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Cricket Highlights : Sri Lanka V New Zealand - 2Nd Test (Day 03) - 8/28/2009 8:06:40 PM
Part I
Part II
Part III
Sri Lanka sliced through New Zealand's brittle batting line-up then twisted the knife by amassing what threatens to be an impregnable victory target as the second cricket test followed a familiar script here today. After wrapping up New Zealand's first innings during the opening session on day three at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Sri Lanka's strokemakers then set about extending their initial 182-run advantage, picking off runs at will. At tea Sri Lanka were 90 for two, an overall lead of 272. Barring a collapse, Kumar Sangakkara, who is not out 20, will again have the luxury of setting New Zealand a nominal fourth innings run chase. The captain deemed 416 sufficient to defend over four sessions in Galle last week; a similar sized run chase might be set some time tomorrow. Sri Lanka again showed the pitch was tailormade for batting.
Even out of sorts opener Tharanga Paranavitana used it to his advantage by creeping out of his form slump with a 34 cruelly cut short by Australian umpire Daryl Harper. Paranavitana was unlucky to be given out to a non-existent edge to Brendon McCullum late in the session, a breakthrough that gave Daniel Vettori his 50th Sri Lankan wicket. Tillakaratne Dilshan, on 33, was the other wicket to fall, caught in the deep by Martin Guptill off the bowling of spinner Jeetan Patel. Earlier, New Zealand's pursuit of Sri Lanka's first innings of 416 never gained traction after overnight batsmen Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor were dismissed within 40 minutes of play resuming. McCullum was the first wicket to fall after being unable to profit from two dropped catches in the same Rangana Herath over when he was on 13.
McCullum, who summed up New Zealand's timidity against the two-pronged spin attack of Muttiah Muralitharan and Herath, duly succumbed to Muralitharan for 18, triggering a slide that saw the bottom half of the batting order add only 75 runs. New Zealand's only positive was passing the follow-on target of 217. Resuming on 159 for five, the innings petered out as Muralitharan and Herath took three wickets apiece. Once McCullum's torment was ended, so too did New Zealand's prospects of getting within range of Sri Lanka's tally. Seven balls later, their only in-form specialist batsman Ross Taylor gave Herath overdue reward when his defensive prod caught an edge before being gloved by Prasanna Jayawardene. Muralitharan closed with three for 71 from 25.4 teasing overs though Herath was far from overshadowed. He justified his recall at the expense of Ajantha Mendis by claiming three for 70 from 34 overs - an analysis that will disappoint the New Zealanders given Vettori should give them an insight on how to play left-arm spin.
Part II
Part III
Sri Lanka sliced through New Zealand's brittle batting line-up then twisted the knife by amassing what threatens to be an impregnable victory target as the second cricket test followed a familiar script here today. After wrapping up New Zealand's first innings during the opening session on day three at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Sri Lanka's strokemakers then set about extending their initial 182-run advantage, picking off runs at will. At tea Sri Lanka were 90 for two, an overall lead of 272. Barring a collapse, Kumar Sangakkara, who is not out 20, will again have the luxury of setting New Zealand a nominal fourth innings run chase. The captain deemed 416 sufficient to defend over four sessions in Galle last week; a similar sized run chase might be set some time tomorrow. Sri Lanka again showed the pitch was tailormade for batting.
Even out of sorts opener Tharanga Paranavitana used it to his advantage by creeping out of his form slump with a 34 cruelly cut short by Australian umpire Daryl Harper. Paranavitana was unlucky to be given out to a non-existent edge to Brendon McCullum late in the session, a breakthrough that gave Daniel Vettori his 50th Sri Lankan wicket. Tillakaratne Dilshan, on 33, was the other wicket to fall, caught in the deep by Martin Guptill off the bowling of spinner Jeetan Patel. Earlier, New Zealand's pursuit of Sri Lanka's first innings of 416 never gained traction after overnight batsmen Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor were dismissed within 40 minutes of play resuming. McCullum was the first wicket to fall after being unable to profit from two dropped catches in the same Rangana Herath over when he was on 13.
McCullum, who summed up New Zealand's timidity against the two-pronged spin attack of Muttiah Muralitharan and Herath, duly succumbed to Muralitharan for 18, triggering a slide that saw the bottom half of the batting order add only 75 runs. New Zealand's only positive was passing the follow-on target of 217. Resuming on 159 for five, the innings petered out as Muralitharan and Herath took three wickets apiece. Once McCullum's torment was ended, so too did New Zealand's prospects of getting within range of Sri Lanka's tally. Seven balls later, their only in-form specialist batsman Ross Taylor gave Herath overdue reward when his defensive prod caught an edge before being gloved by Prasanna Jayawardene. Muralitharan closed with three for 71 from 25.4 teasing overs though Herath was far from overshadowed. He justified his recall at the expense of Ajantha Mendis by claiming three for 70 from 34 overs - an analysis that will disappoint the New Zealanders given Vettori should give them an insight on how to play left-arm spin.
Cricket Highlights : Sri Lanka V New Zealand - 2Nd Test (Day 02) - 8/27/2009 8:26:23 PM
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
New Zealand's inconsistent batting line-up fractured on cue as Sri Lanka backed up Thilan Samaraweera's century with a clinical bowling display at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo overnight. At stumps on day two of the second test New Zealand were in a predicament reminiscent of last week's first test in Galle - trying to avoid the follow on after mounting a limp reply to Sri Lanka's first innings of 416. New Zealand were 159 for five at the close, the loss of two wickets in seven balls as the shadows lengthened summing up their gloomy situation. Their first priority is to reach 217 and remove the prospect of being asked to bat a second time by Kumar Sangakkara. Jesse Ryder's departure with eight overs remaining snapped the only promising stand of the response so far. The first three batsmen had come and gone by 15.4 overs, leaving Ross Taylor and Ryder to repair the damage by trying to emulate Mahela Jayawardene and Samaraweera's 180-run stand for the fourth wicket.
They managed only 85 before left arm orthodox spinner Ragana Herath had Ryder caught at bad pad by Tharanga Paranavitana for 23 from 92 balls, leaving Taylor as the beacon of hope. Taylor resumes on 70 tomorrow, aware his fifth half century will need to be converted into a fifth test century if New Zealand are to get within range of Sri Lanka's tally. McCullum restarts on five. New Zealand's innings started bizarrely when opening batsman and occasional spinner Tillakaratne Dilshan had first use of the new ball but then reverted to type. Tim McIntosh, the first innings cornerstone in Galle, fell leg before wicket in the third over for five to Dammika Prasad's first ball then Daniel Flynn's struggles continued when he sparred Thilan Thushara to diving wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene. Martin Guptill and Taylor survived to tea but the opener was soon guilty of another excruciating dismissal when he top edged the fourth short ball of a Thushara over to Muralitharan at deep square leg.
Guptill's exit for 35 represented the second consecutive innings Thushara had tempted him to pull with disastrous results after the aggressive right hander chopped on to his stumps in Galle. Samaraweera was never likely to depart in similar circumstance, though an ambitious reverse sweep ended his majestic 143 from 240 balls as the tail tumbled around him. The 32-year-old's fourth century of the year - and his smallest - formed the basis of Sri Lanka's imposing first innings . Separating Mahela Jayawardene and Samaraweera was always going to be critical for New Zealand when Sri Lanka resumed on 262 for three. And although the duo only added another 33 before the former captain was denied a record 10th century on his home ground, it already looms as the significant point of difference. Samaraweera and Chamara Kapugedera then added 72 but once the allrounder became the first Patel victim the innings degenerated, Sri Lanka losing their last five wickets for 27.
Part II
Part III
Part IV
New Zealand's inconsistent batting line-up fractured on cue as Sri Lanka backed up Thilan Samaraweera's century with a clinical bowling display at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo overnight. At stumps on day two of the second test New Zealand were in a predicament reminiscent of last week's first test in Galle - trying to avoid the follow on after mounting a limp reply to Sri Lanka's first innings of 416. New Zealand were 159 for five at the close, the loss of two wickets in seven balls as the shadows lengthened summing up their gloomy situation. Their first priority is to reach 217 and remove the prospect of being asked to bat a second time by Kumar Sangakkara. Jesse Ryder's departure with eight overs remaining snapped the only promising stand of the response so far. The first three batsmen had come and gone by 15.4 overs, leaving Ross Taylor and Ryder to repair the damage by trying to emulate Mahela Jayawardene and Samaraweera's 180-run stand for the fourth wicket.
They managed only 85 before left arm orthodox spinner Ragana Herath had Ryder caught at bad pad by Tharanga Paranavitana for 23 from 92 balls, leaving Taylor as the beacon of hope. Taylor resumes on 70 tomorrow, aware his fifth half century will need to be converted into a fifth test century if New Zealand are to get within range of Sri Lanka's tally. McCullum restarts on five. New Zealand's innings started bizarrely when opening batsman and occasional spinner Tillakaratne Dilshan had first use of the new ball but then reverted to type. Tim McIntosh, the first innings cornerstone in Galle, fell leg before wicket in the third over for five to Dammika Prasad's first ball then Daniel Flynn's struggles continued when he sparred Thilan Thushara to diving wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene. Martin Guptill and Taylor survived to tea but the opener was soon guilty of another excruciating dismissal when he top edged the fourth short ball of a Thushara over to Muralitharan at deep square leg.
