MIRPUR: Pakistan’s all-rounder Shahid Khan Afridi said on Thursday that Pakistan has peaked at the right time in the tournament, and this would help them at the upcoming mega event ‘World Twenty20’, ARY News has learnt.
Talking to media after practice session on Thursday, Shahid Afridi said that focus of team Pakistan is just on the Asia Cup final at the moment.
When Afridi asked that Pakistan have never beaten India in an ICC world event, be it the 50-over World Cup or the World T20, could they overcome the curse when they meet in the World Twenty20 on March 21, he replied that he wouldn't think about it till the Asia Cup ended.
“I'm not looking that ahead and when the World Twenty20 comes, we will talk about the India-Pakistan then", he added.
Talking about the newly hired coaches, the all rounder said having played at this level for so many years, he doesn't need a coach and he better off coaching myself. I know very well what to do and what not to do.
When asked about his plan for retirement from cricket, Afridi it had not entered his mind yet.
“As long as I'm fit and give my life to cricket, I'll continue playing the sport. I will sideline myself the moment I start thinking that I'm becoming a burden on my team. I will not give anyone an opportunity to talk”, he added.
Showing posts with label SPORTS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SPORTS. Show all posts
Thursday, 6 March 2014
Saturday, 15 February 2014
Moin Khan Pakistan contract 'a joke' , Wasim Akram
DUBAI: Legendary former pace bowler Wasim Akram has branded the award of a two-month contract to Moin Khan as new head coach of Pakistan “a joke”.
Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) chief operating officer Subhan Ahmad told reporters on Friday that Khan would coach the team for this month’s Asia Cup and next month’s World Twenty20 — both to be held in Bangladesh.
Speaking exclusively to Gulf News, Akram, who was a member of the four-member committee that selected Khan following Dav Whatmore’s decision to step down last month, said: “I have been hearing that they are offering a two-month contract for Moin Khan and that is very upsetting. When you can offer two-year contracts for foreign coaches, offering your own coach a contract of just two months is not good. Which coach can make a difference in two months? I feel it is a wrong thinking by the board.”
He added: “They [the PCB] have come up with the argument that they don’t have cricket for five months but in those five months, Moin Khan can actually channelise his players. He can go to different cities and see first-class matches. Offering a two-month contract is a joke.”
When asked about the India-Pakistan Under-19 World Cup match on Saturday, Akram said: “It will be a massive game. An India Pakistan match — wherever, whenever and whichever level it is played — it will always be exciting. Be it Under-19, Under-17, Under-23 or even the main team. Inam-ul-Haq, who is [former Pakistan captain] Inzamam-ul-Haq’s nephew, is very talented. Vijay Zol, the Indian skipper, is talented and has been getting a lot of runs. As a commentator, this is my third Under-19 World Cup and I have enjoyed this a lot more because I can talk about these youngsters in the next two years.”
Akram feels junior cricket in Pakistan is in the doldrums, however. “Having no international matches in Pakistan has affected junior cricket, but thankfully we have now got a chairman [Najam Sethi] who can actually plan for the next two years. If you look at any country, be it India, South Africa or Australia, they concentrate a lot on Under-19 cricket and also focus a lot on A-team tours. Pakistan hardly concentrates on that and that is where the trouble lies. The talent is very much there. I have been travelling throughout the length and breadth of Pakistan and you can see cricket being played day in and day out everywhere but we need to channel that talent.”
Of the Under-19 World Cup, which started on Friday, Akram said: “This is one of the best tournaments of the ICC [International Cricket Council]. We have seen Virat Kohli four years ago, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Michael Clarke, and the great Brian Lara; all these players played [in the] Under-19 World Cup and went on to become great players. This is the best nursery for junior cricket and I feel the ICC has done a great job to make sure that this tournament is held on a regular basis. This tournament helps players to know the pressures and the impact of television coverage and will help them to go on to become top players.”
Akram also wants the event to be held in countries where cricket is growing in popularity. “This World Cup should be held in smaller, second-tier countries then there will be lot more interest and people will come and watch. I was in Townsville last year when Australia staged the Under-19 World Cup and we had a large turnout for the matches. That adds extra pressure on players and, if you perform under those pressures, you can go on to play for your own country on a regular basis.”
Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) chief operating officer Subhan Ahmad told reporters on Friday that Khan would coach the team for this month’s Asia Cup and next month’s World Twenty20 — both to be held in Bangladesh.
Speaking exclusively to Gulf News, Akram, who was a member of the four-member committee that selected Khan following Dav Whatmore’s decision to step down last month, said: “I have been hearing that they are offering a two-month contract for Moin Khan and that is very upsetting. When you can offer two-year contracts for foreign coaches, offering your own coach a contract of just two months is not good. Which coach can make a difference in two months? I feel it is a wrong thinking by the board.”
He added: “They [the PCB] have come up with the argument that they don’t have cricket for five months but in those five months, Moin Khan can actually channelise his players. He can go to different cities and see first-class matches. Offering a two-month contract is a joke.”
When asked about the India-Pakistan Under-19 World Cup match on Saturday, Akram said: “It will be a massive game. An India Pakistan match — wherever, whenever and whichever level it is played — it will always be exciting. Be it Under-19, Under-17, Under-23 or even the main team. Inam-ul-Haq, who is [former Pakistan captain] Inzamam-ul-Haq’s nephew, is very talented. Vijay Zol, the Indian skipper, is talented and has been getting a lot of runs. As a commentator, this is my third Under-19 World Cup and I have enjoyed this a lot more because I can talk about these youngsters in the next two years.”
Akram feels junior cricket in Pakistan is in the doldrums, however. “Having no international matches in Pakistan has affected junior cricket, but thankfully we have now got a chairman [Najam Sethi] who can actually plan for the next two years. If you look at any country, be it India, South Africa or Australia, they concentrate a lot on Under-19 cricket and also focus a lot on A-team tours. Pakistan hardly concentrates on that and that is where the trouble lies. The talent is very much there. I have been travelling throughout the length and breadth of Pakistan and you can see cricket being played day in and day out everywhere but we need to channel that talent.”
Of the Under-19 World Cup, which started on Friday, Akram said: “This is one of the best tournaments of the ICC [International Cricket Council]. We have seen Virat Kohli four years ago, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Michael Clarke, and the great Brian Lara; all these players played [in the] Under-19 World Cup and went on to become great players. This is the best nursery for junior cricket and I feel the ICC has done a great job to make sure that this tournament is held on a regular basis. This tournament helps players to know the pressures and the impact of television coverage and will help them to go on to become top players.”
Akram also wants the event to be held in countries where cricket is growing in popularity. “This World Cup should be held in smaller, second-tier countries then there will be lot more interest and people will come and watch. I was in Townsville last year when Australia staged the Under-19 World Cup and we had a large turnout for the matches. That adds extra pressure on players and, if you perform under those pressures, you can go on to play for your own country on a regular basis.”
Tuesday, 21 January 2014
Pakistan claims historic Test victory against Sri Lanka
Sharja: Set a daunting 302 to win in a possible 59 overs, Pakistan owed their successful chase to Ali's fifth Test century (103) as he and Misbah-ul-Haq shared a 109-run stand for the fifth wicket.
Misbah, who finished with 68 not out, hit the winning single with nine balls to spare in fading light.
Ali, ironically dropped for the first two Tests, hit paceman Suranga Lakmal for a boundary, then twice took two to reach his hundred off 133 balls.
He hit six boundaries before falling caught behind with just seven still needed to win.
Pakistan's chances seemed to have faded away at 107-3 at tea, as they needed 195 in the last 35 overs. But Ali upped the tempo during a rapid 89-run partnership in 14.5 overs with Sarfraz Ahmed (48) which left Sri Lanka on the defensive.
Even when Sarfraz was out, caught behind off paceman Shaminda Eranga, Pakistan needed 116. Sarfraz hit four boundaries and a six off 46 balls.
But Misbah supported Ali as Pakistan achieved their second best chase in all Test cricket, behind the 314 they chased against Australia in Karachi in 1994.
Sri Lanka had won the second Test in Dubai by nine wickets while the first Test ended in a draw in Abu Dhabi.
Misbah, who finished with 68 not out, hit the winning single with nine balls to spare in fading light.
Ali, ironically dropped for the first two Tests, hit paceman Suranga Lakmal for a boundary, then twice took two to reach his hundred off 133 balls.
He hit six boundaries before falling caught behind with just seven still needed to win.
Pakistan's chances seemed to have faded away at 107-3 at tea, as they needed 195 in the last 35 overs. But Ali upped the tempo during a rapid 89-run partnership in 14.5 overs with Sarfraz Ahmed (48) which left Sri Lanka on the defensive.
