afridi’s relief, he has been re-issued his no-objection certificates, allowing him to participate in various T20 competitions abroad and at home.

Although he did not apologise, he accepted his faults and pleaded guilty to the charges. "I did not apologise for what I said," Afridi told a leading cricket website. "I did regret the situation and accepted my violations but I have not apologised."

"The committee unanimously decided to fine him 4.5 million rupees ($53,000) for various breaches of the code of conduct," PCB's council Taffazul Rizvi said. "The committee also recommended his NOCs to play abroad be restored, which the Pakistan Cricket Board has endorsed."

Regarding his decision to retire Afridi said: "I am still not willing to play international cricket under this administration. That stance remains as before."

Afridi refuses to apologise before committee, accepts mistake

Pakistan News: Back to square one? NOC will be granted but his International future is still in clouds

As per the compromise between Ijaz Butt and Shahid Afridi, the former has formally submitted himself before the disciplinary committee formed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The committee is expected to announce its verdict – some sort of punishment for Afridi for breaching the Code of Conduct – later today, and then most likely Afridi would be re-issued the NOC required for him to play abroad.

"I admit I have made mistakes but the circumstances forced me to do things. But I have not apologised to the committee," Afridi said after the meeting. "Whatever decision the committee takes it will be acceptable to me. I had outlined all the reasons and circumstances that led to my dispute with the Board and strained relations within the team management," he said.

He was asked to explain his outbursts while landing at home after the ODI leg of the tour to West Indies. Instead, he announced ‘conditional’ retirement from the game as he felt hard done by.

It seems that situation is back to where it was when Afridi was issued the show-cause notice. But now, as the compromise has been reached, the events would proceed as a formality. There is, interestingly, no indication about Afridi’s future in international cricket as he has not taken his retirement back.

Gayle cold-shouldered again as West Indies recall Barath

West Indies News: Team for the fifth and final ODI selected

Promising 21-year old batsman Adrian Barath has been selected for the final ODI, after he got rid of hamstring injury that kept him out of the side including the World Cup. Ravi Rampaul is also back. Chris Gayle, badly missed at the top by a struggling batting side, is continued to be ignored because of his utterances in a radio show.

West Indies Cricket board (WICB) has decided to keep Gayle at bay till he explains that interview in a meeting with the board officials. There is no indication of a meeting, whether it happened or not, yet.

Barath burst onto the scene with a bang when he scored a sparking debut hundred in a Test in Australia. He also has a ton in ODIs, averaging around 32. Brian Lara regards him as a future star, but his immediate task is to make the opening spot his own for the sake of the brittle top order that his team has.

Ravi Rampaul, who has rediscovered himself as a strike bowler in recent months, is back after being rested. The axe fell on Kirk Edwards and Danza Hyatt who both disappointed in the matches they played. The last ODI will be played on Thursday, 16th of June, in Jamaica.

West Indies ODI squad: Darren Sammy (cap), Ramnaresh Sarwan, Lendl Simmons, Darren Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Marlon Samuels, Carlton Baugh (wk), Devendra Bishoo, Adrian Barath, Andre Russell, Ravi Rampaul, Anthony Martin, Kemar Roach,.

Ceasefire between Ijaz Butt and Shahid Afridi

Breaking News – Pakistan: Afridi withdraws case after meeting with Ijaz Butt

Former captain and disgruntled cricket hero Shahid Afridi met Chairman PCB Ijaz Butt in Islamabad today to resolve their dispute out of the court. According to sources, several government officials were also present to overlook and facilitate the compromise.

Geo TV reported a short while ago that during the meeting both sides exchanged views candidly but after heated arguments reached a consensus amicably in the end. Afridi has agreed to withdraw the case from Sindh High Court (SHC), while getting his NOC re-issued in return. He will appear before the Disciplinary Committee of the PCB to follow the usual process as he had breached the Code of Conduct.

The case was to be heard on 16th June by SHC.

It is expected that Afridi will soon fly to UK to participate in the T20 competition. He is now free to play in the Sri Lankan T20 League and domestic T20 tournament as well.