Guptill's exit for 35 represented the second consecutive innings Thushara had tempted him to pull with disastrous results after the aggressive right hander chopped on to his stumps in Galle. Samaraweera was never likely to depart in similar circumstance, though an ambitious reverse sweep ended his majestic 143 from 240 balls as the tail tumbled around him. The 32-year-old's fourth century of the year - and his smallest - formed the basis of Sri Lanka's imposing first innings . Separating Mahela Jayawardene and Samaraweera was always going to be critical for New Zealand when Sri Lanka resumed on 262 for three. And although the duo only added another 33 before the former captain was denied a record 10th century on his home ground, it already looms as the significant point of difference. Samaraweera and Chamara Kapugedera then added 72 but once the allrounder became the first Patel victim the innings degenerated, Sri Lanka losing their last five wickets for 27.
Cricket Highlights : England V Australia - 5Th Test (Day 04) - 8/23/2009 9:10:44 PM
Part I
Part II
Part III
Australia's autopsy into this disastrous 2-1 series failure must now begin, with the team sinking to its lowest Test ranking after the heavy 197-run defeat at The Oval on Sunday. All the huff and puff of making amends for 2005 came to nought with Australia comprehensively outplayed over four days against an English side resolute in its belief, despite suffering a humiliating third Test defeat. Set an improbable world-record chase of 545, Australia were dismissed for 348 late in the day as long shadows crept across the Kennington outfield. The shadows will now creep over Australia's selectors, coaches and players. Ricky Ponting's side has now lost three of its past four series, but this one will hurt most. How England were allowed to come back into the series following their innings and 80-run loss at Headingley is difficult to fathom.
Ponting admitted he faced a tough reception upon his return to Australia. ''No doubt I'll have a few questions to answer when I get back,'' he said. ''We've given everything, 100 per cent since we've been here. ''We haven't been good enough. [England] won the big moments and they deserve to win the series. ''It was a poor wicket I thought, but it had no influence on the outcome.'' Relegated to third, Australia will fall further to fourth if, as expected, Sri Lanka defeat New Zealand again this week. Australia had never been lower than second since the inception of the ICC ranking system in May 2003. England captain and man of the series Andrew Strauss said the fluctuating series was a highlight of his career. ''It's a special moment for all of us, the players have had to dig pretty deep. ''We've had to show a hell of a lot of character and determination and fight.
The victory handed Andrew Strauss's men a 2-1 series triumph for England's second Ashes series win since 1986-87 in front of a delirious home crowd at south London. Mike Hussey (121) resuscitated his ailing Test career with a rearguard century before the home side officially flicked the switch on Australia's Ashes campaign at 5.48pm local time. Spinner Graeme Swann (4-120) collected the final wicket, having his good mate Hussey caught in close by Alastair Cook to dismiss Australia for 348 and ignite euphoric scenes. The result means Ricky Ponting has become the first Australian captain in 119 years to lose two Ashes series in England. The defeat also means Australia lose their No.1 Test ranking and could slip as low as fourth spot if Sri Lanka defeat New Zealand in this week's Test in Colombo.
Part II
Part III
Australia's autopsy into this disastrous 2-1 series failure must now begin, with the team sinking to its lowest Test ranking after the heavy 197-run defeat at The Oval on Sunday. All the huff and puff of making amends for 2005 came to nought with Australia comprehensively outplayed over four days against an English side resolute in its belief, despite suffering a humiliating third Test defeat. Set an improbable world-record chase of 545, Australia were dismissed for 348 late in the day as long shadows crept across the Kennington outfield. The shadows will now creep over Australia's selectors, coaches and players. Ricky Ponting's side has now lost three of its past four series, but this one will hurt most. How England were allowed to come back into the series following their innings and 80-run loss at Headingley is difficult to fathom.
Ponting admitted he faced a tough reception upon his return to Australia. ''No doubt I'll have a few questions to answer when I get back,'' he said. ''We've given everything, 100 per cent since we've been here. ''We haven't been good enough. [England] won the big moments and they deserve to win the series. ''It was a poor wicket I thought, but it had no influence on the outcome.'' Relegated to third, Australia will fall further to fourth if, as expected, Sri Lanka defeat New Zealand again this week. Australia had never been lower than second since the inception of the ICC ranking system in May 2003. England captain and man of the series Andrew Strauss said the fluctuating series was a highlight of his career. ''It's a special moment for all of us, the players have had to dig pretty deep. ''We've had to show a hell of a lot of character and determination and fight.
The victory handed Andrew Strauss's men a 2-1 series triumph for England's second Ashes series win since 1986-87 in front of a delirious home crowd at south London. Mike Hussey (121) resuscitated his ailing Test career with a rearguard century before the home side officially flicked the switch on Australia's Ashes campaign at 5.48pm local time. Spinner Graeme Swann (4-120) collected the final wicket, having his good mate Hussey caught in close by Alastair Cook to dismiss Australia for 348 and ignite euphoric scenes. The result means Ricky Ponting has become the first Australian captain in 119 years to lose two Ashes series in England. The defeat also means Australia lose their No.1 Test ranking and could slip as low as fourth spot if Sri Lanka defeat New Zealand in this week's Test in Colombo.
Cricket Highlights : England V Australia - 5Th Test (Day 03) - 8/22/2009 8:33:54 PM
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
England need 10 Australian wickets in the next two days to claim cricket's greatest prize after new recruit Jonathan Trott set up victory in the decisive fifth Test at The Oval with the first hundred by a batsman on Ashes debut since 1993. Trott, drafted in following England's defeat at Headingley that set up the winner-takes all finale, more than justified his place with 119 precious runs spanning nearly six hours. It allowed captain Andrew Strauss to declare on 373-9 to set Australia what would be a world-record 546 for victory. 'The day was surreal,' said Trott, whose mother was in tears watching in the crowd. 'It is one of those things you put in the memory bank. 'Hopefully one day I can look back and enjoy the moment, but for now we must concentrate on getting 10 wickets tomorrow.' England's bowlers failed to take one last night in the 20 overs available as openers Shane Watson and Simon Katich held firm to finish on 80 for 0.
They now require a further 466 to win in a minimum of 180 overs and they will have noticed the dry surface which has caused such debate since the start of the match on Thursday, called 'a dustbowl' by former England coach David Lloyd, appeared last evening to behave rather more benignly. But with Andrew Flintoff determined to finish his Test career on a high, Stuart Broad eager to repeat his first-innings heroics and off-spinner Graeme Swann expected to extract turn and bounce out of the footmarks, Strauss will be confident his side can press home their advantage. For Aussie captain Ricky Ponting, the motivation will be no less great as a win or a draw will ensure he avoids making his own history as the first touring Australian captain to lose two Ashes series since Billy Murdoch in 1884 and 1890. The little Ashes urn always stays in the MCC Museum at Lord's, but the title has been Australia's since their 5-0 series victory in 2006-07. Defeat will also knock Australia off the top of the world Test rankings. But Trott, the 28-year-old Warwickshire batsman who was born in Cape Town but qualifies for England by residency, could bask in the glory last night after producing a high-quality innings reminiscent in substance, if not quite swash-buckling style, as his fellow South Africa Kevin Pietersen's four years ago on the same stage to secure the Ashes.
Trott looked thoroughly at home. Of course, there were nerves in the first innings, with manifestation of a propensity to hit across his front pad, but anxiety always brings out the worst technical frailties. These could hardly be detected in the second innings- only really on 96 with a dangerously whipped single off Stuart Clark. More indicative of Trott's considerable qualities were two sumptuous on-driven fours off Clark to move from 110 to 118. It was a wonderful performance. Carpers will be silenced. Talk of his nationality was always futile. He is South African, but qualifies for England so, if deemed good enough, must be selected. End of story. In these days of globalisation and complicated employment laws it is a situation that cannot be avoided. The Oval crowd seemed happy enough when rising to acclaim his century late yesterday afternoon.
Part II
Part III
Part IV
England need 10 Australian wickets in the next two days to claim cricket's greatest prize after new recruit Jonathan Trott set up victory in the decisive fifth Test at The Oval with the first hundred by a batsman on Ashes debut since 1993. Trott, drafted in following England's defeat at Headingley that set up the winner-takes all finale, more than justified his place with 119 precious runs spanning nearly six hours. It allowed captain Andrew Strauss to declare on 373-9 to set Australia what would be a world-record 546 for victory. 'The day was surreal,' said Trott, whose mother was in tears watching in the crowd. 'It is one of those things you put in the memory bank. 'Hopefully one day I can look back and enjoy the moment, but for now we must concentrate on getting 10 wickets tomorrow.' England's bowlers failed to take one last night in the 20 overs available as openers Shane Watson and Simon Katich held firm to finish on 80 for 0.