Even when Sarfraz was out, caught behind off paceman Shaminda Eranga, Pakistan needed 116. Sarfraz hit four boundaries and a six off 46 balls.
But Misbah supported Ali as Pakistan achieved their second best chase in all Test cricket, behind the 314 they chased against Australia in Karachi in 1994.
Sri Lanka had won the second Test in Dubai by nine wickets while the first Test ended in a draw in Abu Dhabi.
Monday, 13 January 2014
What You Need for your Wordpress Magazine
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International Olympic Committee
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50 Amazing Sports Photos From 2013
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YouTube Video Post Type
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Monday, 6 January 2014
Pakistan look to spinners for win over Sri Lanka
DUBAI (AFP) - Pakistan are hoping for a wicket that takes turn to give their spinners an edge in the second Test against Sri Lanka starting Wednesday in Dubai.
Saeed Ajmal toiled for 49 wicketless overs in Sri Lanka s second innings in the drawn first Test in Abu Dhabi last week, as skipper Angelo Mathews hit a career best 157 not out.
His fighting knock helped Sri Lanka erase Pakistan s 179-run lead and set them a 302-run victory target. They finished on 158-2.
It was the first time in Ajmal s 31-Test career that the 36-year-old had bowled more than 17 overs in a second innings and finished wicketless.
Ajmal has taken 24 wickets at Dubai stadium, including seven against England which helped Pakistan inflict a 3-0 series defeat on the then-world number one team in 2012.
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq is hoping his spinners get more help from the pitch in Dubai for the second of three Tests.
"It was a sort of a setback for both teams as regards spinners in Abu Dhabi, but I think the Dubai wicket will be different and spinners will get turn on the third day," he said.
Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by nine wickets in Dubai on their way to a 1-0 series win in 2011.
In that game Ajmal took eight wickets and Abdul Rehman four.
Left-arm spinner Rehman is likely to replace fast bowler Rahat Ali, who went wicketless in the first Test.
Despite hundreds from Misbah and Younis Khan last week, Pakistan will also look to bolster their batting after they slumped from 329-4 to 383 all out in their first innings in Abu Dhabi.
"We need to work on our batting more as we should have got 450-odd runs on the board to have a big lead to put pressure on the opposition," said Misbah.
Pakistan have the option of replacing opener Khurram Manzoor with Shan Masood. The recalled Sarfraz Ahmed will keep wicket after Adnan Akmal had to return home following a fractured finger in the first Test.
Sri Lanka have summoned one-day opener Kusal Perera after Lahiru Thirimanne failed to recover from an ankle injury. They have not sought a replacement for paceman Nuwan Kulasekara, who returned home with a hamstring injury.
Sri Lanka will be counting on the vastly experienced Mahela Jayawardene to come good after he failed in the first Test, managing five and nought.
Spinner Rangana Herath will also look for more rewards after getting just four wickets in Abu Dhabi. And off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake will try to secure his place in the side after getting support from his skipper.
"We all know Sachithra is a good spinner. Playing in his first Test, it was not easy playing on a pitch like this," said Mathews after Senanayake went wicketless in Abu Dhabi.
Mathews, who scored 91 in the first innings before his unbeaten century in the second, was delighted with his own form.
"I was a little bit under pressure and I am happy that I justified my place," he said.
Teams (from):
Pakistan: Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Khurram Manzoor, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan, Sarfraz Ahmed, Junaid Khan, Saeed Ajmal, Abdul Rehman, Rahat Ali, Mohammad Talha.
Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews (capt), Dinesh Chandimal, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Kaushal Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Perera, Prasanna Jayawardene, Suranga Lakmal, Shaminda Eranga, Nuwan Pradeep, Sachithra Senanayake, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Vishwa Fernando.
Umpires: Bruce Oxenford (AUS) and Sundaram Ravi(IND)
TV umpire: Richard Kettleborough (ENG)
Match referee: Javagal Srinath (IND)
Saeed Ajmal toiled for 49 wicketless overs in Sri Lanka s second innings in the drawn first Test in Abu Dhabi last week, as skipper Angelo Mathews hit a career best 157 not out.
His fighting knock helped Sri Lanka erase Pakistan s 179-run lead and set them a 302-run victory target. They finished on 158-2.
It was the first time in Ajmal s 31-Test career that the 36-year-old had bowled more than 17 overs in a second innings and finished wicketless.
Ajmal has taken 24 wickets at Dubai stadium, including seven against England which helped Pakistan inflict a 3-0 series defeat on the then-world number one team in 2012.
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq is hoping his spinners get more help from the pitch in Dubai for the second of three Tests.
"It was a sort of a setback for both teams as regards spinners in Abu Dhabi, but I think the Dubai wicket will be different and spinners will get turn on the third day," he said.
Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by nine wickets in Dubai on their way to a 1-0 series win in 2011.
In that game Ajmal took eight wickets and Abdul Rehman four.
Left-arm spinner Rehman is likely to replace fast bowler Rahat Ali, who went wicketless in the first Test.
Despite hundreds from Misbah and Younis Khan last week, Pakistan will also look to bolster their batting after they slumped from 329-4 to 383 all out in their first innings in Abu Dhabi.
"We need to work on our batting more as we should have got 450-odd runs on the board to have a big lead to put pressure on the opposition," said Misbah.
Pakistan have the option of replacing opener Khurram Manzoor with Shan Masood. The recalled Sarfraz Ahmed will keep wicket after Adnan Akmal had to return home following a fractured finger in the first Test.
Sri Lanka have summoned one-day opener Kusal Perera after Lahiru Thirimanne failed to recover from an ankle injury. They have not sought a replacement for paceman Nuwan Kulasekara, who returned home with a hamstring injury.
Sri Lanka will be counting on the vastly experienced Mahela Jayawardene to come good after he failed in the first Test, managing five and nought.
Spinner Rangana Herath will also look for more rewards after getting just four wickets in Abu Dhabi. And off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake will try to secure his place in the side after getting support from his skipper.
"We all know Sachithra is a good spinner. Playing in his first Test, it was not easy playing on a pitch like this," said Mathews after Senanayake went wicketless in Abu Dhabi.
Mathews, who scored 91 in the first innings before his unbeaten century in the second, was delighted with his own form.
"I was a little bit under pressure and I am happy that I justified my place," he said.
Teams (from):
Pakistan: Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Khurram Manzoor, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan, Sarfraz Ahmed, Junaid Khan, Saeed Ajmal, Abdul Rehman, Rahat Ali, Mohammad Talha.
Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews (capt), Dinesh Chandimal, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Kaushal Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Perera, Prasanna Jayawardene, Suranga Lakmal, Shaminda Eranga, Nuwan Pradeep, Sachithra Senanayake, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Vishwa Fernando.
Umpires: Bruce Oxenford (AUS) and Sundaram Ravi(IND)
TV umpire: Richard Kettleborough (ENG)
Match referee: Javagal Srinath (IND)
Wednesday, 4 December 2013
NZ cricketers in fixing investigation
WELLINGTON (AP): New Zealand Cricket has acknowledged up to three of the country s former cricketers are being investigated by the International Cricket Council s anti-corruption unit for possible involvement in match or spot fixing.
The New Zealand Herald newspaper reported Thursday that members of the ICC s anti-corruption and security unit have been in New Zealand over the past four months investigating the participation of New Zealanders in fixing "in more than one country." The newspaper said the findings of the investigation would likely result "in the biggest sports scandal in New Zealand s history."
In a statement, the ICC confirmed an investigation is underway.
"Following the publication of an article in a leading New Zealand newspaper earlier today, in which it is alleged that a small number of former New Zealand cricketers had engaged in fixing activity in historic cricket matches and were being investigated by the ICC s anti-corruption and security unit, the ICC confirms that it has indeed been working closely over the past few months with its colleagues in the domestic anti-corruption units of member boards to investigate these and related matters.
"The ICC and all of its members maintain a zero-tolerance attitude toward corruption in the sport and the ACSU will continue to collaborate with relevant individuals in order to complete its investigation process."
The ICC said as the investigation remains ongoing and nobody has been charged with any offense, no further comment will be made by either the ICC and NZC.
NZC chief executive David White said his organization was aware the ICC "is investigating some former New Zealand cricketers."
He said only a "small number" of players were involved.
"It s a difficult situation," White said. "Unfortunately, we are not in a position to comment further and all inquiries have to be directed to the ICC."
The Herald report said the ICC investigation was focused on "historic matches involving international stars." It said the probe "has concentrated on cricket at a domestic or franchise level" and it was not known whether it would reveal any attempt to fix international matches.