Update (15 June): Lawyers representing Afridi have officially withdrawn the petition from the SHC. Ali Zafar, Afridi's lawyer said: "The petition has been withdrawn as a part of the reconciliation between both sides." Next step is the meeting of Afridi with the Disciplinary Committee, which according to the board is a matter of couple of days. "We hope that the NOC will now be granted," Zafar said. "The disciplinary committee hearing will be a kind of formality now."

There is no indication yet on his 'conditional' retirement. Neither Afridi nor Butt have commented on it so far.

West Indies strike back to beat India

Match Report - West Indies v India: 4th ODI, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua, 13 June 2011

With India 3-0 up, it looked just a matter of time for the young Indian side to hand West Indies a white-wash in the ODI series. But, refreshingly, Sammy’s West Indies showed once again that they can surprise any side on their day, by thrashing India in the 4th ODI.

Suresh Raina put West Indies in to bat. For India R Ashwin, Ishant Sharma and Manoj Tiwary came in for Harbhajan Singh, Shikhar Dhawan and Munaf Patel. West Indies too made two changes with Devendra Bishoo surprisingly rested for Anthony Martin and Darren Bravo replacing Kirk Edwards.

Danza Hyatt continued to disappoint as he fell early to Ishant for one. A few overs later, Praveen Kumar sent in-form Sarwan back to the hut to make it 2 for 12. Simmons hit back by screaming first a four then thumping a six off Ishant In the very next over. After a number of quiet overs, Amit Mishra tasted Simmons’s flamboyance when he was carted for two back-to-back sixes o n the leg side. Darren Bravo and Lendl Simmons took the score to 65 in the 16th over when Bravo holed out off Mishra.

After reaching fifty, Simmons first lost Samuels through a poor decision and then, a few overs later, his own wicket through poor running. Tiwary’s direct hit cut short his innings for 67 (78 balls, 3x4 3x6). West Indies were 103 in 26.4 overs with half the side down, when Kieron Pollard walked onto the crease. Pollard did not waste time, as he went about his business as usual. His partner, Carlton Baugh was circumspect but hung around to script a valuable partnership of 96 runs for the 6th wicket.

Ashwin removed Pollard eventually, but after he had put West Indies back on track by scoring 70 off 84 balls with six fours and two sixes. One striker went but another, in the shape of Andre Russell, arrived at the crease. Baugh (39) and Russell (25 off 14) looted 14 runs from an Ishant over before Russell hit Mishra for a four and a six. Both were erased from the scene by Kumar, but West Indies posted a reasonable total of 249 for 8, their highest of the season so far. Kumar was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 37, while Ishant was expensive for his 2 scalps.

In reply, India were expected to last the distance at least if not win. But loss of wickets on regular intervals meant they were always behind the eight ball. The top four could not cross twenties as Windies’ bowlers bowled brilliantly especially captain Sammy who led from the front by taking the openers out. Rohit Sharma, the form man for India in the series, tried his best to resurrect the innings from 82 for 4 after 21 overs.

Raina and Yusuf Pathan became victim of injudicious shot selection to leave India reeling at 114 for six. It was a position from where India was not allowed by West Indies to come back through some good cricket. When Anthony Martin got rid of Sharma at 124 in the 31st over, it was curtains for India. He made 39 with a solitary six. Russell was gifted two wickets by the tail as India collapsed to 146 all out in 39 overs. It was a poor batting display by a team which takes pride in batting; despite the fact that big guns were missing.

Russell took 3 for 16, but the chief destroyer was ‘man of the match’ Anthony Martin, who grabbed 4 for 36, his best ever ODI figures. West Indies are in a familiar situation as they were against Pakistan after four matches. Will they be able to match that series result by winning the next game is what they surely will aim for.

Match result: West Indies 249/8 (Pollard 70, Simmons 67; Kumar 3/37) beat India 146 all out in 41 overs (Rohit Sharma 39; Martin 4/36, Russell 3/16) by 103 runs

Man of the Match: Anthony Martin (West Indies)

Qureshi and Bopanna earn ATP doubles event

Gerry Weber Open - Indo-Pak pair win their first ATP doubles title of the year

Top seeds Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Rohan Bopanna defeated Dutch-Canadian duo of Robin Haase and Milos Raonic 7-6 (8), 3-6, 11-9 in the final of the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, Germany to bag their first double title of the year. This is their ninth ATP World Tour doubles final.

