Latest News: Asia Cup flop 'a warning bell'

KARACHI: Former Pakistan cricket greats said Sunday Pakistan's failure to reach the final of the Asia Cup was "a warning bell" for problems that needed urgent attention before next year's World Cup.

"Pakistan did play well in both the matches but the fact is that we are still number three, behind Sri Lanka and India, which is a warning bell for next year's World Cup," former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas told AFP.

The four-nation Asia Cup, being played in the Sri Lankan resort of Dambullah, is seen as a build-up for next year's World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Arch-rival India beat Pakistan by three wickets on Saturday, qualifying for the June 24 final against Sri Lanka and leaving runners-up Pakistan and Bangladesh to contest a league match on Monday.

Abbas said the results showed that Pakistan was performing poorly.

"Against India our batting did well, but bowling and fielding were not up to the mark," said Abbas.

Pakistan also failed to reach the final of the 2008 Asia Cup, when the tournament was held in their own country.

Abbas said there were "too many coaches" in the Pakistan camp, which he found "hard to understand," referring to head coach Waqar Younis, assistant coach Aqib Javed and batting-fielding coach Ijaz Ahmed.

"Too many coaches are spoiling the broth," Abbas said.

Former chief selector Iqbal Qasim, who resigned in February after Pakistan's winless tour of Australia, said Pakistan had to confront its problems before next year's World Cup.

"Fielding is our main problem, which again failed us on Saturday," said Qasim, a former left-arm spinner. "We also need to know when to utilise our batting powerplay, which is being spoiled every time."

Qasim said fast-rising batsman Umar Akmal and paceman Mohammad Amir needed guidance to turn their huge talent into better performances.

"Umar is creating panic when he comes on to bat," which led to run-outs for his batting partners which he survived, Qasim said.

"It's a big problem which needs to sorted out."

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi will lead the team on the tour of England starting next week.

Pakistan will play two Twenty20 and two Tests against Australia and four Tests, two Twenty20 and five one-day matches against England.

Latest News:South Africa hold nerve to deny West Indies unlikely victory

NORTH SOUND: South Africa withstood a late West Indies fight-back led by Darren Sammy to prevail by 17 runs in the second One-day International on Monday and take a 2-0 lead in the five match series.

The South Africans appeared to be coasting to victory, when West Indies, chasing 301 for victory from their 50 overs, slumped to 236 for eight in the 45th over.

But the Proteas came under attack from Sammy, whose unbeaten 58 from 24 balls contained two fours and six sixes, as he dominated a ninth-wicket stand of 47 with Ravi Rampaul.

South Africa were fortunate however, when fast-medium bowler Ryan McLaren skillfully fielded a drive from Sammy on his follow-through, and Rampaul was run out off the last ball of the 48th over backing up too far.

Graeme Smith, the South African captain, had the privilege of finishing the match, when Kieron Pollard, running for Nikita Miller, was run out off the first ball of the next over, with a direct hit by Smith at the bowler's end from short cover.

"We weren't at our best, and we let a few key chances go earlier, which probably could have gone on to cost us the game," said a relieved Smith.

"Outside of our fielding, I think we controlled the game very, very well, and up to Sammy's 58, we were in control, but our fielding, our catching in particular, we need to take another look."

The third and fourth ODIs will be contested this coming Friday and Sunday at Windsor Park in the Dominica capital of Roseau.

South Africa conceded three half-centuries to West Indies, with Dwayne Bravo hitting the top score of 74 from 70 balls, and the newly-arrived opener Dale Richards 51 from 85 balls.

The Proteas put West Indies under early pressure, but Richards and Chris Gayle still gave the home team a steady start of 40.

South Africa tightened their grip, when they reduced West Indies to 119 for three, but Bravo added 63 for the fourth wicket with Pollard, as the hosts ran into deep trouble, and Sammy nearly carried them over the threshold.

"I have to commend the guys for the effort of chasing 300 runs, and in particular, Darren for giving us a bit of hope at the end," said Gayle.

"The middle overs continue to cause our downfall because there are too many dot-balls in that period of our innings, and the run rate creeps up on us, and makes it difficult for the batsmen towards the end."