The newspaper said none of the New Zealand players involved was still playing professionally.
The New Zealand government last week announced measures to combat drug taking, match fixing and the involvement of organized crime in sport, including the introduction of new laws which will make fixing a criminal offense. Those laws have yet to be enacted.
Former New Zealand test allrounder Jacob Oram, who played for several season in the Indian Premier League, said he is surprised New Zealanders are under investigation.
"In a way it s disappointing to think that if it does come out as correct that New Zealand is involved and potentially heavily involved in it...that s disappointing for New Zealand s reputation around the world," he told LiveSport Radio.
"I just hope it s not...one of our greats or three of our greats and then everything you thought you know, your world would just get turned upside down."
During an undercover investigation last year by Britain s Sunday Times, leading Indian bookmaker Vicky Seth told a reporter he had contact with New Zealand players.
"At the moment we ve got connections with New Zealanders," Seth said.
He named two players whom he claimed to have met in Delhi in 2010 but the names have not been published.
The New Zealand Herald newspaper reported Thursday that members of the ICC s anti-corruption and security unit have been in New Zealand over the past four months investigating the participation of New Zealanders in fixing "in more than one country." The newspaper said the findings of the investigation would likely result "in the biggest sports scandal in New Zealand s history."
In a statement, the ICC confirmed an investigation is underway.
"Following the publication of an article in a leading New Zealand newspaper earlier today, in which it is alleged that a small number of former New Zealand cricketers had engaged in fixing activity in historic cricket matches and were being investigated by the ICC s anti-corruption and security unit, the ICC confirms that it has indeed been working closely over the past few months with its colleagues in the domestic anti-corruption units of member boards to investigate these and related matters.
"The ICC and all of its members maintain a zero-tolerance attitude toward corruption in the sport and the ACSU will continue to collaborate with relevant individuals in order to complete its investigation process."
The ICC said as the investigation remains ongoing and nobody has been charged with any offense, no further comment will be made by either the ICC and NZC.
NZC chief executive David White said his organization was aware the ICC "is investigating some former New Zealand cricketers."
He said only a "small number" of players were involved.
"It s a difficult situation," White said. "Unfortunately, we are not in a position to comment further and all inquiries have to be directed to the ICC."
The Herald report said the ICC investigation was focused on "historic matches involving international stars." It said the probe "has concentrated on cricket at a domestic or franchise level" and it was not known whether it would reveal any attempt to fix international matches.
The newspaper said none of the New Zealand players involved was still playing professionally.
The New Zealand government last week announced measures to combat drug taking, match fixing and the involvement of organized crime in sport, including the introduction of new laws which will make fixing a criminal offense. Those laws have yet to be enacted.
Former New Zealand test allrounder Jacob Oram, who played for several season in the Indian Premier League, said he is surprised New Zealanders are under investigation.
"In a way it s disappointing to think that if it does come out as correct that New Zealand is involved and potentially heavily involved in it...that s disappointing for New Zealand s reputation around the world," he told LiveSport Radio.
"I just hope it s not...one of our greats or three of our greats and then everything you thought you know, your world would just get turned upside down."
During an undercover investigation last year by Britain s Sunday Times, leading Indian bookmaker Vicky Seth told a reporter he had contact with New Zealand players.
"At the moment we ve got connections with New Zealanders," Seth said.
He named two players whom he claimed to have met in Delhi in 2010 but the names have not been published.
Thursday, 24 October 2013
SA reach 460 -4 as Smith scores unbeaten 227
DUBAI (AFP) - South Africa reached 460-4 at close on the second day of the second and final Test in Dubai on Thursday.
Opener Graeme Smith was unbeaten on 227 for his 27th Test hundred and AB de Villiers on 157 not out at stumps as South Africa extended their lead to 361 runs with six wickets intact.
The pair has so far added 326 for an unbroken fifth wicket stand -- an all time South African record for this wicket in Tests.
Pakistan were bowled out for 99 in their first innings.
Pakistan lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning last week s first Test by seven wickets in Abu Dhabi.
Scoreboard at close on the second day of the second and final Test between Pakistan and South Africa at Dubai cricket stadium on Thursday:
Pakistan 1st innings 99 (Zulfiqar Babar 25; Imran Tahir 5-32, D. Steyn 3-38)
South Africa Ist innings
A. Petersen lbw b Babar 26
G. Smith not out 227
D. Elgar c Ali b Ajmal 23
J. Kallis lbw b Ajmal 7
D. Steyn b Irfan 7
AB de Villiers not out 157
Extras: (b4, lb7, w2) 13
Total: (for four wkts; 134 overs) 460
Fall of wickets: 1-37 (Petersen), 2-91 (Elgar), 3-119 (Kallis), 4-134 (Steyn)
Bowling: Irfan 27-4-84-1 (w1), Khan 27-2-99-0 (w1), Ajmal 43.4-5-132-2, Babar 31.2-2-112-1, Ali 5-0-22-0
Toss: Pakistan
Umpires: Rod Tucker (AUS) and Ian Gould (ENG)
Tv umpire: Paul Reiffel (AUS)
Match referee: David Boon (AUS)
Opener Graeme Smith was unbeaten on 227 for his 27th Test hundred and AB de Villiers on 157 not out at stumps as South Africa extended their lead to 361 runs with six wickets intact.
The pair has so far added 326 for an unbroken fifth wicket stand -- an all time South African record for this wicket in Tests.
Pakistan were bowled out for 99 in their first innings.
Pakistan lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning last week s first Test by seven wickets in Abu Dhabi.
Scoreboard at close on the second day of the second and final Test between Pakistan and South Africa at Dubai cricket stadium on Thursday:
Pakistan 1st innings 99 (Zulfiqar Babar 25; Imran Tahir 5-32, D. Steyn 3-38)
South Africa Ist innings
A. Petersen lbw b Babar 26
G. Smith not out 227
D. Elgar c Ali b Ajmal 23
J. Kallis lbw b Ajmal 7
D. Steyn b Irfan 7
AB de Villiers not out 157
Extras: (b4, lb7, w2) 13
Total: (for four wkts; 134 overs) 460
Fall of wickets: 1-37 (Petersen), 2-91 (Elgar), 3-119 (Kallis), 4-134 (Steyn)
Bowling: Irfan 27-4-84-1 (w1), Khan 27-2-99-0 (w1), Ajmal 43.4-5-132-2, Babar 31.2-2-112-1, Ali 5-0-22-0
Toss: Pakistan
Umpires: Rod Tucker (AUS) and Ian Gould (ENG)
Tv umpire: Paul Reiffel (AUS)
Match referee: David Boon (AUS)
Saturday, 7 September 2013
Tokyo will host 2020 Olympics
BUENOS AIRES (AP) - Tokyo was awarded the 2020 Olympics on Saturday, capitalizing on its reputation as a "safe pair of hands" and defying concerns about the Fukushima nuclear crisis.
Tokyo defeated Istanbul 60-36 in the final round of secret voting by the International Olympic Committee. Madrid was eliminated earlier after an initial tie with Istanbul.
Tokyo, which hosted the 1964 Olympics, billed itself as the reliable choice at a time of global political and economic uncertainty a message that resonated with the IOC.
"Tokyo can be trusted to be the safe pair of hands and much more," bid leader and IOC member Tsunekazu Takeda said in the final presentation.
"Our case today is simple. Vote for Tokyo and you vote for guaranteed delivery. ... Tokyo is the right partner at the right time."
Tokyo had been on the defensive in the final days of the campaign because of mounting concerns over the leak of radioactive water from the tsunami-crippled Fukushima nuclear plant.
In the final presentation, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gave the IOC assurances that the Fukushima leak was not a threat to Tokyo and took personal responsibility for keeping the games safe.
"Let me assure you the situation is under control," Abe said. "It has never done and will never do any damage to Tokyo."
Abe gave further assurances when pressed on the issue by Norwegian IOC member Gerhard Heiberg.
"It poses no problem whatsoever," Abe said in Japanese, adding that the contamination was limited to a small area and had been "completely blocked."
"There are no health related problems until now, nor will there be in the future," he said. "I make the statement to you in the most emphatic and unequivocal way."
Tokyo Electric Power Co., Fukushima's operator, has acknowledged that tons of radioactive water has been seeping into the Pacific from the plant for more than two years after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami led to meltdowns at three of its reactors. Recent leaks from tanks storing radioactive water used to cool the reactors have added to fears that the amount of contaminated water is getting out of hand.