They were given tough time by their opponents but their resolve helped them to win the third set on super tie-break. The match lasted an hour and 19 minutes. Aisam and Bopanna, after this win, will go in the Wimbledon with upbeat ambitions and confidence.

The pair is on a role in recent months. After winning first ever ATP final at the 2010 SA Tennis Open, they reached their first Grand Slam final at US open in the same year.

Pakistan and Zimbabwe agree to play a series in Alkamunia

Pakistan News/Extra-spicy: Negotiations behind closed doors have yielded results

The prevailing volatile security situation in the country has left PCB with no option but to ‘host’ a high-valued series with Zimbabwe at a neutral venue in early 2019. The venue selected is Alkamunia, a hill station in the suburbs of Green Land. Zimbabwe had earlier offered to host it, but fearing a backlash from the West, the pro-democratic regime of dictator Payja the 2nd refused to oblige his long-term friend Robert Mugabe.

Ijaz Butt, after getting extension for his 4th term, in a joint press conference with his counterpart from Zimbabwe, once again reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to eradicate corruption from the game. It is pertinent to mention here that Butt has recently been discharged from hospital. He made speedy recovery from a major brain attack, his third in three years.


He still stumbles too often when he walks, but thankfully he can complete a sentence before he rushes to urinate, as his prostate weighs around 120 grams. During the previous stroke, he had developed global aphasia but now his motor speech is back; sensory speech deficit is not a problem for him off course. He says he is not bothered with his Alzheimer’s any more as he has learnt to live with it.

Responding to a question regarding removal of Ahmed Shehzad from captaincy, Butt reminded every one that the said player had breached a number of clauses of the PCB’s Code of Conduct. He showed the media the copy of manager Intikhab Alam’s report which clearly stated that Shehzad was not fit to be captain of a team like Pakistan. Butt has revealed to the startled reporters that 44-year old Misbah-ul-Haq – nicknamed uncle by players and officials alike - has been recalled from wilderness yet again and made captain in all forms of the game. According to Butt, Misbah has thankfully accepted the offer and promised to show good results in the coming Intercontinental Cup to be held in Papua New Guinea in Febuarary next year.

Imran Farhat junior, the son of legendary Imran Farhat, is expected to be vice-captain to Misbah-ul-Haq, although the latter wanted Mohammad Hafeez to continue the job. Chief Selector Muhammad Ilyas, while selecting his grandson, lavished praise for the lad who scored a fine century against Lyari while playing for Lahore Greens. He advised every one not to criticize the decision of making him vice-captain straightaway as, in his opinion, he has in born error of captaincy in his mind since the playing days of Gully cricket. He later said the word ‘error’ was a slip of tongue, he meant ‘talent’.

Saleem Malik, the PCB treasurer and chief operating officer, too graced the occasion. To a question from a prominent cricket expert, Saleem Malik revealed the names of 3-member committee formed to probe Ahmed Shehzad’s matter. Former cricketer Sarfaraz Nawaz will head the committee, while Muammar Rana and Salman Butt will be the members.

Butt was all praise for bowling coach, Mohammad Asif, who worked hard on young bowlers in the recently concluded camp at Abbottabad. He could not satisfy the audience when he was asked why Mohammad Amir was continuously being ignored despite the fact that his ban was lifted a long time ago. All that could be construed from his remarks was that Amir was no more an innocent lad.

Wasim Bari, the Director Domestic Cricket of the board, said that ICC has praised Butt’s efforts to curb spot-fixing in the game. It is worth mentioning here that last year Butt had accused a permanent member of the ICC of involvement in spot-fixing, but he immediately read out an apology standing on the balcony of MCC’s Conference room. The ICC duly appreciated Butt’s gesture and gave him medal of life time achievement in the annual ICC awards.

The Zimbabwean guest, when asked why Alkamunia was chosen, replied with a broad smile that there was no other option available. According to him, the venue was selected keeping in mind the economic viability and the fact that the menace of spot-fixing will be kept under check. An insider told this correspondent the real reason behind this motive was that there will be no media there to cover any thing untoward. Further, the polar bears and reindeers will appreciate the stroke play better than the dumb crowd present in the last series which was held in Libya. Patron-in-Chief of PCB had reportedly ordered the authorities to grant Ijaz Butt the permission so that he could fulfill his long-standing dream to visit the place before he dies.