They now require a further 466 to win in a minimum of 180 overs and they will have noticed the dry surface which has caused such debate since the start of the match on Thursday, called 'a dustbowl' by former England coach David Lloyd, appeared last evening to behave rather more benignly. But with Andrew Flintoff determined to finish his Test career on a high, Stuart Broad eager to repeat his first-innings heroics and off-spinner Graeme Swann expected to extract turn and bounce out of the footmarks, Strauss will be confident his side can press home their advantage. For Aussie captain Ricky Ponting, the motivation will be no less great as a win or a draw will ensure he avoids making his own history as the first touring Australian captain to lose two Ashes series since Billy Murdoch in 1884 and 1890. The little Ashes urn always stays in the MCC Museum at Lord's, but the title has been Australia's since their 5-0 series victory in 2006-07. Defeat will also knock Australia off the top of the world Test rankings. But Trott, the 28-year-old Warwickshire batsman who was born in Cape Town but qualifies for England by residency, could bask in the glory last night after producing a high-quality innings reminiscent in substance, if not quite swash-buckling style, as his fellow South Africa Kevin Pietersen's four years ago on the same stage to secure the Ashes.
Trott looked thoroughly at home. Of course, there were nerves in the first innings, with manifestation of a propensity to hit across his front pad, but anxiety always brings out the worst technical frailties. These could hardly be detected in the second innings- only really on 96 with a dangerously whipped single off Stuart Clark. More indicative of Trott's considerable qualities were two sumptuous on-driven fours off Clark to move from 110 to 118. It was a wonderful performance. Carpers will be silenced. Talk of his nationality was always futile. He is South African, but qualifies for England so, if deemed good enough, must be selected. End of story. In these days of globalisation and complicated employment laws it is a situation that cannot be avoided. The Oval crowd seemed happy enough when rising to acclaim his century late yesterday afternoon.
Cricket Highlights : Sri Lanka V New Zealand - 1St Test (Day 05) - 8/22/2009 8:33:52 PM
Part I
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Part II
Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara was pleased with his team's all-round effort which helped secure a 202-run victory over New Zealand in the first Test at Galle. New Zealand, resuming on the final day at 30 for one, needed 383 more runs for an unlikely victory. However they were instead bowled out for 210 just before tea as Sri Lanka took a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series. Left-arm fast bowler Thilan Thushara set the tone with an outstanding spell in the morning, giving the home side crucial early breakthroughs with the wickets of Martin Guptill (18) and Tim McIntosh (0). Part-time bowler Mahela Jayawardene then dismissed Ross Taylor (16) before master spinner Muttiah Muralitharan picked up three wickets to finish as the pick of the bowlers.Muralitharan had claimed four wickets in the first innings and his three in the second came at a cost of 88 runs from 27 overs.
The victory marked a fine turnaround for Sri Lanka who had been reduced to 16 for two within the first half-hour on the first day. Makeshift opener Tillakaratne Dilshan, however, rescued the home side with a blistering 92 which he followed up with an unbeaten 123 in the second innings. Dilshan came in for special praise from Sangakkara. "We had three very good individual performances with in the batting department," Sangakkara said. "Dilshan batted magnificently in both innings and he really put us back on top and took the game away from the Kiwis after we lost those early wickets on the first day. Mahela batted beautifully again and Samaraweera (both scored centuries in the first innings) showed his class again. "He has put in a lot of hard work to get where he is and it's showing. "The bowlers, especially the pacemen who had to work really hard, were fantastic." Sangakkara admitted it was not hard to lead a team with such a wealth of talent.
Sangakkara's decision to bowl Jayawardene ahead of Muralitharan and Mendis had been a master-stroke, but the Sri Lankan captain was not surprised by the result. "With a decision like that, it either goes your way or it doesn't," he said. "You either give away a few boundaries trying to get a wicket or the batsman relaxes a bit and somehow or other you turn up with a wicket. "Mahela did just that and Taylor was strangled down the leg side which isn't the best way to get out. "It was an important wicket, but Mahela has bowled for us in the past so it wasn't strange for him to get a wicket for us." New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori put the difference in the two sides down to Dilshan's batting. "If you look back through this Test match, we weren't as effective as we could have been on that first morning," Vettori said. "We won a good toss and we made some inroads, but I think the way they batted, particularly the way Dilshan batted, it took the game away from us and it was the difference in both innings between the sides." Looking at positives, Vettori was pleased with the way his batsmen had played Muralitharan and Mendis.
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Part II
Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara was pleased with his team's all-round effort which helped secure a 202-run victory over New Zealand in the first Test at Galle. New Zealand, resuming on the final day at 30 for one, needed 383 more runs for an unlikely victory. However they were instead bowled out for 210 just before tea as Sri Lanka took a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series. Left-arm fast bowler Thilan Thushara set the tone with an outstanding spell in the morning, giving the home side crucial early breakthroughs with the wickets of Martin Guptill (18) and Tim McIntosh (0). Part-time bowler Mahela Jayawardene then dismissed Ross Taylor (16) before master spinner Muttiah Muralitharan picked up three wickets to finish as the pick of the bowlers.Muralitharan had claimed four wickets in the first innings and his three in the second came at a cost of 88 runs from 27 overs.
The victory marked a fine turnaround for Sri Lanka who had been reduced to 16 for two within the first half-hour on the first day. Makeshift opener Tillakaratne Dilshan, however, rescued the home side with a blistering 92 which he followed up with an unbeaten 123 in the second innings. Dilshan came in for special praise from Sangakkara. "We had three very good individual performances with in the batting department," Sangakkara said. "Dilshan batted magnificently in both innings and he really put us back on top and took the game away from the Kiwis after we lost those early wickets on the first day. Mahela batted beautifully again and Samaraweera (both scored centuries in the first innings) showed his class again. "He has put in a lot of hard work to get where he is and it's showing. "The bowlers, especially the pacemen who had to work really hard, were fantastic." Sangakkara admitted it was not hard to lead a team with such a wealth of talent.
Sangakkara's decision to bowl Jayawardene ahead of Muralitharan and Mendis had been a master-stroke, but the Sri Lankan captain was not surprised by the result. "With a decision like that, it either goes your way or it doesn't," he said. "You either give away a few boundaries trying to get a wicket or the batsman relaxes a bit and somehow or other you turn up with a wicket. "Mahela did just that and Taylor was strangled down the leg side which isn't the best way to get out. "It was an important wicket, but Mahela has bowled for us in the past so it wasn't strange for him to get a wicket for us." New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori put the difference in the two sides down to Dilshan's batting. "If you look back through this Test match, we weren't as effective as we could have been on that first morning," Vettori said. "We won a good toss and we made some inroads, but I think the way they batted, particularly the way Dilshan batted, it took the game away from us and it was the difference in both innings between the sides." Looking at positives, Vettori was pleased with the way his batsmen had played Muralitharan and Mendis.
Cricket Highlights : England V Australia - 5Th Test (Day 02) - 8/22/2009 8:33:48 PM
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Australia'S bowlers resuscitated their fading Ashes heartbeat but unless the side conjures a miracle on a pitch crumbling faster than their hopes, Ricky Ponting will captain his a consecutive series loss in England following a day two massacre at The Oval led by angel-faced assassin Stuart Broad. England were 3-58 in their second session, leading by 230 runs, at the end of a exhilarating second day. When the dust had settled on The Oval pitch 15 wickets had fallen and Australia had been bundled out for their lowest first-innings total (160) since the West Indies side of 1979 rocked them for 156. Part-time spinner Marcus North made an early breakthrough by having Alastair Cook (9) caught at slip by Michael Clarke, before Mitchell Johnson's double strike against Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood.
Both caught by short leg Simon Katich - further weakened the knees of English supporters who believe their team can expertly find the most improbable ways to squander victory. But any target of 300 or more will be extremely difficult on this rapidly deteriorating wicket. Broad, the man who would be England's next Andrew Flintoff, demolished Australia's top order and Graeme Swann mopped up the tail on a day that could well have home-town officials booking open-top buses and notifying Trafalgar Square and Downing Street of an impending visit by Monday. Broad (5-37) produced his finest bowling spell of the series and such was the destruction that Australia had reached 0-61 at lunch, then lost 10-87 in a little over two chaotic hours.
Broad completed 39 minutes of carnage by having Michael Clarke (3) well caught by Trott at short cover with the series leading runscorer shaking his head on his downfall. Swann then started working away at the middle order and had a bit of luck with umpire Asad Rauf ruling Marcus North (8) out lbw despite a thick inside-edge onto his pad. There were no question marks over his next wicket, with a ball catching Katich's inside-edge and ballooning up for a simple catch. By this stage Broad had the crowd in raptures every time he took his position at fine leg and he provided them with another reason to cheer by bowling Brad Haddin (1) with a beautiful outswinger. Swann had Johnson (11) caught behind just before tea before Rauf made another howler, judging Stuart Clark (6) caught in close to a ball that missed his bat by some distance. Having posted 332 in their first dig, England captain Andrew Strauss (32 not out) and debutant Jonathan Trott (8 not out) keep out the spin of North and Katich until the end of the second day, which was extended by an hour after rain had interrupted play.