With Madrid's bid dogged by questions over Spain's economic crisis and Istanbul handicapped by political unrest and the civil war in neighboring Syria, Tokyo proved to be the least risky choice for the IOC.
"I think it was a choice between going to new shores and staying with a more traditional candidate," IOC vice president Thomas Bach said. "And this time they decided with the more traditional candidate."
IOC members have also been concerned about construction delays and other challenges plaguing preparations for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Opting for certainty in 2020 was a key priority.
"I think very much that could have been a factor," Bach said.
Tokyo delegates in the hall screamed with joy, jumped in the air, hugged and waved small flags after Rogge opened a sealed envelope and read the words: "The International Olympic Committee has the honor of announcing that the games of the 32nd Olympiad in 2020 are awarded to the city of Tokyo."
Even though it was 5 a.m. Sunday in Japan, about 1,200 dignitaries and Olympic athletes who crowded into a convention hall in downtown Tokyo celebrated the news. Cheers of "Banzai!" filled the hall when the announcement was made.
"It's a great, great honor," Takeda said. "I promise we will deliver everything we've promised for 2020."
In Istanbul's old city, a groan went through a crowd of hundreds of people.
In the first round, Istanbul and Madrid tied with 26 votes each. Tokyo had 42 votes, six short of a winning a majority. Istanbul then beat Madrid 49-45 in a tiebreak to advance to the final, which Tokyo won easily.
In their final presentations, Madrid made its case as the least-expensive option and Istanbul spoke of the historic opportunity to bring the Olympics to a predominantly Muslim country for the first time.
Madrid, bidding for a third straight time, had seemed to have gained the most momentum in recent weeks despite Spain's economic crisis and 27 percent unemployment rate. The Madrid team claimed the games would pose no financial risk because most of the venues were already built.
The Turkish delegation pressed its case of taking the games to a city linking the continents of Europe and Asia.
With the civil war in Syria posing a major issue, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said taking the games to Turkey "will send a very meaningful and strong message, not only to the world, but to our broader region."
"At this critical moment, we would like to send a strong message of peace to the whole world from Istanbul," Erdogan said.
IOC member Prince Albert of Monaco asked what hosting the games in Turkey would mean to the wider region.
"We believe that hosting the Olympics in Istanbul will give this signal, this spirit of friendship and sharing and peace," Erdogan said. "And our country is a place where there is a lot of unity and diversity, and that is the idea that we can share on a broader scale with the Olympics Games being hosted in Turkey."
Madrid said 80 percent of its venues were ready and only $1.9 billion was needed for construction, a fraction of the other two bids.
"Madrid has perhaps the most reasonable and responsible financial foundation in recent Olympic history," Spanish Prime Minster Mariano Rajoy said. "We can host the Olympics in 2020 with no risk to the Olympic movement."
Tokyo defeated Istanbul 60-36 in the final round of secret voting by the International Olympic Committee. Madrid was eliminated earlier after an initial tie with Istanbul.
Tokyo, which hosted the 1964 Olympics, billed itself as the reliable choice at a time of global political and economic uncertainty a message that resonated with the IOC.
"Tokyo can be trusted to be the safe pair of hands and much more," bid leader and IOC member Tsunekazu Takeda said in the final presentation.
"Our case today is simple. Vote for Tokyo and you vote for guaranteed delivery. ... Tokyo is the right partner at the right time."
Tokyo had been on the defensive in the final days of the campaign because of mounting concerns over the leak of radioactive water from the tsunami-crippled Fukushima nuclear plant.
In the final presentation, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gave the IOC assurances that the Fukushima leak was not a threat to Tokyo and took personal responsibility for keeping the games safe.
"Let me assure you the situation is under control," Abe said. "It has never done and will never do any damage to Tokyo."
Abe gave further assurances when pressed on the issue by Norwegian IOC member Gerhard Heiberg.
"It poses no problem whatsoever," Abe said in Japanese, adding that the contamination was limited to a small area and had been "completely blocked."
"There are no health related problems until now, nor will there be in the future," he said. "I make the statement to you in the most emphatic and unequivocal way."
Tokyo Electric Power Co., Fukushima's operator, has acknowledged that tons of radioactive water has been seeping into the Pacific from the plant for more than two years after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami led to meltdowns at three of its reactors. Recent leaks from tanks storing radioactive water used to cool the reactors have added to fears that the amount of contaminated water is getting out of hand.
With Madrid's bid dogged by questions over Spain's economic crisis and Istanbul handicapped by political unrest and the civil war in neighboring Syria, Tokyo proved to be the least risky choice for the IOC.
"I think it was a choice between going to new shores and staying with a more traditional candidate," IOC vice president Thomas Bach said. "And this time they decided with the more traditional candidate."
IOC members have also been concerned about construction delays and other challenges plaguing preparations for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Opting for certainty in 2020 was a key priority.
"I think very much that could have been a factor," Bach said.
Tokyo delegates in the hall screamed with joy, jumped in the air, hugged and waved small flags after Rogge opened a sealed envelope and read the words: "The International Olympic Committee has the honor of announcing that the games of the 32nd Olympiad in 2020 are awarded to the city of Tokyo."
Even though it was 5 a.m. Sunday in Japan, about 1,200 dignitaries and Olympic athletes who crowded into a convention hall in downtown Tokyo celebrated the news. Cheers of "Banzai!" filled the hall when the announcement was made.
"It's a great, great honor," Takeda said. "I promise we will deliver everything we've promised for 2020."
In Istanbul's old city, a groan went through a crowd of hundreds of people.
In the first round, Istanbul and Madrid tied with 26 votes each. Tokyo had 42 votes, six short of a winning a majority. Istanbul then beat Madrid 49-45 in a tiebreak to advance to the final, which Tokyo won easily.
In their final presentations, Madrid made its case as the least-expensive option and Istanbul spoke of the historic opportunity to bring the Olympics to a predominantly Muslim country for the first time.
Madrid, bidding for a third straight time, had seemed to have gained the most momentum in recent weeks despite Spain's economic crisis and 27 percent unemployment rate. The Madrid team claimed the games would pose no financial risk because most of the venues were already built.
The Turkish delegation pressed its case of taking the games to a city linking the continents of Europe and Asia.
With the civil war in Syria posing a major issue, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said taking the games to Turkey "will send a very meaningful and strong message, not only to the world, but to our broader region."
"At this critical moment, we would like to send a strong message of peace to the whole world from Istanbul," Erdogan said.
IOC member Prince Albert of Monaco asked what hosting the games in Turkey would mean to the wider region.
"We believe that hosting the Olympics in Istanbul will give this signal, this spirit of friendship and sharing and peace," Erdogan said. "And our country is a place where there is a lot of unity and diversity, and that is the idea that we can share on a broader scale with the Olympics Games being hosted in Turkey."
Madrid said 80 percent of its venues were ready and only $1.9 billion was needed for construction, a fraction of the other two bids.
"Madrid has perhaps the most reasonable and responsible financial foundation in recent Olympic history," Spanish Prime Minster Mariano Rajoy said. "We can host the Olympics in 2020 with no risk to the Olympic movement."
Serena to face Azarenka in US Open final today
NEW YORK (AP) - If there s a player out there who could possibly test No. 1-seeded Serena Williams in the U.S. Open final, it s her opponent on Sunday, No. 2 Victoria Azarenka.
Williams, it s worth noting, has lost only four of 70 matches this season, and two of those defeats came against Azarenka, including just last month at a hard-court tuneup.
There s one significant switch in circumstances: Those were at smaller tournaments. This time, there s a major championship on the line, and Williams is at her best when the stakes are the biggest.
"Different energy, different opportunities. This is for a Grand Slam," Williams said. "I mean, she s trying to win yet another one; I m trying to win one myself. It s just different."
Williams will be playing in her third consecutive U.S. Open final, seventh overall, and the 21st major title match of her career. Her win-loss record is 16-4, two Grand Slam titles away from two of the greats of the game: Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert, who each won 18. The only women with more are Margaret Court with 24, Steffi Graf with 22, and Helen Wills Moody with 19.
"Yeah, I thought about that," Williams said, "but I can t think about that. It s still so close, but it s still so far."
If there were any questions about what Williams considers the truest measure of success in tennis, she made clear how she feels when she was asked to pick between Roger Federer, who owns 17 major trophies, or Rafael Nadal, who has 12.
"I go by numbers," Williams responded. "I don t think I m the greatest, because Steffi has way more Grand Slams than me. I just go by what s written down."
Most of the numbers, from their careers and these two weeks, favor Williams over Azarenka.
They ve played each other 15 times in all, and Williams has won 12.