Meanwhile PCB has met with severe criticism from within when Director-General Javed Miandad blasted Ijaz Butt for not appointing a batting coach for the national team. After meeting with Patron-in-Chief, he said that he was assured of the support and that his experience and knowledge of the game would be utilized properly keeping in mind his services for the country. But when he was approached for the job, he categorically refused to work under a junior player and demanded that he be made a full time coach with full authority. If needed by the team, he said, he was even willing to bat at number four to stave off a familiar batting collapse. He kept quiet when asked why he is not resigning from his job if his demands are not met.

Talking to Ji-Oye TV, Amir Sohail sliced the PCB with scathing remarks that it was butt of all jokes that Ijaz Butt was still continuing the job despite having suffered stroke after stroke. He repeated his demand 13578th time that Tauqir Zia should be made PCB chairman to save cricket from total destruction. He advised PCB to hire a batting coach from China if Miandad is not willing to accept the job.

Disclaimer: The article is written just for the purpose of entertainment and pure fun. The author does not, in any way, intend to degrade any individual, group, organization or country. Every thing should be taken in good spirit.

Jayasuriya is back: Included in the limited-overs squad for English Tour

Sri Lanka News: It may well be a farewell opportunity

The squad selected by the Sri Lankan selectors, for the tour of England and Scotland, gives a totally new look to the one which played the World Cup earlier this year. The 41 years old (will turn 42 in June) veteran and explosive opener Sanath Teran Jayasuriya has been recalled, after almost two years, into the Sri Lankan colours.

Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Kapugedera, Rangana Herath and Chamara Silva have been omitted from the squad that played the WC. Angelo Mathews is included subject to fitness, while captain Dilshan is also nursing a fractured thumb. The other regular opener, Upul Tharanga has been ruled out after failing a dope test during the World Cup. He is to appear before a disciplinary committee.


There is chance for some promising players to cement their place in the team. Thilina Kandamby is one who has a chance to once again prove his talent as he has been given, rather surprisingly, the role of vice captaincy apart from shouldering the lower middle order batting. Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Chandimal, allrounder Jeewan Mendis have been recalled. The 23-year old opening batsman Dimuth Karunaratne, a leftie, has been rewarded after a good domestic season. He has graduated from Under-19 and Sri Lanka A ranks.

Promising pacer Suranga Lakmal has been given a chance in the limited-over version after impressing in the Test series so far against England. Fast bowling duties will be resting on ODI specialists like Malinga, Fernando and Kulasekera. Ajantha Mendis and Suraj Randiv are the main spinners.

It will be interesting to watch Jayasuriya how he makes the opportunity count after a long lay-off from the game. It is speculated in some sections of the press that he may have been given a chance to bid adieu the game, and the Oval ODI may well be his farewell game.

The MP from Matara District is in Sri Lankan colours again. His passion and love for the game is uncontested, but would he be able to enliven the English crowds for the last time, every one will be having his fingers crossed.

After playing a one-off Twenty20 match against England on June 25, Sri Lanka will play 5-match ODI series against England starting from June 28. They will then travel to Scotland for two ODIs on July 11 and 13.

Limited-overs squad: Tillakaratne Dilshan (capt), Thilina Kandamby (vice-capt), Kumar Sangakkara, Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardena, Suraj Randiv, Dinesh Chandimal, Jeevan Mendis, Ajantha Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dimuth Karunaratne, Thissara Perera, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekera, Suranga Lakmal, Dilhara Fernando

India scrap home against West Indies in the opening ODI

Match Report - West Indies v India: 1st ODI, Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad, 6 June 2011

Although India selected a new-look side for the ODI series in the Caribbean, their players are too battle-hardened to be written off against the likes of West Indies. They struggled against spinners on a sluggish track but laboured on to win rather comfortably in the end.