Earlier, Hashim Amla continued his rich vein of form with 92, and Jacques Kallis supported with 85 to lead South Africa to 300 for five from their 50 overs.

Amla struck seven boundaries from 95 balls, and Kallis - playing his 300th ODI - hit four fours from 89 balls in a stand of 79 for the second wicket, after the South Africans chose to bat.

The Proteas benefitted from an opening stand of 89 between Amla and Smith before left-arm spinner Miller bowled the South African captain behind his legs for 37 in the 16th over.

Amla continued to grind away, and reached his 50 from 45 balls with a dab to third man off Bravo before he was caught at mid-wicket off Jerome Taylor in the 32nd over.

Kallis, who became only the second South African behind Shaun Pollock to appear in 300 ODIs, and the 15th player overall, turned Rampaul through square leg for a single to reach his half century from 59 balls.

A.B. de Villiers joined him to consolidate South Africa's position with a stand of 71 for the third wicket with Kallis before he was caught inside the long-off boundary for 41 off Kieron Pollard in the 43rd over.

In the closing overs, Kallis was caught at point off Pollard in the 47th over, and Alviro Petersen was lbw playing across Taylor for one, as South Africa hunted quick runs.

Latest News:35 probables named for Asia cup, tour of England

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selection committee has announced here on Tuesday 35 probable players for the forthcoming Asia Cup and the tour of England.

Allrounder Shahid Afridi will lead the national team in all three formats of cricket whereas former captains Younis Khan and Shoaib Malik were conditionally included in the probables list. They will be selected only after the ban on them is lifted.

Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has also been named for the probable squad.

The names were announced by chief selector Mohsin Khan at a press conference along with chairman PCB Ijaz Butt and captain Shahid Afridi.

Other probable players are: Kamran Akmal, Umar Akmal, Salman Butt, Imran Farhat, Mohammad Hafeez, Abdul Razzaq, Mohammad Aamer, Umar Gul, Mohammad Sami, Yasir Arafat, Abdul Rehman, Saeed Ajmal, Faisal Iqbal, Fawad Alam, Hasan Raza, Azeem Ghumman, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Irfan, Yasir Hameed, Shah Zeb Hasan, Zulfiqar, Zulqarnain Haider, Khurram Manzoor, Asad Shafiq, Tanveer Ahmed, Aizaz Cheema, Aamir Sajjad, Azhar Ali, Umar Amin.

Chairman PCB said that the 17 players for the tour of England would also be selected from these players and the final team would be announced next month.

Replying to a question, he told that Mohammad Yousuf has not been considered as he retired and he may be included in the team if he comes out of his retirement.

Ijaz Butt said that the camp would probably be held in Karachi.

Shahid Afridi said that the tour of England is a difficult task and there should not be much expectations.

To a question, he replied that he has pressure but a complete player can be made after bearing pressure.

Mohsin Khan said that all the players would go through a fitness test before the final selection.

Latest News:Australia, Pakistan qualify for Super Eights

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: Australia moved into the second round Super Eights defeating Bangladesh by 27 runs with eight balls to spare here at the Kensington Oval.

Pakistan also qualified for the next stage as Bangladesh collapsed for 114 runs against Australia.

Chasing 142, Bangladesh were in difficult situation right through their innings as their top order failed to make runs.

However, captain Shakib Al Hasan (28) and wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim (24) added 48 runs to take their team out of trouble but after both were out wickets fell regular intervals and the whole team is out for 141 runs in 18.4 overs.

Left-arm fast bowler Dirk Nannes captured four for 18 while Steven Smith and David Hussey claimed two wickets each.

Earlier, Michael Hussey revived Australia's innings after they collapsed against Bangladesh.

Australia, who slumped to 65 for six inside 13 overs, finished on 141 for six here on Wednesday after a stand of 74 between Hussey, unbeaten on 47 and Steven Smith (27). Hussey faced 29 balls with a six and four fours

They were the only two Australia batsmen to make more than 16 as their side collapsed in the face of disciplined bowling by a Bangladesh side coached by Jamie Siddons, a former South Australia team-mate of Aussie coach Tim Nielsen.