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Australia'S bowlers resuscitated their fading Ashes heartbeat but unless the side conjures a miracle on a pitch crumbling faster than their hopes, Ricky Ponting will captain his a consecutive series loss in England following a day two massacre at The Oval led by angel-faced assassin Stuart Broad. England were 3-58 in their second session, leading by 230 runs, at the end of a exhilarating second day. When the dust had settled on The Oval pitch 15 wickets had fallen and Australia had been bundled out for their lowest first-innings total (160) since the West Indies side of 1979 rocked them for 156. Part-time spinner Marcus North made an early breakthrough by having Alastair Cook (9) caught at slip by Michael Clarke, before Mitchell Johnson's double strike against Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood.
Both caught by short leg Simon Katich - further weakened the knees of English supporters who believe their team can expertly find the most improbable ways to squander victory. But any target of 300 or more will be extremely difficult on this rapidly deteriorating wicket. Broad, the man who would be England's next Andrew Flintoff, demolished Australia's top order and Graeme Swann mopped up the tail on a day that could well have home-town officials booking open-top buses and notifying Trafalgar Square and Downing Street of an impending visit by Monday. Broad (5-37) produced his finest bowling spell of the series and such was the destruction that Australia had reached 0-61 at lunch, then lost 10-87 in a little over two chaotic hours.
Broad completed 39 minutes of carnage by having Michael Clarke (3) well caught by Trott at short cover with the series leading runscorer shaking his head on his downfall. Swann then started working away at the middle order and had a bit of luck with umpire Asad Rauf ruling Marcus North (8) out lbw despite a thick inside-edge onto his pad. There were no question marks over his next wicket, with a ball catching Katich's inside-edge and ballooning up for a simple catch. By this stage Broad had the crowd in raptures every time he took his position at fine leg and he provided them with another reason to cheer by bowling Brad Haddin (1) with a beautiful outswinger. Swann had Johnson (11) caught behind just before tea before Rauf made another howler, judging Stuart Clark (6) caught in close to a ball that missed his bat by some distance. Having posted 332 in their first dig, England captain Andrew Strauss (32 not out) and debutant Jonathan Trott (8 not out) keep out the spin of North and Katich until the end of the second day, which was extended by an hour after rain had interrupted play.
Cricket Highlights : England V Australia - 5Th Test (Day 02) - 8/21/2009 7:18:17 PM
Part I
Part II
Part III
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Australia'S bowlers resuscitated their fading Ashes heartbeat but unless the side conjures a miracle on a pitch crumbling faster than their hopes, Ricky Ponting will captain his a consecutive series loss in England following a day two massacre at The Oval led by angel-faced assassin Stuart Broad. England were 3-58 in their second session, leading by 230 runs, at the end of a exhilarating second day. When the dust had settled on The Oval pitch 15 wickets had fallen and Australia had been bundled out for their lowest first-innings total (160) since the West Indies side of 1979 rocked them for 156. Part-time spinner Marcus North made an early breakthrough by having Alastair Cook (9) caught at slip by Michael Clarke, before Mitchell Johnson's double strike against Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood.
Both caught by short leg Simon Katich - further weakened the knees of English supporters who believe their team can expertly find the most improbable ways to squander victory. But any target of 300 or more will be extremely difficult on this rapidly deteriorating wicket. Broad, the man who would be England's next Andrew Flintoff, demolished Australia's top order and Graeme Swann mopped up the tail on a day that could well have home-town officials booking open-top buses and notifying Trafalgar Square and Downing Street of an impending visit by Monday. Broad (5-37) produced his finest bowling spell of the series and such was the destruction that Australia had reached 0-61 at lunch, then lost 10-87 in a little over two chaotic hours.
Broad completed 39 minutes of carnage by having Michael Clarke (3) well caught by Trott at short cover with the series leading runscorer shaking his head on his downfall. Swann then started working away at the middle order and had a bit of luck with umpire Asad Rauf ruling Marcus North (8) out lbw despite a thick inside-edge onto his pad. There were no question marks over his next wicket, with a ball catching Katich's inside-edge and ballooning up for a simple catch. By this stage Broad had the crowd in raptures every time he took his position at fine leg and he provided them with another reason to cheer by bowling Brad Haddin (1) with a beautiful outswinger. Swann had Johnson (11) caught behind just before tea before Rauf made another howler, judging Stuart Clark (6) caught in close to a ball that missed his bat by some distance. Having posted 332 in their first dig, England captain Andrew Strauss (32 not out) and debutant Jonathan Trott (8 not out) keep out the spin of North and Katich until the end of the second day, which was extended by an hour after rain had interrupted play.
Part II
Part III
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Australia'S bowlers resuscitated their fading Ashes heartbeat but unless the side conjures a miracle on a pitch crumbling faster than their hopes, Ricky Ponting will captain his a consecutive series loss in England following a day two massacre at The Oval led by angel-faced assassin Stuart Broad. England were 3-58 in their second session, leading by 230 runs, at the end of a exhilarating second day. When the dust had settled on The Oval pitch 15 wickets had fallen and Australia had been bundled out for their lowest first-innings total (160) since the West Indies side of 1979 rocked them for 156. Part-time spinner Marcus North made an early breakthrough by having Alastair Cook (9) caught at slip by Michael Clarke, before Mitchell Johnson's double strike against Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood.
Both caught by short leg Simon Katich - further weakened the knees of English supporters who believe their team can expertly find the most improbable ways to squander victory. But any target of 300 or more will be extremely difficult on this rapidly deteriorating wicket. Broad, the man who would be England's next Andrew Flintoff, demolished Australia's top order and Graeme Swann mopped up the tail on a day that could well have home-town officials booking open-top buses and notifying Trafalgar Square and Downing Street of an impending visit by Monday. Broad (5-37) produced his finest bowling spell of the series and such was the destruction that Australia had reached 0-61 at lunch, then lost 10-87 in a little over two chaotic hours.
Broad completed 39 minutes of carnage by having Michael Clarke (3) well caught by Trott at short cover with the series leading runscorer shaking his head on his downfall. Swann then started working away at the middle order and had a bit of luck with umpire Asad Rauf ruling Marcus North (8) out lbw despite a thick inside-edge onto his pad. There were no question marks over his next wicket, with a ball catching Katich's inside-edge and ballooning up for a simple catch. By this stage Broad had the crowd in raptures every time he took his position at fine leg and he provided them with another reason to cheer by bowling Brad Haddin (1) with a beautiful outswinger. Swann had Johnson (11) caught behind just before tea before Rauf made another howler, judging Stuart Clark (6) caught in close to a ball that missed his bat by some distance. Having posted 332 in their first dig, England captain Andrew Strauss (32 not out) and debutant Jonathan Trott (8 not out) keep out the spin of North and Katich until the end of the second day, which was extended by an hour after rain had interrupted play.
Cricket Highlights : Sri Lanka V New Zealand - 1St Test (Day 04) - 8/21/2009 7:18:14 PM
Part I
Part II
Bad light has stopped play in the final session of day four of the first cricket test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at Galle International Stadium. New Zealand were 30 for one in their second innings, 383 short of the victory target of 413. Martin Guptill was not out 17 and Ross Taylor unbeaten on eight. Daniel Flynn was the wicket to fall for a third-ball duck when the score was one in the opening over. Rain started falling during the tea break on the fourth day after Sri Lanka declared their second innings closed on 259 for four, an overall lead of 412. Opener Tim McIntosh, New Zealand's top scorer in their first innings of 299, was unable to open the batting due to illness. Jesse Ryder and Brendon McCullum are also unavailable to bat today as they rest at the team hotel after succumbing to a stomach bug that has affected the majority of the team.
Daniel Flynn was promoted to open the innings with Martin Guptill. After the rain delay a maximum of 27 overs are scheduled for the session to stumps. Tillakaratne Dilshan achieved the milestone he narrowly missed in Sri Lanka's first innings to post an unbeaten 123 as New Zealand became increasingly dependent on rain to stave off defeat in the first cricket test here today. At the end of an extended middle session on the fourth day Sri Lanka's strokemakers tired of toying with New Zealand's bowling attack and declared of 259 for four to set the tourists a victory target of 413 runs. Their first assignment is to conserve wickets before stumps, a task made easier when heavy rain started falling as New Zealand's openers padded up, prompting an army of ground staff to drag on the covers. A continuation of Galle's inclement weather seems New Zealand's only chance of salvation.
Dilshan again collared the tourists' bowling as the home team sought quick runs after ending New Zealand's first innings on 299 11 overs into the morning session. His rollicking 92 on Tuesday set the tone for Sri Lanka's domination but he was not as savage today as he completed a relatively sedate century by his standards. His final 50 runs took 80 deliveries as Daniel Vettori finally latched on a leg stump line, a defensive ploy to temporarily curb the batsmen. But Dilshan, who reached his half-century from 35 balls, still cracked nine fours and a six in his ninth test century as Sri Lanka plundered at will. Dilshan's mid-innings lull was immaterial as Sri Lanka maintained a one-day international style run rate of 5.28. New Zealand had little to enthuse about once it became apparent morning rain would not stall the start of play for the first time since a delayed toss. Their mood darkened further when Brendon McCullum and Jesse Ryder called in sick at breakfast, the worst affected of eight players struck down by food poisoning. Only Ross Taylor, Martin Guptill and Iain O'Brien were immune from the bug that provided Auckland wicketkeeper Reece Young with his first experience of test cricket.