Darren Sammy beat Raina on the coin and elected to bat first. Both teams had interesting omissions; India leaving out Ashwin on a slow track, while Windies ignoring the force of Pollard. After a slow start of 23 by the openers, India started chipping away with the wickets regularly. After Simmons was accounted by Praveen Kumar, Munaf got rid of Darren Bravo by Rohit in the slips. Rohit had earlier spilled a regular chance off the same bowler to give a life to Kirk Edwards.

Edwards did not last long, and he did not look to, as after being troubled by Harbhajan repeatedly, fell to him for a painstaking 21. Sarwan and Samuels though stopped the slide but could not get a move on against Indian spinners. At the half-way stage, West Indies were just 74 for 3 and somebody needed to up the ante. Samuels came to the fore and hit Yusuf Pathan for two cracking fours to signal the intentions.

Raina introduced himself to strangle them again but Samuels did not spare the seventh bowler used, Virat Kohli, whom he dispatched for a six over long-on. Hundred was already up in the 31st over, and acceleration rather than caution was the need of the hour. Sarwan just when he had hit returning Munaf for two fours, perished down the leg side getting a feather to the keeper next ball.

With 10 overs remaining, Windies had only 156 for 4 on the board. This was where someone like Pollard could have done wonders for West Indies, but they still had a well-set Samuels and Dwayne Bravo to do the job. After Bravo’s thunderous six, Samuels creamed Mishra for another over long-on. Before the crowd could see old Samuels in full flow, Raina took upon himself to deny them just that. He bowled Samuels off an inside edge for a well-made 55 (75 balls, 3x4, 2x6).

Harbhajan speeded the fall of wickets and West Indies could only score a below-par 214 for 9. Raina, Kumar and Patel grabbed two wickets each, but the chief destroyer was Harbhajan who took 3 for 32. India, with their batting powerhouse and form, looked set to chase down the target without a major fuss.

India lost Parthiv Patel and Kohli with just 34 on the board, but Shikhar Dhawan and Badrinath took the score to 61 when the latter was caught behind off Bishoo. Sammy and Bishoo did not allow Dhawan and Rohit Sharma to score easily, but they knit together a vital partnership of 43 for the 4th wicket. At 104 in the 26th over, Dhawan threw away his wicket to Martin’s off spin for a promising 51 (76 balls, 3x4, 1x6). It was a vital breakthrough.

Captain Suresh Raina joined Sharma and shut the window of opportunity created by the untimely fall of Dhawan by quickly rotating the strike and sharing a match-winning 80 runs in just over 14 overs. As Sharma completed his 50 in 60 balls, Raina holed out in the deep to give Windies another sniff. He made a quick 43 off 50 balls.

On the last ball of the 45th over, Harbhajan sealed the win by smashing Sammy for six over deep square leg. Man of the match Rohit Sharma remained not out on 68 off 75 balls with 3 fours and a six. For West Indies, Rampaul and Anthony Martin took a couple each. On the day, India proved too strong for West Indies, but the signs are that they can bounce back.

Match Result: India 217/6 in 44.5 overs (Rohit Sharma 68, Raina 43; Martin 2/39) beat West Indies 214/9 (Samuels 55, Harbhajan 3/32) by 4 wickets

Man of the Match: Rohit Sharma

Azlan Shah Cup: Australia clinch Title by beating Pakistan in a thriller

Round-up of matches on the final day (15May 2011) – Britain finish third

Australia 3 (Christopher Ciriello 2, Glenn Turner) beat Pakistan 2 (Sohail Abbas, Rehan Butt) - Half-Time 1-1

Australia won the Title a record 6th time by prevailing over Pakistan in a high-class fast-paced final at Ipoh, Malaysia. Australia, who earlier had trounced Pakistan in the league stage, were given a tough time as the match went into extra time sudden death after being tied 2-2 at full-time. Christopher Ciriello’s goal sealed the match for Australia.

Ciriello put Australia ahead in the 11th minute when his drag-flick thudded into the goal, beating the keeper on his right. Pakistan upped the tempo creating a host of opportunities but were denied by the Aussie defence. Rehan Butt and Abdul Haseem Khan came close to equalizing, but it was Sohail Abbas who did that in the 30th minute by converting a penalty corner, Pakistan’s second. It was 1-1 at half-time.