When they met in last year s U.S. Open final this will be the first rematch at Flushing Meadows since the Williams sisters played each other in 2001 and 2002 Azarenka pushed it to a third set and was two points away from victory. But Williams took the last four games.
"Not that I don t care what happened in the past, but I think there is no need for paying so much attention to what happened. (You re) always going to take a few things, positive or negative, and try to kind of apply it in your new match, new performance," Azarenka said. "But it s always a new story. I don t even think that it s going to be close to the same as it was last year."
Well, then, let s examine the 2013 U.S. Open.
Through six matches, Williams has won every set, losing a total of only 16 games. Only once in the last 25 years has a woman dropped fewer games through six full matches en route to a Grand Slam final (Mary Pierce dropped only 10 at the 1994 French Open, then lost the final.)
Azarenka has lost two sets and 40 games, including 13 in her fourth-round match alone. Her serving has been particularly shaky: 31 double-faults, 10 aces, 20 breaks. Williams, in contrast, has been broken only twice so far.
So how can anyone solve Williams game right now?
"You ve got to fight," Azarenka said. "You know, you ve got to run, you ve got to grind, and you ve got to bite with your teeth for whatever opportunity you have."
It s clear these two have separated themselves from the rest of the pack, and not just because they re the top two in the rankings.
They re the only women to reach two Grand Slam finals this season Azarenka won her second Australian Open in January, and Williams won her second French Open in June.
Williams leads the WTA with a career-high-tying eight titles in 2013; Azarenka has three. Azarenka is a tour-leading 31-1 on hard courts.
"Azarenka is the closest player to Serena in terms of level," said Williams coach, Patrick Mouratoglou. "Azarenka is a champion, and when it comes to the big matches, she s always lifting her level. Always. So you have to be ready."
Williams, it s worth noting, has lost only four of 70 matches this season, and two of those defeats came against Azarenka, including just last month at a hard-court tuneup.
There s one significant switch in circumstances: Those were at smaller tournaments. This time, there s a major championship on the line, and Williams is at her best when the stakes are the biggest.
"Different energy, different opportunities. This is for a Grand Slam," Williams said. "I mean, she s trying to win yet another one; I m trying to win one myself. It s just different."
Williams will be playing in her third consecutive U.S. Open final, seventh overall, and the 21st major title match of her career. Her win-loss record is 16-4, two Grand Slam titles away from two of the greats of the game: Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert, who each won 18. The only women with more are Margaret Court with 24, Steffi Graf with 22, and Helen Wills Moody with 19.
"Yeah, I thought about that," Williams said, "but I can t think about that. It s still so close, but it s still so far."
If there were any questions about what Williams considers the truest measure of success in tennis, she made clear how she feels when she was asked to pick between Roger Federer, who owns 17 major trophies, or Rafael Nadal, who has 12.
"I go by numbers," Williams responded. "I don t think I m the greatest, because Steffi has way more Grand Slams than me. I just go by what s written down."
Most of the numbers, from their careers and these two weeks, favor Williams over Azarenka.
They ve played each other 15 times in all, and Williams has won 12.
When they met in last year s U.S. Open final this will be the first rematch at Flushing Meadows since the Williams sisters played each other in 2001 and 2002 Azarenka pushed it to a third set and was two points away from victory. But Williams took the last four games.
"Not that I don t care what happened in the past, but I think there is no need for paying so much attention to what happened. (You re) always going to take a few things, positive or negative, and try to kind of apply it in your new match, new performance," Azarenka said. "But it s always a new story. I don t even think that it s going to be close to the same as it was last year."
Well, then, let s examine the 2013 U.S. Open.
Through six matches, Williams has won every set, losing a total of only 16 games. Only once in the last 25 years has a woman dropped fewer games through six full matches en route to a Grand Slam final (Mary Pierce dropped only 10 at the 1994 French Open, then lost the final.)
Azarenka has lost two sets and 40 games, including 13 in her fourth-round match alone. Her serving has been particularly shaky: 31 double-faults, 10 aces, 20 breaks. Williams, in contrast, has been broken only twice so far.
So how can anyone solve Williams game right now?
"You ve got to fight," Azarenka said. "You know, you ve got to run, you ve got to grind, and you ve got to bite with your teeth for whatever opportunity you have."
It s clear these two have separated themselves from the rest of the pack, and not just because they re the top two in the rankings.
They re the only women to reach two Grand Slam finals this season Azarenka won her second Australian Open in January, and Williams won her second French Open in June.
Williams leads the WTA with a career-high-tying eight titles in 2013; Azarenka has three. Azarenka is a tour-leading 31-1 on hard courts.
"Azarenka is the closest player to Serena in terms of level," said Williams coach, Patrick Mouratoglou. "Azarenka is a champion, and when it comes to the big matches, she s always lifting her level. Always. So you have to be ready."
Friday, 30 August 2013
Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 90 runs in 2nd ODI
HARARE: Mohammad Hafeez s 136 helped Pakistan draw level in the ODI series against Zimbabwe, setting up a 90-run win in the second game in Harare.
Zimbabwe were all out at 209 while chasing a target of 299 set by Pakistan.
With the series at stake, Pakistan hit back strongly by posting a total well beyond Zimbabwe s reach, thereby giving the final match greater context.
Mohammad Hafeez led the way with an attacking, unbeaten 136 to lift Pakistan to 299, and although Zimbabwe had their moments in the chase, they failed to stretch Pakistan over a sustained period.
A clump of wickets towards the end widened the gap between the two sides, as the margin of victory suggested.
Zimbabwe didn t get the solid start they would have hoped for to set the platform for their tall chase of 300, losing three wickets by the halfway mark.
However, Brendan Taylor kept their hopes alive with a positive fifty - his first in 13 innings - and a fifty-plus stand with Sean Williams.
The challenge was keeping up with the increasing asking rate, which had crossed seven.
Vusi Sibanda fell top edging a pull off Mohammad Irfan that landed safely in Sarfraz Ahmed s gloves. Hamilton Masakadza and Sibanda had, until this game, produced opening stands of 53, 50 and 107 so it was a relief for Pakistan that the openers disbanded early as the third over.
Masakadza found early momentum with some powerful boundaries off Irfan.
He looked uncomfortable with the rising delivery, but when Irfan adjusted to fuller lengths, Masakadza made room and smashed it past cover for consecutive boundaries.
A promising knock turned out to be just a cameo as Masakadza lost his off stump to Junaid Khan, beaten for pace and lower bounce.
Timycen Maruma s indifferent form in the series extended with a run-out, sent back after setting off for a risky single to cover.
Much depended on Taylor to lead the way. He wasn t afraid of reverse sweeping the spinners, finding the boundary on two occasions, and also using his feet to them, chipping over the off side.
Williams and Taylor targeted Pakistan s main bowler, Saeed Ajmal, in his first over, playing the conventional and reverse sweeps to give the chase some momentum.
Zimbabwe were all out at 209 while chasing a target of 299 set by Pakistan.
With the series at stake, Pakistan hit back strongly by posting a total well beyond Zimbabwe s reach, thereby giving the final match greater context.
Mohammad Hafeez led the way with an attacking, unbeaten 136 to lift Pakistan to 299, and although Zimbabwe had their moments in the chase, they failed to stretch Pakistan over a sustained period.
A clump of wickets towards the end widened the gap between the two sides, as the margin of victory suggested.
Zimbabwe didn t get the solid start they would have hoped for to set the platform for their tall chase of 300, losing three wickets by the halfway mark.
However, Brendan Taylor kept their hopes alive with a positive fifty - his first in 13 innings - and a fifty-plus stand with Sean Williams.
The challenge was keeping up with the increasing asking rate, which had crossed seven.
Vusi Sibanda fell top edging a pull off Mohammad Irfan that landed safely in Sarfraz Ahmed s gloves. Hamilton Masakadza and Sibanda had, until this game, produced opening stands of 53, 50 and 107 so it was a relief for Pakistan that the openers disbanded early as the third over.
Masakadza found early momentum with some powerful boundaries off Irfan.
He looked uncomfortable with the rising delivery, but when Irfan adjusted to fuller lengths, Masakadza made room and smashed it past cover for consecutive boundaries.
A promising knock turned out to be just a cameo as Masakadza lost his off stump to Junaid Khan, beaten for pace and lower bounce.
Timycen Maruma s indifferent form in the series extended with a run-out, sent back after setting off for a risky single to cover.
Much depended on Taylor to lead the way. He wasn t afraid of reverse sweeping the spinners, finding the boundary on two occasions, and also using his feet to them, chipping over the off side.
Williams and Taylor targeted Pakistan s main bowler, Saeed Ajmal, in his first over, playing the conventional and reverse sweeps to give the chase some momentum.