Latest News:Woman belts fastest ever T20 ton

SAINT KITTS: West Indies cricketer Deandra Dottin has smashed the fastest ever Twenty20 international century by a man or a woman in the opening game of the women's World Twenty20 tournament in the West Indies.

The Barbadian reached three figures in just 38 balls, hitting nine sixes and five fours as the hosts beat South Africa by 17 runs at Warner Park, St Kitts.

Dottin, batting at number six, beat the record held by compatriot Chris Gayle.

Latest News:Pak to face Sri Lanka in women T20 today

SAINT KITTS: Pakistan women team will take on Sri Lanka in women T20 cricket tournament.

Pakistani captain Sana Mir optimistic about the team will deliver impressive performance. Pakistan stands at number 8 whereas Sri Lanka is at number 6.

Latest News:Asif to replace Sami in T20 fixture

BARBADOS: Pakistan made one change in its playing squad for the match against England in Super Eight leg of T20 World Cup tournament.Muhammad Asif will replace Muhammad Sami. Pakistan team manager Yawer Saeed told Geo News that only one change has been made in the team. Muhammad Asif will be part of playing squad instead of Muhammad Sami. He said players are determined to perform well in Super Eight stage of tournament.

Latest News:Next month, the Indo-Pak match: Sania to wed Shoaib

Two months after she called off her engagement, tennis star Sania Mirza is all set to tie the knot with Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik.



Confirming the news on his Twitter account late Monday night, Malik wrote: “The news of me marrying Sania is true. Inshallah, will get married in April.”



While the Mirzas refused to confirm or deny the development, the Malik family spoke about the possible wedding date.



“Yes, the news is confirmed. Shoaib will be marrying Sania, most likely some time in the first week of April,” Imran Zafar, Malik’s brother-in-law, told The Indian Express from Lahore. “Ceremonies will be held both in India and Pakistan. There will be a reception in Lahore in the second or third week of April,” he said.



Sania and Malik met in Dubai recently and this was followed by the two families giving them the approval to get married.



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In an interview, Malik had said that he intended to get married this year. “You will soon get some good news but it depends on my family.”



Sania and Malik are likely to settle down in Dubai — Malik holds a UAE passport. This move probably factors in Sania’s tennis career as well.



Malik, incidentally, was involved in a legal battle with another Hyderabad girl, Ayesha Siddiqui, in 2008. She had alleged that Malik married her over phone in 2002 and demanded a legal divorce.



Sania had been engaged to childhood friend Sohrab for seven months before calling it off, citing “incompatibility”.



Malik has been banned for one year by the PCB for poor performance and indiscipline during Pakistan’s recent tour of Australia. He has appealed the ban.

Sania and Malik met in Dubai recently and this was followed by the two families giving them the approval to get married.

Latest News:Sania Mirza engaged to Shoaib Malik

Islamabad (PTI): Breaking News! According to PTI reports, India's No. 1 tennis start Sania Mirza got engaged to former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik. PTI quoted a Pakistan TV Channel, Geo TV.



The Geo TV reported that Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik got engated and might tie the knot in April 2010. Shoaib was earlier linked to another Hyderabad girl, Ayesha Siddiqui.



According to the TV channel, Shoaib Malik's mother met Sania's parents in Hyderabad to finalise the marriage. "The 'Walima' or reception is expected to be held in Lahore on April 16 or 17", said Geo TV.



Sania Mirza and her childhood friend Sohrab Mirza got engaged in July last year. But their engagement was cancelled later. There is no official confirmation from either Sania Mirza or her parents about the "engagement" with Shoaib Malik.



It is not known whether the report is baseless, rumor, speculation or true. Further details are awaited.

Latest News:Yousuf announces retirement from international cricket

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain and world record holder batsman Mohammad Yousuf on Monday announced he was to quit international cricket in protest against an indefinite ban.

Yousuf was banned earlier this month in a crackdown on players by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following a disastrous tour of Australia. Pakistan lost all three Tests, five one-days and a Twenty20 match.

The dismal performance resulted in bans and fines on seven leading players -- Younus was captain for most of the games.