Part II
Bad light has stopped play in the final session of day four of the first cricket test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at Galle International Stadium. New Zealand were 30 for one in their second innings, 383 short of the victory target of 413. Martin Guptill was not out 17 and Ross Taylor unbeaten on eight. Daniel Flynn was the wicket to fall for a third-ball duck when the score was one in the opening over. Rain started falling during the tea break on the fourth day after Sri Lanka declared their second innings closed on 259 for four, an overall lead of 412. Opener Tim McIntosh, New Zealand's top scorer in their first innings of 299, was unable to open the batting due to illness. Jesse Ryder and Brendon McCullum are also unavailable to bat today as they rest at the team hotel after succumbing to a stomach bug that has affected the majority of the team.
Daniel Flynn was promoted to open the innings with Martin Guptill. After the rain delay a maximum of 27 overs are scheduled for the session to stumps. Tillakaratne Dilshan achieved the milestone he narrowly missed in Sri Lanka's first innings to post an unbeaten 123 as New Zealand became increasingly dependent on rain to stave off defeat in the first cricket test here today. At the end of an extended middle session on the fourth day Sri Lanka's strokemakers tired of toying with New Zealand's bowling attack and declared of 259 for four to set the tourists a victory target of 413 runs. Their first assignment is to conserve wickets before stumps, a task made easier when heavy rain started falling as New Zealand's openers padded up, prompting an army of ground staff to drag on the covers. A continuation of Galle's inclement weather seems New Zealand's only chance of salvation.
Dilshan again collared the tourists' bowling as the home team sought quick runs after ending New Zealand's first innings on 299 11 overs into the morning session. His rollicking 92 on Tuesday set the tone for Sri Lanka's domination but he was not as savage today as he completed a relatively sedate century by his standards. His final 50 runs took 80 deliveries as Daniel Vettori finally latched on a leg stump line, a defensive ploy to temporarily curb the batsmen. But Dilshan, who reached his half-century from 35 balls, still cracked nine fours and a six in his ninth test century as Sri Lanka plundered at will. Dilshan's mid-innings lull was immaterial as Sri Lanka maintained a one-day international style run rate of 5.28. New Zealand had little to enthuse about once it became apparent morning rain would not stall the start of play for the first time since a delayed toss. Their mood darkened further when Brendon McCullum and Jesse Ryder called in sick at breakfast, the worst affected of eight players struck down by food poisoning. Only Ross Taylor, Martin Guptill and Iain O'Brien were immune from the bug that provided Auckland wicketkeeper Reece Young with his first experience of test cricket.
Cricket Highlights : England V Australia - 5Th Test (Day 01) - 8/20/2009 7:29:26 PM
Part I
Part II
Part III
The decisive 5th Test between Australia and hosts England kicked off at the Oval today, amidst widespread speculation and conjecture regarding the next destination of the famed 'urn'. Nothing less than a win in this match will do for England if they are to win back the 'Ashes'. Australia, on the other hand have a relatively simpler option - avoid losing the final test. Even a draw would see the 'urn' stay with Ricky Ponting's men by virtue of them being the holders of the Ashes (Australia had blanked England 5-0 in the last Ashes series down under). The match was made extra special by the return of England's talismanic all rounder Andrew Flintoff (sidelined from the fourth test at Headingley, which England lost convincingly) who was expected to provide the England squad with a much needed spark.
And, with this match being Flintoff's last 'test' of his career, the air had that little extra bit of electricity at the start of the contest. In addition to Flintoff, an uncapped Jonathan Trott, who is in the midst of a prolific domestic season, was also thrown into the most important match that he'll probably ever play in his career. Much to the delight of their critics, Australia kept the same squad that was victorious in the Fourth test. An Oval pitch, which has been a traditional haven for spinners was perhaps as surprised as the critics to find no frontline spinner in the Australian ranks.
And Nathan Hauritz, the finger spinner had a relatively strong case for a spot in the final eleven (Hauritz has bagged 10 wickets in the three tests he has played in this Ashes series, and that too at an decent strike rate of a wicket per 62 balls), but apparently Ponting didn't want to disturb a winning combo which had the momentum going into the decisive encounter. For the romantics their was disappointment too, as ace speedster Brett Lee watched from the sidelines despite a match winning performance in the weekend tour game against the England Lions. From Australia's perspective, Ricky Ponting would be pleased to see that his potentially self destructive decision of going in with a four pronged pace attack hasn't backfires. In fact he has every reason to believe that if his bowlers wrap up the English tail early tomorrow, then Australia have the firepower to bat once and do it well enough to ensure that they won't need to bat again in the fourth innings on the final day.
Part II
Part III
The decisive 5th Test between Australia and hosts England kicked off at the Oval today, amidst widespread speculation and conjecture regarding the next destination of the famed 'urn'. Nothing less than a win in this match will do for England if they are to win back the 'Ashes'. Australia, on the other hand have a relatively simpler option - avoid losing the final test. Even a draw would see the 'urn' stay with Ricky Ponting's men by virtue of them being the holders of the Ashes (Australia had blanked England 5-0 in the last Ashes series down under). The match was made extra special by the return of England's talismanic all rounder Andrew Flintoff (sidelined from the fourth test at Headingley, which England lost convincingly) who was expected to provide the England squad with a much needed spark.
And, with this match being Flintoff's last 'test' of his career, the air had that little extra bit of electricity at the start of the contest. In addition to Flintoff, an uncapped Jonathan Trott, who is in the midst of a prolific domestic season, was also thrown into the most important match that he'll probably ever play in his career. Much to the delight of their critics, Australia kept the same squad that was victorious in the Fourth test. An Oval pitch, which has been a traditional haven for spinners was perhaps as surprised as the critics to find no frontline spinner in the Australian ranks.
And Nathan Hauritz, the finger spinner had a relatively strong case for a spot in the final eleven (Hauritz has bagged 10 wickets in the three tests he has played in this Ashes series, and that too at an decent strike rate of a wicket per 62 balls), but apparently Ponting didn't want to disturb a winning combo which had the momentum going into the decisive encounter. For the romantics their was disappointment too, as ace speedster Brett Lee watched from the sidelines despite a match winning performance in the weekend tour game against the England Lions. From Australia's perspective, Ricky Ponting would be pleased to see that his potentially self destructive decision of going in with a four pronged pace attack hasn't backfires. In fact he has every reason to believe that if his bowlers wrap up the English tail early tomorrow, then Australia have the firepower to bat once and do it well enough to ensure that they won't need to bat again in the fourth innings on the final day.
Cricket Highlights : Sri Lanka V New Zealand - 1St Test (Day 03) - 8/20/2009 7:29:23 PM
Part I
Part II
A year ago, India played Sri Lanka in a series they labelled 'trial by television' in what was the game's first technology referral system. In October, it is going to be compulsory. Perhaps, had the referral system been working here at Galle International for the first Test of this series it would have rescued Australian Daryl Harper from an appalling blunder is another matter. The other question that needs asking is whether they teach their players at school in Sri Lanka to appeal for a catch off the pads. New Zealand's all-rounder Jacob Oram would like the elite panel umpire Daryl Harper to explain his decision in detail, if not in writing. Any suggestions that technology is the answer will raise a series of questionmarks. There are still many doubts. In the India/Sri Lanka series there were four lbw decisions that were referred that were not given which looked to be out and two referred that were given out when they looked to be not out. Rahul Dravid here in Galle is one, and the Thilan Samaraweera decision at Saravanamuttu that was given not out that had an impact on the series.
At least New Zealand put together a creditable performance on another shortened third day which defied the prognosis of Wednesday evening when it was suggested that the Kiwis would follow on. Did they have a surprise for Sri Lanka. A first innings total of 281 for eight – 171 runs short of the 452 they were asked to match and with a little luck there would have been a century as well from left-handed opener Tim McIntosh. The talking point is that apart from the burgled wicket of Oram for 12, Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis didn't spook the Kiwis as much as it was thought they would. Muralitharan ended with three for 66 in a protracted spell while Mendis, signed by Hampshire, didn't pose a genuine threat. While Murali did get the ball to fizz a lot more and had managed to extract a lot more turn, Mendis the medium-paced wannabe mystery spinner was left wondering where all the so-called magic and miracle balls that had the Indians flat-footed last year have disappeared to.