Saturday, 10 August 2013
Hot Spot inventor calls for removal of bat coating
CHESTER-LE-STREET, England (AP) Protective coating should be removed from cricket bats for Hot Spot to achieve "optimum" results, the technology s inventor has said.
The current Ashes series between England and Australia has been blighted by a string of contentious decisions, with Hot Spot s thermal-imaging cameras appearing not to detect some edges behind.
Warren Brennan, the managing director of the company which owns Hot Spot, has carried out internal testing over the past three days and said he achieved "conclusive findings."
"The type and thickness of the protective coating unquestionably affects the thermal signature of the Hot Spot system," BBG Sports said in a statement released late Friday. "In layman s terms, the protective coating definitely diminishes Hot Spot marks."
"BBG Sports believes that in order to achieve optimum Hot Spot results, then the removal of protective coating from bats edges needs to occur," the statement continued. "This will allow for the best thermal signatures between cricket balls and natural timber cricket bats."
Brennan says he will pass results of tests carried out this week to the International Cricket Council.
Hot Spot became part of the Decision Review System from 2009, but only in this series have doubts crept in about the effectiveness of the technology.
Australian broadcaster Channel Nine claimed this week that silicon tape might have been attached to the edges of bats during the Ashes series to "fool" Hot Spot. Those allegations have been angrily denied by England and Australia, and the ICC isn t investigating the claims.
"At the end of the day, no technology is 100 percent perfect, however at BBG Sports we are continuously researching and developing our products to provide the best technological service for sport," Brennan said.
The current Ashes series between England and Australia has been blighted by a string of contentious decisions, with Hot Spot s thermal-imaging cameras appearing not to detect some edges behind.
Warren Brennan, the managing director of the company which owns Hot Spot, has carried out internal testing over the past three days and said he achieved "conclusive findings."
"The type and thickness of the protective coating unquestionably affects the thermal signature of the Hot Spot system," BBG Sports said in a statement released late Friday. "In layman s terms, the protective coating definitely diminishes Hot Spot marks."
"BBG Sports believes that in order to achieve optimum Hot Spot results, then the removal of protective coating from bats edges needs to occur," the statement continued. "This will allow for the best thermal signatures between cricket balls and natural timber cricket bats."
Brennan says he will pass results of tests carried out this week to the International Cricket Council.
Hot Spot became part of the Decision Review System from 2009, but only in this series have doubts crept in about the effectiveness of the technology.
Australian broadcaster Channel Nine claimed this week that silicon tape might have been attached to the edges of bats during the Ashes series to "fool" Hot Spot. Those allegations have been angrily denied by England and Australia, and the ICC isn t investigating the claims.
"At the end of the day, no technology is 100 percent perfect, however at BBG Sports we are continuously researching and developing our products to provide the best technological service for sport," Brennan said.
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
Misbah guides Pakistan to 3-1 series win
GROS ISLET (AP) - Captain Misbah-ul-Haq led Pakistan to a four-wicket victory over West Indies with yet another calm and composed half century in the fifth and final one-day international on Wednesday to clinch the series 3-1.
Misbah hit 63 off 93 balls with five fours and a six for his fourth half century of the series, and opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad scored a valuable 64 off 100 balls to guide Pakistan to 243-6 after West Indies made 242-7.
The Pakistan captain featured in two productive partnerships by adding 66 runs with Umar Akmal (33) for the fifth wicket stand after steadying the innings with 59-run partnership with Shehzad.
West Indies, after being put into bat, was indebted to captain Dwayne Bravo for a rapid 48 with Marlon Samuels (45) and opening batsman Johnson Charles (43) also making useful contributions.
"Pretty satisfying," said a smiling Misbah, who was dismissed with the scores leveled before Saeed Ajmal scampered home with the winning run. "A win is always good, especially after the losses in South Africa series and Champions Trophy."
Coming into the series, Pakistan lost all its three group matches in the Champions Trophy in England including a defeat against the West Indies and before that it lost 3-2 in South Africa.
West Indies was scratchy in the field with Sunil Narine and Marlon Samuels exhibiting some ordinary fielding efforts and giving away boundaries, but it came close to dismissing Misbah when the Pakistan captain was on 49.
Fast bowler Tino Best (3-48), playing his first match of the series, and the rest of the West Indies players were convinced that Misbah had gloved the leg side catch at the total of 190-4, but he was adjudged not out by television umpire Steve Davis.
"The matches could have gone either way, even today a few key decisions went against us," Bravo said. "Those key decisions at crucial times cost us."
Pakistan started off its run-chase in style when the opening pair of Shehzad and Nasir Jamshed (23) put on the first half century stand of the series by adding 51 runs off 65 balls.
Best, who was expensive in his first three overs that cost him 25 runs, came back strongly with three wickets for 23 runs, but Misbah s calmness in the end saw Pakistan through.
Misbah farmed the strike with Shehzad before Akmal cut loose with three successive boundaries off fast bowler Jason Holder.
Earlier, Bravo s knock off 27 balls included five fours and three sixes after Pakistan fast bowlers Junaid Khan (3-48) and Mohammad Irfan (2-34) had mopped up the top order and restricted West Indies to 170-6 in the 45th over.
But Bravo dominated a 53-run seventh wicket stand with former captain Sammy (29 not out) to give West Indies some hope.
Samuels (45) and opening batsman Johnson Charles (43) also made useful contributions, but Chris Gayle s disappointing series ended when he was brilliantly snapped up for 21 by wicketkeeper Umar Akmal with his right hand over his head.
Pakistan will now play two Twenty20s against West Indies at St. Vincent over the weekend.
Misbah hit 63 off 93 balls with five fours and a six for his fourth half century of the series, and opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad scored a valuable 64 off 100 balls to guide Pakistan to 243-6 after West Indies made 242-7.
The Pakistan captain featured in two productive partnerships by adding 66 runs with Umar Akmal (33) for the fifth wicket stand after steadying the innings with 59-run partnership with Shehzad.
West Indies, after being put into bat, was indebted to captain Dwayne Bravo for a rapid 48 with Marlon Samuels (45) and opening batsman Johnson Charles (43) also making useful contributions.
"Pretty satisfying," said a smiling Misbah, who was dismissed with the scores leveled before Saeed Ajmal scampered home with the winning run. "A win is always good, especially after the losses in South Africa series and Champions Trophy."
Coming into the series, Pakistan lost all its three group matches in the Champions Trophy in England including a defeat against the West Indies and before that it lost 3-2 in South Africa.
West Indies was scratchy in the field with Sunil Narine and Marlon Samuels exhibiting some ordinary fielding efforts and giving away boundaries, but it came close to dismissing Misbah when the Pakistan captain was on 49.
Fast bowler Tino Best (3-48), playing his first match of the series, and the rest of the West Indies players were convinced that Misbah had gloved the leg side catch at the total of 190-4, but he was adjudged not out by television umpire Steve Davis.
"The matches could have gone either way, even today a few key decisions went against us," Bravo said. "Those key decisions at crucial times cost us."
Pakistan started off its run-chase in style when the opening pair of Shehzad and Nasir Jamshed (23) put on the first half century stand of the series by adding 51 runs off 65 balls.
Best, who was expensive in his first three overs that cost him 25 runs, came back strongly with three wickets for 23 runs, but Misbah s calmness in the end saw Pakistan through.
Misbah farmed the strike with Shehzad before Akmal cut loose with three successive boundaries off fast bowler Jason Holder.
Earlier, Bravo s knock off 27 balls included five fours and three sixes after Pakistan fast bowlers Junaid Khan (3-48) and Mohammad Irfan (2-34) had mopped up the top order and restricted West Indies to 170-6 in the 45th over.
But Bravo dominated a 53-run seventh wicket stand with former captain Sammy (29 not out) to give West Indies some hope.
Samuels (45) and opening batsman Johnson Charles (43) also made useful contributions, but Chris Gayle s disappointing series ended when he was brilliantly snapped up for 21 by wicketkeeper Umar Akmal with his right hand over his head.
Pakistan will now play two Twenty20s against West Indies at St. Vincent over the weekend.
Sunday, 14 July 2013
Magical Afridi earns Pakistan big win against WIndies
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) - All-rounder Shahid Afridi returned to international cricket with a blistering half century and a career-best 7-12 as Pakistan recorded a thumping 126-run victory over West Indies in the first one-day international on Sunday.
Afridi, recalled after missing last month s Champions Trophy due to poor form, scored 76 off 55 balls to pilot Pakistan to 224-9. Afridi then skittled West Indies out for 98 in 41 overs to record the second-best ever bowling figures in one-day internationals after Sri Lanka s Chamina Vaas 8-19 against Zimbabwe in 2001.