Sohail Abbas’s shot was saved by Bazeley as the second half started with Pakistan earning a penalty corner. In the 44th minute, Turner turned it on for Australia when his field goal gave his team the lead. Now it was time for Pakistan to attack and try to come at level terms again, but Rehan Butt missed another opportunity to score. He soon made amends by flicking the ball in the goal in the 62nd minute. Australia got two more penalty corners before the final whistle, but had to contend with a 2-2 score line.

Extra time yielded a number of penalty corners on either side, as both teams played attacking Asian-style hockey. First half of the extra-time too was locked at 2-2, but in the 83rd minute, Ciriello flicked the ball high into the left of the net to give Australia the winner.

Australia now have won their 6th Azlan Shah Title, edging ahead of India who have five. Pakistan’s hopes of winning their 4th Title were dashed by strong Australians, but they certainly have achieved the result which shows the positive progress started after winning the Asiad early this year.

Great Britain 4 (Richard Mantell Robert Moore, Richard Smith, Mathew Daly) beat New Zealand 2 (Stephen Jenness, Blair Hilton) - Half-Time 1-1

Stephen Jenness scored first for New Zealand in the 20th minute, after an early shot into the net by Hayward was denied by the umpire. Richard Mantell scored the equalizer for Britain just at the stroke of the half-time when his drag-flick went between the legs of the keeper.

Robert Moore scored a brilliant field goal to give Britain lead in the 51st minute. Richard Smith (59 minutes) and Mathew Daly (64 minutes) gave Britain a comfortable 4-1 lead. Although Blair Hilton reduced the margin for Black Sticks in the 69th minute, it was too late to give his team any hope.

South Korea 2 (Nam Hyun-Woo 2) beat India 1 (Vikram Pillay) - Half-Time 2-0

The defending champions India rounded off a poor tournament, losing to Koreans and finishing 6th, second last after Malaysia. Nam Hyun-Woo stunned India by scoring two penalty corner goals in the first half. Vikram Pillay reduced the margin in the second half, but India were denied the equalizer by the Korean defence.

Final Standings:

1- Australia
2- Pakistan
3- Great Britain
4- New Zealand
5- South Korea
6- India
7- Malaysia

Azlan Shah Cup: Pakistan book final date with Australia

Round-up of matches on day 7 (14 May 2011)

Pakistan 3 (Sohail Abbas, Waqas Akbar, Shakeel Abbasi) beat Malaysia 2 (Hafifhafiz Hanafi, Mohammad Razie Abdul Rahim) - Half-Time 2-1

Although Pakistan had to win against Malaysia but their fate relied on Britain’s clash with South Korea in the last leg of pool matches today. In case of British victory, Pakistan needed to inflict a heavy defeat on the hosts Malaysia. Koreans upset Britain 1-3 to give Pakistan hope of reaching the final as they just required a win which they did by prevailing over Malaysia 3-2.

Malaysia started brightly, but it was Sohail Abbas who gave Pakistan early lead by converting a penalty corner in the 8th minute. After Malaysia missed a couple chances, Sohail had another opportunity but his drag-flick went wide in the 20th minute. Waqas Akbar scored a field goal next minute to give Pakistan a 2-0 lead. Hafifhafiz Hanafi reduced the margin by scoring for the hosts just before half-time.

Pakistan were denied early goal in the second half, but Shakeel Abbasi gave Pakistan 3-1 lead in the 51st minute to get the ball rolling for the Green Shirts. Mohammad Razie Abdul Rahim scored from a penalty corner to give the home team a chance to finish on high in the 57th minute. Pakistan defence managed to thwart Malaysian attacks in the last ten minutes of the match to ensure Asian Games champions march into the final.

Pakistan has a chance now to beat tournament’s undefeated team Australia to win the Cup for the fourth time, but they have an uphill task on their hands.

South Korea 3 (Yoon Sung Hoon, Jang Jong Hyun, You Hyo Sik) beat Great Britain 1 (Mathew Daly) - Half-Time 2-1

Britain’s hopes of a place in the final were dashed when they had to contend with demoralizing loss to Korea. Yoon Sung Hoon put Korea ahead in the 10th minute after receiving a perfect pass from Jeon Byung Jin. Mathew Daly equalized for Britain through a thunderous strike off their 2nd penalty corner in the 20th minute. Daly was sent out two minutes later after a yellow card offence. This helped Korea attack further and they capitalized by scoring their second goal through Jang Jong Hyun in the 23rd minute.