If anything, New Zealand played a cunning game, and while they will be disappointed with two decisions – the lbw of McIntosh was marginal – and the one of Oram will be long debated, the caution of the beefy Jesse Ryder was hard to understand. His normal game plan is to stroke the ball around as elegantly as Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, and while his innings of 42 was conservative by his standards of strokeplay, the design was to see the Kiwis past the follow on target of 253. His wristy touches and footwork barely hinted of his more swashbuckling style, but he did the job required, and that is one for Ryder and the team. There were some elegant drives and cuts and it left the bowlers thinking of where to bowl to him. If Thushara Mirando bowled with some excellent seam, it at least kept Sri Lanka in the hunt of forcing the follow on. However, as the M&M menace failed to materialise, the bogey the most Kiwis feared was likely to happen largely evaporated in the occasional afternoon sun.
It was Tim McIntosh, however, who put the foundation stone of the inning together with a solid and determined innings of 69. You could also say that John Wright, that epitome of the stoic New Zealand opening batsmen of the latter part of last century, would be proud of McIntosh's efforts.
Part II
A year ago, India played Sri Lanka in a series they labelled 'trial by television' in what was the game's first technology referral system. In October, it is going to be compulsory. Perhaps, had the referral system been working here at Galle International for the first Test of this series it would have rescued Australian Daryl Harper from an appalling blunder is another matter. The other question that needs asking is whether they teach their players at school in Sri Lanka to appeal for a catch off the pads. New Zealand's all-rounder Jacob Oram would like the elite panel umpire Daryl Harper to explain his decision in detail, if not in writing. Any suggestions that technology is the answer will raise a series of questionmarks. There are still many doubts. In the India/Sri Lanka series there were four lbw decisions that were referred that were not given which looked to be out and two referred that were given out when they looked to be not out. Rahul Dravid here in Galle is one, and the Thilan Samaraweera decision at Saravanamuttu that was given not out that had an impact on the series.
At least New Zealand put together a creditable performance on another shortened third day which defied the prognosis of Wednesday evening when it was suggested that the Kiwis would follow on. Did they have a surprise for Sri Lanka. A first innings total of 281 for eight – 171 runs short of the 452 they were asked to match and with a little luck there would have been a century as well from left-handed opener Tim McIntosh. The talking point is that apart from the burgled wicket of Oram for 12, Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis didn't spook the Kiwis as much as it was thought they would. Muralitharan ended with three for 66 in a protracted spell while Mendis, signed by Hampshire, didn't pose a genuine threat. While Murali did get the ball to fizz a lot more and had managed to extract a lot more turn, Mendis the medium-paced wannabe mystery spinner was left wondering where all the so-called magic and miracle balls that had the Indians flat-footed last year have disappeared to.
If anything, New Zealand played a cunning game, and while they will be disappointed with two decisions – the lbw of McIntosh was marginal – and the one of Oram will be long debated, the caution of the beefy Jesse Ryder was hard to understand. His normal game plan is to stroke the ball around as elegantly as Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, and while his innings of 42 was conservative by his standards of strokeplay, the design was to see the Kiwis past the follow on target of 253. His wristy touches and footwork barely hinted of his more swashbuckling style, but he did the job required, and that is one for Ryder and the team. There were some elegant drives and cuts and it left the bowlers thinking of where to bowl to him. If Thushara Mirando bowled with some excellent seam, it at least kept Sri Lanka in the hunt of forcing the follow on. However, as the M&M menace failed to materialise, the bogey the most Kiwis feared was likely to happen largely evaporated in the occasional afternoon sun.
It was Tim McIntosh, however, who put the foundation stone of the inning together with a solid and determined innings of 69. You could also say that John Wright, that epitome of the stoic New Zealand opening batsmen of the latter part of last century, would be proud of McIntosh's efforts.
Cricket Highlights : Sri Lanka V New Zealand - 1St Test (Day 02) - 8/19/2009 6:57:00 PM
Part I
Part II
Part III
New Zealand fought back strongly on the second day of the first cricket test against Sri Lanka. The Blacks caps dismissed Sri Lanka for 452, grabbing seven wickets for 195 before reaching 87/2 at stumps. Opener Tim McIntosh was unbeaten on 36 with night watchman Jeetan Patel on six. New Zealand's fight back in the field extended to its vulnerable top order until new nemesis Ajantha Mendis's late breakthrough maintained Sri Lanka's advantage as the light faded at Galle International Stadium today. New Zealand defended stoutly against the slow bowling double act of Muttiah Muralitharan and Mendis until less than five overs remained of an absorbing second day. Mendis, the young offspinner who flummoxed New Zealand's batsmen when he first encountered them in June's ICC World Twenty20, was held at bay for 9.3 overs before he finally got one between Daniel Flynn's bat and pad to end his circumspect 14 from 44 balls.
Flynn was second out, following Martin Guptill who was bowled for a breezy 24. McIntosh encapsulated New Zealand's determination, making his 36 from 88 balls before bad light stopped play with four overs remaining. He'll have to lead the battle tomorrow to try to wipe out the 365-run deficit. Although Flynn's loss was unfortunate, New Zealand could reflect on a much-improved performance with the ball today. Given yesterday's thumping by Tillakaratne Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardene and Thilan Samaraweera, Daniel Vettori's side rallied impressively to prevent Sri Lanka posting an uncatchable tally. An innings well in excess of 500 was possible when Jayawardene and Samaraweera restarted their 159-run stand for the fourth wicket but the former captain only added half a dozen scratchy runs before he sparred a lifting O'Brien delivery shoulder height to Ross Taylor at first slip.
Jayawardene went for 114 in the second over, a key breakthrough though Samaraweera and inexperienced all-rounder Angelo Mathews added a stubborn 86 runs for the fifth wicket before Vettori's perseverance was finally rewarded. The New Zealand skipper endured a 31-over wait before he broke his duck when an arm ball cramped Mathews into tickling the delivery to Brendon McCullum's gloves - the second of the his four catches at the wicket. However, Samaraweera always loomed as the coveted scalp. The 32-year-old's 2009 run glut looked set to include a third double century - following his 231 and 214 in consecutive tests in Pakistan five months ago - once he progressed from 82 to his 10th ton at glacial speed. But he once reached the milestone he moved up a gear, particularly a gainst Patel who provided the boundary ball for his century before conceding 23 off his next two overs.
Samaraweera needed 223 balls to complete his highest score against New Zealand but only another 43 to lope past 150. But Vettori eventually got him, beating Samaraweera in flight before he skied a cross bat shot to Patel's safe hands. Samaraweera's departure on 159 with 24 boundaries and only the second six of his 53-test career heralded a rapid end to Sri Lanka's innings as the last four wickets fell for a mere eight runs.
Part II
Part III
New Zealand fought back strongly on the second day of the first cricket test against Sri Lanka. The Blacks caps dismissed Sri Lanka for 452, grabbing seven wickets for 195 before reaching 87/2 at stumps. Opener Tim McIntosh was unbeaten on 36 with night watchman Jeetan Patel on six. New Zealand's fight back in the field extended to its vulnerable top order until new nemesis Ajantha Mendis's late breakthrough maintained Sri Lanka's advantage as the light faded at Galle International Stadium today. New Zealand defended stoutly against the slow bowling double act of Muttiah Muralitharan and Mendis until less than five overs remained of an absorbing second day. Mendis, the young offspinner who flummoxed New Zealand's batsmen when he first encountered them in June's ICC World Twenty20, was held at bay for 9.3 overs before he finally got one between Daniel Flynn's bat and pad to end his circumspect 14 from 44 balls.
Flynn was second out, following Martin Guptill who was bowled for a breezy 24. McIntosh encapsulated New Zealand's determination, making his 36 from 88 balls before bad light stopped play with four overs remaining. He'll have to lead the battle tomorrow to try to wipe out the 365-run deficit. Although Flynn's loss was unfortunate, New Zealand could reflect on a much-improved performance with the ball today. Given yesterday's thumping by Tillakaratne Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardene and Thilan Samaraweera, Daniel Vettori's side rallied impressively to prevent Sri Lanka posting an uncatchable tally. An innings well in excess of 500 was possible when Jayawardene and Samaraweera restarted their 159-run stand for the fourth wicket but the former captain only added half a dozen scratchy runs before he sparred a lifting O'Brien delivery shoulder height to Ross Taylor at first slip.
Jayawardene went for 114 in the second over, a key breakthrough though Samaraweera and inexperienced all-rounder Angelo Mathews added a stubborn 86 runs for the fifth wicket before Vettori's perseverance was finally rewarded. The New Zealand skipper endured a 31-over wait before he broke his duck when an arm ball cramped Mathews into tickling the delivery to Brendon McCullum's gloves - the second of the his four catches at the wicket. However, Samaraweera always loomed as the coveted scalp. The 32-year-old's 2009 run glut looked set to include a third double century - following his 231 and 214 in consecutive tests in Pakistan five months ago - once he progressed from 82 to his 10th ton at glacial speed. But he once reached the milestone he moved up a gear, particularly a gainst Patel who provided the boundary ball for his century before conceding 23 off his next two overs.
Samaraweera needed 223 balls to complete his highest score against New Zealand but only another 43 to lope past 150. But Vettori eventually got him, beating Samaraweera in flight before he skied a cross bat shot to Patel's safe hands. Samaraweera's departure on 159 with 24 boundaries and only the second six of his 53-test career heralded a rapid end to Sri Lanka's innings as the last four wickets fell for a mere eight runs.