"I received a letter from the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) that my staying in the team is harmful for the team, so I announce my retirement from international cricket," he said in Pakistan's financial capital Karachi.

"I thank the fans around the world, all the senior players and family members for supporting me throughout my 12-year career," said an emotional Yousuf, 35, dressed in a religious white cap and traditional dress.

"I always played for my country and if my playing is harmful for the team then I don't want to play," he told the news conference, fielding a barrage of questions at the Karachi Press Club.

Yousuf played 88 Tests, nine as captain and scored 7,431 runs at an average of 53.07, including 24 centuries. He also scored 9,624 runs in 282 one-day internationals.

Yousuf was third behind Javed Miandad (8,832 in 124) and Inzamam-ul-Haq (8,829 in 119) in all time run-getters for Pakistan in Tests and second behind Inzamam (11,701 in 375 matches) in one-day cricket.

But his greatest achievement was 1,788 Test runs in 2006 with nine hundreds -- the world record for most runs scored and hundreds in a calendar year, beating Viv Richards' 1976 record of 1,710 for the West Indies.

He also won International Cricket Council (ICC) Test player of the year in 2007.

Asked during Monday's news conference if he could rescind his decision, Yousuf said: "at the moment my playing in the team is harmful so I am quitting".

"If I get time, I would love to play first class cricket and private leagues," he later added.

Latest News:Katich ton helps Aussies take 300-run lead over Kiwis

HAMILTON: AUSTRALIA is in a commanding position at the end of the third day of the second Test with a lead of 300 over New Zealand and six wickets in hand.

Simon Katich’s patient 10th Test century righted the ship after some early wobbles and contributions from Michael Hussey (67) and Shane Watson (65) also helped.

Marcus North 42 not out and Michael Clarke 42 not out took the score to 333-4 at stumps.
Katich’s 106 comes as some relief as the opener has made a habit of stumbling before the milestone this summer with scores of 92, 90, 99, 98, 79 and an 88 in the first innings here.
He made a solitary even 100 against Pakistan at Hobart.

Katich has had a golden run since returning to Test cricket in May 2008, scoring 2534 runs in 27 Tests at an average 56 _ the second best by an opener in the history of Australian cricket.

He has past 1000 runs in the last two calendar years and was voted the Australian Test Batsman of 2009-10 last month.

Both Hussey and Katich are celebrating their 50th Test and shared a 150 run partnership to mark the occasion.

Hussey was eventually dismissed, caught Brendon McCullum bowled Brent Arnel (2-43) for 67. Katich went soon after.

The pair began playing against each other in Western Australia as nine year olds and have been friends since.

Shane Watson started the day brightly, scoring another half century, but had a rush of blood, pulling Tim Southee to BJ Watling at the mid on boundary when he was 65.

Dan Vettori then set a clever 6-3 field to tie down Ricky Ponting at the start of his innings.
The captain hit a top edge six off Southee (2-75) before being snapped up at short leg by Watling and was out for six.

Latest News:Sania to wed Shoaib, confirms father of tennis star

LAHORE: Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik and Indian tennis star Sania Mirza are going to tie the knot in April, Sania's father Imran Mirza confirmed to media.

As per reports, the two sports stars have been in an affair for the last six months, which had led to Sania's earlier engagement to break.

Sources said that the mother of Shoaib Malik went to Indian city of Hyderabad Deccan where she met with the family of Sania Mirza and finalized Shoaib and Sania's marriage.

This may be recalled that earlier engagements of both Malik and Mirza had come to an end.

Malik was engaged with Ayesha Siddiqui also from Hyderabad Deccan on June 3, 2002 while Sania on the other side was engaged with childhood friend Sohrab Khan which ended in January 2010.

The wedding ceremony of Shoaib Malik and Sania Mirza will take place in India while the valima reception will be hosted by Malik on April 16 or 17 in Lahore.

"I desire to get married soon. You will soon get some good news but it depends on my family. I fully expect to get married this year," Shoaib had said in a recent interaction with the media.

Asked if it would be an arranged marriage, he said, "No can say what will happen, but it will take place with the concurrence of my family."

Latest News:Pak team named for Women T20 World Cup

LAHORE: The 14-member Pakistan team was announced for the ICC Women Twenty20 World Cup, to be held in West Indies.