After the half, Korea continued to dominate Britain and went 3-1 ahead in the 41st minute when You Hyo Sik scored off a rebound.

Australia 4 (Brett Dancer, Glenn Turner 2, Christopher Ciriello) beat New Zealand 2 (Steven Edwards, Marcus Child) - Half-Time 4-1

In the last match of the group stage, Australia tested their muscles to good effect ahead of the final against Pakistan by beating the Black Sticks. Brett Dancer made Australia’s first penalty corner cunt, as he went through the legs of wicket-keeper of Stephen Grahams in the 8th minute. Glenn Turner stunned New Zealand by two back-to-back strikes in the 15th and 16th minute to give his team a comfortable lead.

Christopher Ciriello made it 4-0 in the 28th minute, but New Zealand reduced the margin by one goal when Steven Edwards scored for them in the 31st minute.

Marcus Child made sure New Zealand would play the 3rd place play-off with Great Britain, when he scored second goal for his team 7 minutes before the final whistle. New Zealand needed to be ahead on goal difference by four in order to edge ahead of India and by scoring two late goals late in each half they did that. India and South Korea will now play the 5-6 place tie.

FINAL POINTS TABLE
№ Team Played Points
1 Australia ------- 6 ------- 16
2 Pakistan -------- 6 ------- 12
3 Great Britain -- 6 ------- 9
4 New Zealand --- 6 ------- 7
5 India -------------- 6 --------- 7
6 Korea ------------- 6 --------- 7
7 Malaysia --------- 6 -------- 3

Azlan Shah Cup: Australia storm into the final

Round-up of matches on day 6 (12 May 2011) - Black Sticks hand India a drubbing

Australia 2 (Brett Dancer, Christopher Ciriello) beat Great Britain 1 (Richard Mantell) - Half-Time 2-0

The world champions remained unbeaten in the league stage, as they beat Britain in their second last match before the final today at Ipoh. Brett Dancer opened the scoring for Aussies by flicking the ball in off a penalty corner in the 8th minute.

Christopher Ciriello scored another penalty corner goal in the 29th minute, giving his team a 2-0 lead at the half-time. Britain attacked more in the second half and were rewarded with a penalty corner goal from Richard Mantell in the 57th minute. Australia too got a number of penalty corners but could not add to their two first-half goals. Australia now have 13 points from 5 matches.

New Zealand 7 (Nicholas Wilson, Blair Hilton 2, Andrew Hayward 2, Matt L’huillier, Shay Neal) beat India 3 (Sunil Sowmarpet, Gurwinder Singh Chandi 2) - Half-Time 2-2

Black Sticks thrashed India by a margin of four goals, biggest margin against them by a New Zealand team ever, to kick them out of the Cup. Sunil Sowmarpet gave India a perfect start by scoring in the 20th minute. Nicholas Wilson equalized just three minutes later but Gurwinder Singh Chandi made it 2-1 for India in the 26th minute. The pattern continued as New Zealand were again on level terms in the 32nd minute through a goal from Blair Hilton. At the hooter 2-2 was the score line.

The fast pace of the match resulted in India gaining the lead third time, and the last one, through Gurwinder Chandi’s goal in the 41st minute. The first penalty corner of the match was a fruitful one for Black Sticks as Andrew Hayward’s shot crashed into the goal giving his team the equalizer. Kiwi’s polished India with four more goals through Matt L’huillier (52nd minute), Andrew Hayward (57th minute), Shay Neal (58th minute) and Blair Hilton (64th minute). With this humiliation the defending champions are out of the competition.

Malaysia 3 (Nabil Fiqri Mohammad Nor, Faisal Saari, Izwan Firdaus) beat South Korea 1 (Nyam Hyun Woo) - Half-Time 0-1

Malaysia got their first points finally when they beat South Koreans 3-1. Malaysia felt hard done by the referee when he awarded a penalty stroke to the Koreans in the 8th minute. But keeper S. Kumar saved the shot from Jang Jong Hyun much to the relief of home fans. In the 17th minute, Nyam Hyun Woo gave Korea the lead through a penalty corner.