It was also West Indies lowest ever ODI total against Pakistan.
West Indies had Pakistan on the mat at 47-5 before Afridi and captain Misbah-ul-Haq (52) featured in a 120-run stand against some inconsistent bowling which saw the home team bowling 23 wide balls.
The second one-day international of the five-match will be played at the same venue Tuesday.
"It was the most difficult pitch on which I have ever played," Misbah said. "The ball was seaming and stopping, but it was Afridi s day, the way he batted and bowled."
West Indies never looked to threaten Pakistan s total from the onset once 7-foot-1-inch fast bowler Mohammad Irfan clean bowled Johnson Charles with a low full toss and had Darren Bravo caught behind down the legside.
Chris Gayle, who wanted to make his 250th ODI appearance a memorable one, was run out in a mix-up with Marlon Samuels for just one run as West Indies slumped to 7-3 in five overs.
Lendl Simmons and Samuels batted at a snail s pace before Afridi started the slide in the 23rd over.
Afridi had Simmons stumped and trapped captain Dwayne Bravo leg before wicket off the next delivery. He went on to claim the wickets of Kieron Pollard, Samuels and Kemar Roach in his opening spell of eight overs before he returned to finish off the innings by claiming the last two wickets of Sunil Narine and Holder.
"I just try to keep it simple, sometimes I get good turn off the pitch and if I don t get turn I try to bowl straight ones for leg before wicket decisions," Afridi said.
Afridi also reached 350 wickets in ODIs to become the third Pakistan to achieve the feat after Wasim Akram (502) and Waqar Younis (416).
Earlier, Afridi dominated Pakistan s record-breaking sixth wicket stand against West Indies of 120 runs off 113 balls with Misbah holding the innings together with a sedate 52 off 121 balls.
Afridi holed out in the deep in the 39th over which helped West Indies to hit back but its bowlers were guilty of giving away too many extras which swelled Pakistan s total.
Holder broke through early after Dwayne Bravo won the toss and put Pakistan in to bat at Providence Stadium hosting its first international match after two years.
Ahmed Shehzad (5) and Mohammad Hafeez (1) were clean bowled while attempting to leave Holder s incoming deliveries but Nasir Jamshed (6) was unlucky to be adjudged leg before wicket by umpire Joel Wilson as the television replays suggested the ball was missing the off stump.
Asad Shafiq was brilliantly caught behind by makeshift wicketkeeper Johnson Charles after West Indies opted to leave out regular keeper Dinesh Ramdin for at least first two games of the five-match series.
Pakistan stuttered at 23-4 and it could have been 24-5, but umpire Wilson again erred when he could not hear a clear edge off Umar Akmal s bat that would have earned Holder his fifth wicket.
However, West Indies did not have to wait long as Akmal got a leading edge off Roach and was caught by Dwayne Bravo at mid-on after struggling to score 19 runs.
Afridi then revived Pakistan s innings with Misbah, who gave the flamboyant all-rounder most of the strike.
The introduction of spinners Narine and Samuels eased the pressure on the batsmen as both spinners bowled a dozen wide balls among them and gave away 56 runs between them off six overs.
Afridi raised the 100-run stand with a flat six off Samuels over long on before he holed out off a slower delivery from Pollard.
Misbah raised his half century off 119 balls with only one boundary but added some valuable runs with Pakistan s tailenders to take the team s beyond the 200-run mark.
The Pakistan captain was caught behind in the 48th over when he got a thick edge off Bravo, who also conceded 14 runs in his last over with No. 10 Asad Ali hitting a big six over mid-wicket.
Afridi, recalled after missing last month s Champions Trophy due to poor form, scored 76 off 55 balls to pilot Pakistan to 224-9. Afridi then skittled West Indies out for 98 in 41 overs to record the second-best ever bowling figures in one-day internationals after Sri Lanka s Chamina Vaas 8-19 against Zimbabwe in 2001.
It was also West Indies lowest ever ODI total against Pakistan.
West Indies had Pakistan on the mat at 47-5 before Afridi and captain Misbah-ul-Haq (52) featured in a 120-run stand against some inconsistent bowling which saw the home team bowling 23 wide balls.
The second one-day international of the five-match will be played at the same venue Tuesday.
"It was the most difficult pitch on which I have ever played," Misbah said. "The ball was seaming and stopping, but it was Afridi s day, the way he batted and bowled."
West Indies never looked to threaten Pakistan s total from the onset once 7-foot-1-inch fast bowler Mohammad Irfan clean bowled Johnson Charles with a low full toss and had Darren Bravo caught behind down the legside.
Chris Gayle, who wanted to make his 250th ODI appearance a memorable one, was run out in a mix-up with Marlon Samuels for just one run as West Indies slumped to 7-3 in five overs.
Lendl Simmons and Samuels batted at a snail s pace before Afridi started the slide in the 23rd over.
Afridi had Simmons stumped and trapped captain Dwayne Bravo leg before wicket off the next delivery. He went on to claim the wickets of Kieron Pollard, Samuels and Kemar Roach in his opening spell of eight overs before he returned to finish off the innings by claiming the last two wickets of Sunil Narine and Holder.
"I just try to keep it simple, sometimes I get good turn off the pitch and if I don t get turn I try to bowl straight ones for leg before wicket decisions," Afridi said.
Afridi also reached 350 wickets in ODIs to become the third Pakistan to achieve the feat after Wasim Akram (502) and Waqar Younis (416).
Earlier, Afridi dominated Pakistan s record-breaking sixth wicket stand against West Indies of 120 runs off 113 balls with Misbah holding the innings together with a sedate 52 off 121 balls.
Afridi holed out in the deep in the 39th over which helped West Indies to hit back but its bowlers were guilty of giving away too many extras which swelled Pakistan s total.
Holder broke through early after Dwayne Bravo won the toss and put Pakistan in to bat at Providence Stadium hosting its first international match after two years.
Ahmed Shehzad (5) and Mohammad Hafeez (1) were clean bowled while attempting to leave Holder s incoming deliveries but Nasir Jamshed (6) was unlucky to be adjudged leg before wicket by umpire Joel Wilson as the television replays suggested the ball was missing the off stump.
Asad Shafiq was brilliantly caught behind by makeshift wicketkeeper Johnson Charles after West Indies opted to leave out regular keeper Dinesh Ramdin for at least first two games of the five-match series.
Pakistan stuttered at 23-4 and it could have been 24-5, but umpire Wilson again erred when he could not hear a clear edge off Umar Akmal s bat that would have earned Holder his fifth wicket.
However, West Indies did not have to wait long as Akmal got a leading edge off Roach and was caught by Dwayne Bravo at mid-on after struggling to score 19 runs.
Afridi then revived Pakistan s innings with Misbah, who gave the flamboyant all-rounder most of the strike.
The introduction of spinners Narine and Samuels eased the pressure on the batsmen as both spinners bowled a dozen wide balls among them and gave away 56 runs between them off six overs.
Afridi raised the 100-run stand with a flat six off Samuels over long on before he holed out off a slower delivery from Pollard.
Misbah raised his half century off 119 balls with only one boundary but added some valuable runs with Pakistan s tailenders to take the team s beyond the 200-run mark.
The Pakistan captain was caught behind in the 48th over when he got a thick edge off Bravo, who also conceded 14 runs in his last over with No. 10 Asad Ali hitting a big six over mid-wicket.
Monday, 24 June 2013
Sethi says he will try to resolve problems at PCB
ISLAMABAD (AP) - The newly appointed acting chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board said Sunday he will try to lead the organization out of crisis in a transparent manner and will attend next week s annual board meeting of the International Cricket Council.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif appointed prominent journalist Najam Sethi to the post on Sunday after the Islamabad High Court ordered the government to replace PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf last month.
"My job is to resolve all the problems of cricket board in a transparent manner like election, selection and then go back home," Sethi said in Lahore.
Sethi said he met with Sharif two days ago and the prime minister wanted him to represent Pakistan at the ICC meeting and also fulfill the orders of IHC judge Shaukat Aziz Siddique.
The judge had stopped Ashraf from working as PCB chairman last month and termed his election as "polluted" in a petition filed by a former official of the Rawalpindi region. Siddique also ordered the government to appoint an acting chairman, who could represent Pakistan at the ICC meeting in London.
"It was mandatory (to attend ICC meeting) because it has never happened in history that a country s representative on the ICC board did not attend the meeting," said Sethi, who will be accompanied by PCB chief operating officer Subhan Ahmed at the ICC meeting.