Sana Meer will lead the team while Nain Abidi will be her deputy in the tournament.

The players of the team are: Sana Meer (captain), Nain Abidi (vice-captain), Batool Fatima (wk), Sajida Shah, Bisma Maroof, Arman Khan, Urooj Mumtaz Khan, Nida Rashid, Asmavia Iqbal, Qanita Jaleel, Sania Iqbal Khan, Saadia Yousuf, Javeria Wadood and Rabia Shah.

Ayesha Ashar has been appointed manager of the team while Mansoor Rana will be the coach, Yasir Malik co-trainer and Huma Fatima physio-therapist.

Latest News:Pak cricket team training camp begins tomorrow

LAHORE: The training camp of the Pakistan cricket team in preparation of the Twenty20 World Cup will begin tomorrow in Lahore.

The players included in the squad reported at the camp.

Pakistan team with its new coach and new captain will begin its preparations for the T20 World Cup.

The five reserve players will also take part in the camp along with the selected 15 players of the team while eight more players from the 30 probables have also been invited for practice at the camp.

According to the PCB spokesman, first a detailed meeting of the players and the management will be held before the camp begins in the morning and the practice schedule will be finalized.

Later, the players will do net practice from 3-00 pm to 6-00 pm.

Coach Waqar Younis will address at the news conference during the camp.

Latest News:Dejected Yousuf opts to retire: announcement today

KARACHI: Pakistan's world record holder batsman Mohammad Yousuf Saturday said he had decided to retire next week in protest over an indefinite ban imposed on him by country's cricket board. The 35-year-old Yousuf, who holds the world record for most runs in a calendar year with 1,788 made in 2006, was banned by an inquiry committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) two weeks ago.

"Yes, I have decided to retire as Pakistan player and my decision is not an emotional one," Yousuf told AFP. "It's of no use playing after such an insult which is unacceptable and I will announce my decision on Monday." Yousuf led Pakistan on their twin tours of New Zealand and Australia between November and February after regular captain Younus Khan withdrew over a lack of form.

Last week Yousuf vowed to appeal. "Yes, I may still appeal, but a final decision will be taken on Monday," said Yousuf who was also deprived of his annual central contract by the PCB last week, putting further question marks over his career. Yousuf said his commitment in playing for the country had not been rewarded by the cricket authorities. "I am deeply hurt because I have always played with commitment for my country and fans know this, but not those people who run cricket, this is a big tragedy." "My 12-year career is impeccable and I have never let down anyone."

Latest News: Bresnan misses maiden Test century

DHAKA: Tim Bresnan hit an impressive 91 as England extended their first-innings lead to 77 runs on the fourth day of the second and final Test against Bangladesh on Tuesday.

England added 56 to their overnight total of 440-8 before being bowled out for 496 in reply to Bangladesh's total of 419.

The hosts were 28-1 in their second innings at lunch, with Tamim Iqbal unbeaten on 20 and Junaid Siddique on four not out.

Bangladeshi opener Imrul Kayes (four) was bowled by paceman Stuart Broad, the ball hitting the thigh pad before deflecting on to the leg-stump.

Bresnan, batting in only his second Test innings, defied the Bangladeshi attack for more than an hour in the morning session before missing out on his maiden Test hundred.

He was stumped by Mushfiqur Rahim off left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak after hitting six fours in a 261-ball knock, beaten in the flight after stepping out to play a shot. He added 17 to his overnight score of 74.

Bresnan played a vital role in boosting the England innings, adding 143 for the sixth wicket with Ian Bell (138) on Monday and 47 for the ninth with debutant James Tredwell (37).

Tredwell also frustrated the hosts, hitting six fours in a 63-ball knock before being stumped off Razzak.

Left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan was the most impressive bowler with 4-124 off 66 tight overs, while Razzak finished with 3-132.

England lead the series 1-0 following their 181-run win in the opening Test in Chittagong.

Latest News:Pakistan Day T20: Pak A beat U-19 by 33 runs

LAHORE: An exhibition Twenty20 cricket match was played between the teams of Pakistan A and Pakistan Under-19 here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday to mark the Pakistan Day celebrations.