Cricket Highlights : Bangladesh V Zimbabwe - 4Th ODI - 8/16/2009 8:00:40 PM
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Led by Tamim Iqbal's magnificent 154, Bangladesh clinched the fourth ODI of GrameenPhone Cup against Zimbabwe by four wickets at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Sunday. Tamim, who became highest-scoring Bangladeshi ODI batsman, was caught at short fine off Ray Price with the score on 279 in 44.3 overs. But by then he effectively sealed the match with his 138-ball knock that featured seven fours and six sixes. Bangladesh chased down Zimbabwe's 312-8 thanks to Charles Coventry's record-breaking 194 not out as they finished on 313-6 in 47.5 overs. Mahmudullah smashed two consecutive fours to win the match. He was unbeaten on 21 off 11 balls.
Earlier Zimbabwe batsman Charles Coventry equalled the highest one-day international score, hitting an unbeaten 194 to lead his team to 312-8 in the fourth match against Bangladesh at Bulawayo. Coventry smashed 16 fours and seven sixes in 156 balls to record his maiden ODI hundred and match the score made by Saeed Anwar for Pakistan against India in Chennai in 1997. Playing in his first series since 2006, the 26-year-old Coventry also surpassed the highest ODI score by a Zimbabwean, previously held by Craig Wishart, who hit 172 not out against Namibia in Harare at the 2003 World Cup. Despite Coventry's efforts Zimbabwe were unable to defend their total, with Bangladesh romping to victory with two overs and four wickets to spare. The 20-year-old Tamim Iqbal top scored with a personal best 154 from 138 balls.
Needing three runs off the final ball of Syed Rasel's over to break Saeed Anwar's 12-year mark record, Coventry only slapped it for two runs back past the bowler wide of long-off to equal it. The right-hander faced 156 balls stroking 16 fours and seven sixes. Along the way, Coventry also became the highest-scoring Zimbabwean. He achieved the distinction after going past Craig Wishart's 172 against Namibia in the 2003 World Cup. "It's a great feeling. I had a bit of luck early on, I suppose that's the way things go. It's staying a bit low, I'm sure we can defend it." Coventry's short of words as he speaks after his team-mates congratulate him with a guard of honour. Zimbabwe, who the toss, made a magnificent recovery after pacer Mahbubul Alam made an early breakthrough removing Mark Vermeulen ( 5 ) who was caught at short midwicket by Junaed Siddique in the second over.
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Led by Tamim Iqbal's magnificent 154, Bangladesh clinched the fourth ODI of GrameenPhone Cup against Zimbabwe by four wickets at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Sunday. Tamim, who became highest-scoring Bangladeshi ODI batsman, was caught at short fine off Ray Price with the score on 279 in 44.3 overs. But by then he effectively sealed the match with his 138-ball knock that featured seven fours and six sixes. Bangladesh chased down Zimbabwe's 312-8 thanks to Charles Coventry's record-breaking 194 not out as they finished on 313-6 in 47.5 overs. Mahmudullah smashed two consecutive fours to win the match. He was unbeaten on 21 off 11 balls.
Earlier Zimbabwe batsman Charles Coventry equalled the highest one-day international score, hitting an unbeaten 194 to lead his team to 312-8 in the fourth match against Bangladesh at Bulawayo. Coventry smashed 16 fours and seven sixes in 156 balls to record his maiden ODI hundred and match the score made by Saeed Anwar for Pakistan against India in Chennai in 1997. Playing in his first series since 2006, the 26-year-old Coventry also surpassed the highest ODI score by a Zimbabwean, previously held by Craig Wishart, who hit 172 not out against Namibia in Harare at the 2003 World Cup. Despite Coventry's efforts Zimbabwe were unable to defend their total, with Bangladesh romping to victory with two overs and four wickets to spare. The 20-year-old Tamim Iqbal top scored with a personal best 154 from 138 balls.
Needing three runs off the final ball of Syed Rasel's over to break Saeed Anwar's 12-year mark record, Coventry only slapped it for two runs back past the bowler wide of long-off to equal it. The right-hander faced 156 balls stroking 16 fours and seven sixes. Along the way, Coventry also became the highest-scoring Zimbabwean. He achieved the distinction after going past Craig Wishart's 172 against Namibia in the 2003 World Cup. "It's a great feeling. I had a bit of luck early on, I suppose that's the way things go. It's staying a bit low, I'm sure we can defend it." Coventry's short of words as he speaks after his team-mates congratulate him with a guard of honour. Zimbabwe, who the toss, made a magnificent recovery after pacer Mahbubul Alam made an early breakthrough removing Mark Vermeulen ( 5 ) who was caught at short midwicket by Junaed Siddique in the second over.
Cricket Highlights : Bangladesh V Zimbabwe - 3Rd ODI - 8/14/2009 8:00:38 PM
Part I
Part II
Part III
Bangladesh's hopes of wrapping up the five-match GrameenPhone Cup Series against Zimbabwe ended with a comprehensive 69-run defeat at the Queens Sports Club on Friday. Despite a valiant 78 by Raqibul Hasan, the Tigers innings folded on 254 in 44.2 overs in response to the home side's huge 323-7, which is their highest total against the tourists. Their previous highest was 310-6 made in Dhaka in March 1999. The result keeps the series alive as the Tigers now lead 2-1 after winning the first two games by eight wickets and 49 runs respectively. Had Shakib Al Hasan's men won it would have been their eighth in a row, one short of their record best in ODIs. Moreover, only their fourth overseas ODI series triumph. Earlier, Bangladesh trounced Kenya 3-0 in 2006, outplayed Zimbabwe 3-1 in 2006-07 and last month inflicted a three-nil whitewash over West Indies.
The fourth match will be played at the same venue on Sunday. Hamilton Masakadza, who scored a maiden hundred, was adjudged man of the match. Tawanda Mupawira set the tone with the dismissal of Tamim Iqbal first ball, and Bangladesh proceeded to stumble in the face of a stiff target. The bowler also got the prized-wicket of Mohammad Ashraful in between Elton Chigumbura sent back promoted opener Naeem Islam for four. Any thoughts of another amazing knock from Shakib Al Hasan faded after he fell 17 with the score on 39 in the eighth over. Vice-captain Mushfiqur Rahim and Raqibul Hasan then staged a mini-fightback with 68 runs for the fifth wicket before Mushfiq was caught at long-on by Charles Coventry off Ray Price. The left-arm spinner also claimed Mahmudullah Riyad (14) who was dismissed in similar fashion Raqibul Hasan held the innings together before eventually bowled by Masakadza for 78 off 83 balls featuring four boundaries and two sixes.
Number nine batsman Mahbubul Alam helped himself to career-best 43-ball 57. Ray Price finished with 3-34, Tawanda Mupariwa 3-32, Elton Chigumbura 2-46 and Masakadza 1-37. Earlier, Masakadza (102) and Brendan Taylor (94) powered Zimbabwe to their record score with brilliant fourth-wicket stand of 142. The stand was broken after the former was bowled by Syed Rasel. Taylor, looking set to complete his first three-figure score in limited-overs cricket, before being run out by Shakib Al Hasan while trying attempting a second run. Taylor took a backseat after Elton Chigumbura slammed 61 off 33 balls studded with five sixes and three fours. His fifty came off just 26 balls. Stuart Matsikenyeri made a nine-ball 23 and Charles Coventry was run out for 22. Shakib Al Hasan grabbed 2-65 while Mahbubul Alam was expensive with 2-84 from nine overs. Syed Rasel took 1-59 Zimbabwe, put into bat, lost both openers cheaply. Mark Vermeulen was caught at midwicket by Mahmudullah Riyad for 10 off Mahbubul Alam in the fourth over. The right-arm paceman also claimed Vusi Sibanda ( 0 ) after he was caught behind off the fourth ball of the second over.
Part II
Part III
Bangladesh's hopes of wrapping up the five-match GrameenPhone Cup Series against Zimbabwe ended with a comprehensive 69-run defeat at the Queens Sports Club on Friday. Despite a valiant 78 by Raqibul Hasan, the Tigers innings folded on 254 in 44.2 overs in response to the home side's huge 323-7, which is their highest total against the tourists. Their previous highest was 310-6 made in Dhaka in March 1999. The result keeps the series alive as the Tigers now lead 2-1 after winning the first two games by eight wickets and 49 runs respectively. Had Shakib Al Hasan's men won it would have been their eighth in a row, one short of their record best in ODIs. Moreover, only their fourth overseas ODI series triumph. Earlier, Bangladesh trounced Kenya 3-0 in 2006, outplayed Zimbabwe 3-1 in 2006-07 and last month inflicted a three-nil whitewash over West Indies.