Sethi, who is a prominent political analyst in both print and electronic media in Pakistan, also served as caretaker chief minister in the Punjab province before Pakistan s general elections in May.
His appointment came as a surprise after the government s counsel last week informed the court that former captain Majid Khan, cricket commentator Chishtie Mujahid and the former chief of the Federal Bureau of Revenue Mumtaz Haider Rizvi were shortlisted for the post. That list was reportedly passed to Sharif, who was to announce thewinning candidate.
Last year the ICC issued a deadline of June 2013 for all the countries to run their cricket boards along democratic lines and under minimum interference from governments.
But Sethi said the ICC has softened its stance because the game s governing body realizes there are complexities surrounding the governance of cricket in countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh.
"ICC had given guidelines to conduct elections in a democratic way, but now they realize there are problems at grassroots democracy in countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan," he said.
"Previously they took a hard line but now they have softened their stance. We will go listen to them and then we will discuss it here with the courts, government and then take the decision."
Sethi s agenda also includes approval of the team selected for next month s tour of the West Indies where Pakistan will be playing five one-day internationals and two Twenty20s.
"More than 95 per cent of the work has been done and there s not much time left. I will be meeting with the selectors and see what they have recommended before going for the ICC meeting."
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif appointed prominent journalist Najam Sethi to the post on Sunday after the Islamabad High Court ordered the government to replace PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf last month.
"My job is to resolve all the problems of cricket board in a transparent manner like election, selection and then go back home," Sethi said in Lahore.
Sethi said he met with Sharif two days ago and the prime minister wanted him to represent Pakistan at the ICC meeting and also fulfill the orders of IHC judge Shaukat Aziz Siddique.
The judge had stopped Ashraf from working as PCB chairman last month and termed his election as "polluted" in a petition filed by a former official of the Rawalpindi region. Siddique also ordered the government to appoint an acting chairman, who could represent Pakistan at the ICC meeting in London.
"It was mandatory (to attend ICC meeting) because it has never happened in history that a country s representative on the ICC board did not attend the meeting," said Sethi, who will be accompanied by PCB chief operating officer Subhan Ahmed at the ICC meeting.
Sethi, who is a prominent political analyst in both print and electronic media in Pakistan, also served as caretaker chief minister in the Punjab province before Pakistan s general elections in May.
His appointment came as a surprise after the government s counsel last week informed the court that former captain Majid Khan, cricket commentator Chishtie Mujahid and the former chief of the Federal Bureau of Revenue Mumtaz Haider Rizvi were shortlisted for the post. That list was reportedly passed to Sharif, who was to announce thewinning candidate.
Last year the ICC issued a deadline of June 2013 for all the countries to run their cricket boards along democratic lines and under minimum interference from governments.
But Sethi said the ICC has softened its stance because the game s governing body realizes there are complexities surrounding the governance of cricket in countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh.
"ICC had given guidelines to conduct elections in a democratic way, but now they realize there are problems at grassroots democracy in countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan," he said.
"Previously they took a hard line but now they have softened their stance. We will go listen to them and then we will discuss it here with the courts, government and then take the decision."
Sethi s agenda also includes approval of the team selected for next month s tour of the West Indies where Pakistan will be playing five one-day internationals and two Twenty20s.
"More than 95 per cent of the work has been done and there s not much time left. I will be meeting with the selectors and see what they have recommended before going for the ICC meeting."
Sunday, 9 June 2013
England crush Australia in Champions Trophy
BIRMINGHAM: Hosts England got off to a promising start in the Champions Trophy, inflicting a crushing 48-run defeat on their traditional rivals Australia at the Edgbaston Stadium on Saturday night.
After England posted a challenging 269 for 6 through Ian Bell’s elegant 91 runs, their bowlers restricted Australia to 221 for 9.
Australia skipper George Bailey’s battling 55 runs and James Faulkner’s unbeaten 54 went in vain. James Anderson, who became the highest wicket-taker for England in One-Day Internationals during the match with 237, returned with figures of 3 for 30.
Australia needed a good start but failed to get it as England took control. In the sixth over, Stuart Broad made opener David Warner edge to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler for 9. Shane Watson and Philip Hughes put on 30 runs in 8.4 overs for the second wicket when Tim Bresnan bagged the prized wicket of Watson. The bat-pad catch from Watson on 24 was taken by Cook at gully.
After England posted a challenging 269 for 6 through Ian Bell’s elegant 91 runs, their bowlers restricted Australia to 221 for 9.
Australia skipper George Bailey’s battling 55 runs and James Faulkner’s unbeaten 54 went in vain. James Anderson, who became the highest wicket-taker for England in One-Day Internationals during the match with 237, returned with figures of 3 for 30.
Australia needed a good start but failed to get it as England took control. In the sixth over, Stuart Broad made opener David Warner edge to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler for 9. Shane Watson and Philip Hughes put on 30 runs in 8.4 overs for the second wicket when Tim Bresnan bagged the prized wicket of Watson. The bat-pad catch from Watson on 24 was taken by Cook at gully.
Thursday, 16 May 2013
Indian bowler Sreesanth, two others arrested for spot-fixing
IPL: In a sensational development, Indian paceman S Sreesanth and two of his Rajasthan Royals teammates Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan were arrested by the Delhi police on the charges of spot fixing in the ongoing Indian Premier League.
The special cell of the Delhi police arrested Sreesanth from his friend s place in Mumbai while the other two cricketers were arrested last night from the team hotel at Nariman Point for their alleged role in spot fixing.
The arrest took place immediately after the players returned to their team hotel, following their match against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede stadium. The hosts won by 14 runs. The Delhi police source said that these players were under the scanner for their role in spot fixing in some of the earlier IPL match although they did not elaborate which matches were under scrutiny.
The police have also arrested seven bookies in Mumbai and three bookies in Delhi in connection with the same case. They are looking for two more bookies in Delhi. The development comes as a shock for the IPL authorities who have time and again grappled with controversies and scandals ever since the league was launched in 2008.
IPL Chairman Rajiv Shukla said he was awaiting details on the incident. Rajasthan Royals CEO Raghu Iyer said that the three players were picked up by Delhi police last night and the team management was co-operating with the investigation.
"Rajasthan Royals has zero tolerance for corruption and we will take action, if charges are proved," he said.
The special cell of the Delhi police arrested Sreesanth from his friend s place in Mumbai while the other two cricketers were arrested last night from the team hotel at Nariman Point for their alleged role in spot fixing.
The arrest took place immediately after the players returned to their team hotel, following their match against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede stadium. The hosts won by 14 runs. The Delhi police source said that these players were under the scanner for their role in spot fixing in some of the earlier IPL match although they did not elaborate which matches were under scrutiny.
The police have also arrested seven bookies in Mumbai and three bookies in Delhi in connection with the same case. They are looking for two more bookies in Delhi. The development comes as a shock for the IPL authorities who have time and again grappled with controversies and scandals ever since the league was launched in 2008.
IPL Chairman Rajiv Shukla said he was awaiting details on the incident. Rajasthan Royals CEO Raghu Iyer said that the three players were picked up by Delhi police last night and the team management was co-operating with the investigation.
"Rajasthan Royals has zero tolerance for corruption and we will take action, if charges are proved," he said.
Sunday, 21 April 2013
Wax figure of Tendulkar unveiled at SCG
SYDNEY (AP) - Sachin Tendulkar has made an unscheduled appearance at the Sydney Cricket Ground as a life-sized wax figure of the Indian batsman was unveiled in front of a throng of cricket fans.
Local Indian fans, known as the Swami Army, cheered and sang Indian chants as the "Little Master" was unveiled at the SCG before becoming a permanent attraction at Sydney s Madame Tussauds wax museum.
The waxwork is the latest honor bestowed on Tendulkar in Australia. Late last year he received the Order of Australia for his contribution to international cricket.
Tendulkar, who turns 40 on Wednesday, is currently in India representing the Indian Premier League side the Delhi Daredevils. Speculation persists that Tendulkar to could soon retire from test cricket, ending a 23-year international career.
Local Indian fans, known as the Swami Army, cheered and sang Indian chants as the "Little Master" was unveiled at the SCG before becoming a permanent attraction at Sydney s Madame Tussauds wax museum.
The waxwork is the latest honor bestowed on Tendulkar in Australia. Late last year he received the Order of Australia for his contribution to international cricket.
Tendulkar, who turns 40 on Wednesday, is currently in India representing the Indian Premier League side the Delhi Daredevils. Speculation persists that Tendulkar to could soon retire from test cricket, ending a 23-year international career.
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