Malaysians played as if they had nothing to lose in the second half and were rewarded in the 43rd minute as Nabil Fiqri Mohammad Nor’s reverse flick found the goal. Faisal Saari gave Malaysia the lead in the 58th minute, followed by a goal from Izwan Firdaus in the 67th minute to seal a comfortable win in the end.

With just one day left for the league stage, Pakistan and Great Britain are locked at nine points each with one match to play for both. Pakistan face resurgent Malaysia, while Britain are up against a below-par Korea tomorrow.

The ICC Cricket Committee okays day-night tests and ODI changes

ICC news: ICC cuts Reviews, gives ODIs a tweak, suggests pink balls for day-night Tests and appeases Associates

The ICC Cricket Committee has put forward several recommendations at the end of two-day meeting at Lord’s on Wednesday. These recommendations will not come into force until approved by the Central Executive Committee (CEC) and the ICC Board. That means we will have to wait till 30 June when CEC and Board meetings will conclude in Hong Kong.

The Committee is chaired by Clive Lloyd and also includes Mark Taylor, Gary Kirsten, Ravi Shastri, Ian Bishop Clive Lloyd, Sharad Pawar, Haroon Lorgat, Kumar Sangakkara, Tim May, Justin Vaughan, Trent Johnston, Steve Davis, Ranjan Madugalle, David Kendix and Clare Connor, the ex-captain of the England women’s team. Clive Lloyd and David Richardson, ICC general manager of Cricket, revealed the details while talking to the media.

The following is the summary of the recommendations:

Qualifiers for 2015 WC

The ICC Cricket Committee has recommended to have a qualification process for the 2015 World Cup to be held Down Under. The decision has come as a relief for the Associates who looked to be excluded from the tournament as a result of ICC's previous decision to limit the number of teams 10.

Day-night Tests and pink balls:

The committee has suggested that pink ball is potentially the most appropriate ball for use in day-night Test cricket in future.It was trialed by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in Abu Dhabi in 2011. It is worthwhile to mention that Pakistan has also used pink ball in the last Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final, which was observed by Dave Richardson. The committee recommends further testing of the pink ball in first-class cricket, and in this regard it will be used in the four-day ICC Intercontinental Cup 2011-12.


Improvement of One-Day International (ODI) cricket format

-> Two balls to be used in each innings, one from each end (like it was done in 1992 WC)

-> Teams to be allowed to take the batting and bowling power-play only between overs 16 – 40

-> Compulsory close-catchers to be abolished

-> A maximum of four fielders outside the 30-yard circle during non-powerplay overs

-> The number of bouncers per over to be increased from one to two

-> Removal of the restriction on the maximum number of overs each bowler can bowl

ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: “Notwithstanding the strong success of 50-over cricket at the recent ICC Cricket World Cup, I am delighted that the ICC Cricket Committee has been creative in seeking to enhance the format to ensure its continued future.”

The committee has asked for these recommendations to be trialled in domestic cricket before these are considered for international cricket

Umpires' Decision Review System (DRS)

The committeehas recommended that UDRS should be used in all Test matches as well as in ODI and T20I series. Each side is to be allowed one review per innings, reducing the number of unsuccessful reviews from two to one for limited overs cricket.

Over-rates and delaying tactics

The committee has recommended that a captain should be suspended for one match if his side is guilty of two minor over-rate offences in the same format over a 12-month period; previously the number was three. The committee also suggested to empower the umpires to take stricter action against teams guilty of time wasting.

Laws and playing conditions

The committee has recommended that

-> Runners should not be allowed in international matches

-> The batsman should be barred from intentionally changing his direction while taking a run in order to evade a run-out chance. It suggests that it is contrary to the Law 37.1, so the batsman should be given out if fielding side appeals

-> The MCC should amend law 42.15 to allow the bowler to run the non-striker out before releasing the ball provided he has not completed his action

The ICC Cricket Committee will meet next in November 2011, the date and location will be announced soon.