Imran Farhat smashed a brilliant century to help Pakistan A winning the interesting match by 33 runs.

Winning the toss, Pakistan A captain Mohammad Hafeez elected to bat and together with Imran Farhat provided a magnificent start of 159 runs.

Imran made 103 from just 56 balls with 14 fours and three sixes while Hafeez scored 59 as their team compiled 194 for four in the allotted 20 overs.

Raza Hasan claimed two wickets for Pakistan Under-19.

Chasing 195, played a fine innings of 88 runs whereas for Pakistan A, Mohammad Sami captured three and Abdul Rehman took two wickets.

Latest News:Tendulkar rules out playing Twenty20 WC

NEW DELHI: Master batsman Sachin Tendulkar on Tuesday ruled out playing in Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies, saying he sticks to his stance of not playing Twenty20 Internationals anymore.

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar asked Tendulkar, who is in sensational form, to change his stance and play in the Twenty20 World Cup.

Tendulkar, however, dismissed the possibility. "I

Latest News:England need 209 to win Bangladesh Test

DHAKA: England were set a target of 209 to win the second and final Test after bowling Bangladesh out for 285 in their second innings after lunch on the fifth day.

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan marked his 23rd birthday with a battling 96 before he was last man out, stumped off spinner James Tredwell four runs short of a century.

The left-hander cracked 11 fours in his fifth half-century.

England have a minimum of 54 overs to reach the target and sweep the series after winning the first Test in Chittagong by 181 runs.

Bangladesh added 103 to their overnight total of 172-6 in the absorbing morning session, with Shakib doing the bulk of scoring.

Debutant off-spinner Tredwell took three wickets and paceman Steven Finn one.

Tredwell, sharing the second new ball with paceman Stuart Broad, struck in his first over when he had nightwatchman Shafiul Islam caught by Jonathan Trott at deep mid-wicket.

Shafiul, who scored a half-century in the first innings, made 28 in a 63-run stand for the seventh wicket with his captain.

Tredwell got another wicket when he had Naeem Islam caught by Kevin Pietersen at deep mid-on to reduce the hosts to 258-8.

Latest News:Tendulkar to skip World T20 again

NEW DELHI: Sachin Tendulkar on Wednesday rejected a growing clamour in India to play in next month's World Twenty20 despite enjoying prime batting form in recent months.

"I will not be playing the ICC World Twenty20," Tendulkar told an Indian news channel.

"I have not played Twenty20 Internationals from 2007 onwards and I don't think it should become an issue now."

Tendulkar, who recently became the first man to score a double-century in one-day cricket, has played just one Twenty20 international in his 21-year, record-breaking career.

The Mumbai star, who turns 37 next month, opted out of the first two T20 world championships in 2007 and 2009, saying the younger members of the side were more suited for the shortest format of the game.

But former players want him to take part in the third edition, starting in the Caribbean on April 30, following a string of high scores in both Test and one-day cricket.

In the past 12 months, Tendulkar has averaged 71.50 in nine Tests with five centuries, and 65.28 in 17 one-dayers with three hundreds.

In the ongoing Indian Premier League domestic Twenty20 tournament, he has hit 176 runs in four games with a strike-rate of 155.75 off 100 balls.

"I hope the selectors can persuade Tendulkar to go to the West Indies," said former India batsman and commentator Navjot Sidhu during a discussion on the subject on television.

"He loves playing for the country and the Indian team needs him more than ever before. He is batting like the champion he is."

Another former player Mohinder Amarnath admitted Tendulkar would make a huge difference to India's chances, but wanted the decision to be left entirely to him.

"Sachin knows best what to do," said Amarnath. "He has played for so long that we must all respect his decision."

The selectors will meet on Friday to pick the 15-man squad for the tournament which India won in 2007 but failed to qualify for the semi-finals two years later.

Tendulkar was excluded from the provisional list of 30 announced last month, but tournament rules permit a player not in the list to be included in the final 15.

India are drawn alongside South Africa and surprise qualifiers Afghanistan in one of the four preliminary league groups, with two teams from each group qualifying for the Super Eights round.