The fourth match will be played at the same venue on Sunday. Hamilton Masakadza, who scored a maiden hundred, was adjudged man of the match. Tawanda Mupawira set the tone with the dismissal of Tamim Iqbal first ball, and Bangladesh proceeded to stumble in the face of a stiff target. The bowler also got the prized-wicket of Mohammad Ashraful in between Elton Chigumbura sent back promoted opener Naeem Islam for four. Any thoughts of another amazing knock from Shakib Al Hasan faded after he fell 17 with the score on 39 in the eighth over. Vice-captain Mushfiqur Rahim and Raqibul Hasan then staged a mini-fightback with 68 runs for the fifth wicket before Mushfiq was caught at long-on by Charles Coventry off Ray Price. The left-arm spinner also claimed Mahmudullah Riyad (14) who was dismissed in similar fashion Raqibul Hasan held the innings together before eventually bowled by Masakadza for 78 off 83 balls featuring four boundaries and two sixes.
Number nine batsman Mahbubul Alam helped himself to career-best 43-ball 57. Ray Price finished with 3-34, Tawanda Mupariwa 3-32, Elton Chigumbura 2-46 and Masakadza 1-37. Earlier, Masakadza (102) and Brendan Taylor (94) powered Zimbabwe to their record score with brilliant fourth-wicket stand of 142. The stand was broken after the former was bowled by Syed Rasel. Taylor, looking set to complete his first three-figure score in limited-overs cricket, before being run out by Shakib Al Hasan while trying attempting a second run. Taylor took a backseat after Elton Chigumbura slammed 61 off 33 balls studded with five sixes and three fours. His fifty came off just 26 balls. Stuart Matsikenyeri made a nine-ball 23 and Charles Coventry was run out for 22. Shakib Al Hasan grabbed 2-65 while Mahbubul Alam was expensive with 2-84 from nine overs. Syed Rasel took 1-59 Zimbabwe, put into bat, lost both openers cheaply. Mark Vermeulen was caught at midwicket by Mahmudullah Riyad for 10 off Mahbubul Alam in the fourth over. The right-arm paceman also claimed Vusi Sibanda ( 0 ) after he was caught behind off the fourth ball of the second over.
Cricket Highlights : Sri Lanka V Pakistan - Only T20 - 8/12/2009 8:00:48 PM
Part I
Part II
Part III
Pakistan kept their reputation as the World Champions while defeating Sri Lanka by 52 runs in their only Twenty20 International worked off under lights at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo yesterday. Pakistan successfully defended their total of 172 runs as they dismissed the home side for just 120 runs from 18.1 overs. Even then they were under tremendous pressure at one stage with skipper Kumar Sangakkara threatening to take the game away from them. The stylish left hander batting at number four showed promise with a 31 ball 38 which was studded with one six and two boundaries. Along with Chamara Kapugedera they set about their task in style as Sri Lanka remained well on course to a morale boosting victory. However the dismissal of Sangakkara in the 14th over certainly brought a dramatic change to the game with Pakistan crawling their way back into the game through some accurate bowling and splendid fielding.
In fact Sri Lanka lost their last seven wickets for the addition of just 20 runs within the space of 29 deliveries. Opening bowler Naveed Ul Hasan and Saeed Ajmal claimed three wickets each with Mohammed Aamer, Ifthikao Rao and Shahid Afridi providing the back up support. Sri Lanka of course got off to a flying start during their run chase as they reached 80 for 3 at the half way stage of the innings. The new opening combination of Mahela Udawatte and Sanath Jayasuriya provided some early fireworks before both departed in the space of a couple of deliveries. Veteran Jayasuriya threatened to take complete control of the situation by hoisting two sixes and stroking a boundary before he top edged Mohammed Aamer in the fifth over. Sri Lanka suffered another blow when Mahela Jayawardena made his exit in the ninth over. The Pakistan innings was built around a captain's knock from Shahid Afridi who made exactly fifty runs from 37 deliveries inclusive of two sixes and four boundaries. The 29 year old dashing right hander leading the side for the first time rose to the big occasion after they had lost two early wickets.
In fact Pakistan had a dreadful start to their innings while losing opener Kamran Akmal in the very first ball after they had won the toss and elected to bat first. Nuwan Kulasekera was responsible for the initial damage that put the opposition under pressure from the start. However Shahid Afridi joined Umar Akmal and the pair steadied the innings with a fourth wicket partnership of 66 runs from just 43 balls. Afridi played the dominant role as he took most of the strike against the seamers and the spinners. In contrast Akmal was prepared to play the supporting role after Imran Nazir had survived an early chance where he was dropped by Lasith Malinga off Thilan Thushara in the second over of the innings. Nevertheless Lasith Malinga made amends to a certain extent by removing Shoaib Malik with his fifth delivery. The speedster completed an excellent opening spell with his two overs costing him only eight runs. Even then Pakistan were able to collect a good 47 runs from the last five overs thanks to a useful contribution of 25 runs from Abdur Razzaq who put on 33 runs for the unfinished sixth wicket along with Misbah Ul Haq.
Part II
Part III
Pakistan kept their reputation as the World Champions while defeating Sri Lanka by 52 runs in their only Twenty20 International worked off under lights at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo yesterday. Pakistan successfully defended their total of 172 runs as they dismissed the home side for just 120 runs from 18.1 overs. Even then they were under tremendous pressure at one stage with skipper Kumar Sangakkara threatening to take the game away from them. The stylish left hander batting at number four showed promise with a 31 ball 38 which was studded with one six and two boundaries. Along with Chamara Kapugedera they set about their task in style as Sri Lanka remained well on course to a morale boosting victory. However the dismissal of Sangakkara in the 14th over certainly brought a dramatic change to the game with Pakistan crawling their way back into the game through some accurate bowling and splendid fielding.
In fact Sri Lanka lost their last seven wickets for the addition of just 20 runs within the space of 29 deliveries. Opening bowler Naveed Ul Hasan and Saeed Ajmal claimed three wickets each with Mohammed Aamer, Ifthikao Rao and Shahid Afridi providing the back up support. Sri Lanka of course got off to a flying start during their run chase as they reached 80 for 3 at the half way stage of the innings. The new opening combination of Mahela Udawatte and Sanath Jayasuriya provided some early fireworks before both departed in the space of a couple of deliveries. Veteran Jayasuriya threatened to take complete control of the situation by hoisting two sixes and stroking a boundary before he top edged Mohammed Aamer in the fifth over. Sri Lanka suffered another blow when Mahela Jayawardena made his exit in the ninth over. The Pakistan innings was built around a captain's knock from Shahid Afridi who made exactly fifty runs from 37 deliveries inclusive of two sixes and four boundaries. The 29 year old dashing right hander leading the side for the first time rose to the big occasion after they had lost two early wickets.
In fact Pakistan had a dreadful start to their innings while losing opener Kamran Akmal in the very first ball after they had won the toss and elected to bat first. Nuwan Kulasekera was responsible for the initial damage that put the opposition under pressure from the start. However Shahid Afridi joined Umar Akmal and the pair steadied the innings with a fourth wicket partnership of 66 runs from just 43 balls. Afridi played the dominant role as he took most of the strike against the seamers and the spinners. In contrast Akmal was prepared to play the supporting role after Imran Nazir had survived an early chance where he was dropped by Lasith Malinga off Thilan Thushara in the second over of the innings. Nevertheless Lasith Malinga made amends to a certain extent by removing Shoaib Malik with his fifth delivery. The speedster completed an excellent opening spell with his two overs costing him only eight runs. Even then Pakistan were able to collect a good 47 runs from the last five overs thanks to a useful contribution of 25 runs from Abdur Razzaq who put on 33 runs for the unfinished sixth wicket along with Misbah Ul Haq.
Cricket Highlights : Sri Lanka V Pakistan - 4Th ODI - 8/11/2009 8:00:38 PM
Part 01
Part 02
Part 03
First it was T20 World Cup and then test series, now back to the middle version One Day International series. Sri Lanka and Pakistan has played all kind of Cricket and player should feel little difficulty to change the format as we seen in the test series. Even though Sri Lanka has a little edge with there world class bowling attack Pakistan are also not easy to defeat as we seen in the twenty20 world cup, anything can happened. Sri Lanka has advantage of the return of Lasith Malinga, which improves Sri Lanka's already unmatchable bowling attack. And then again Pakistan has the benefit of Shaheed Afridi's inclusion to the team. The five one day matches and the only twenty20 match will be very attractive and entertaining as we have seen before, Sri Lanka and Pakistan matches are very attractive and always there are ground full of crowed to watch the games. Sri Lanka also have the advantage of the home ground and they will try to impress in front of their home crowed. So far brilliant Sangakkara will try to improve his track record as a captain.
Pakistani selectors are expected to include controversial pace bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif in the preliminary squad of 30 players for the Champions Trophy to be held from September 22 in South Africa. PCB sources said Chairman Ejaz Butt had given clearance to interim Chief Selector Wasim Bari to select Mohammad Asif in the preliminary list but had told Bari to consult the team management in Sri Lanka on Akhtar. Bari, a former Test captain, is due to leave shortly for Colombo where he will consult with captain Younis Khan, coach Intikhab Alam and manager Yawar Saeed on the squad for the One-day rubber there and also on the preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy. All cricket boards have to submit their preliminary squads by July 23 to the International Cricket Council. The PCB has already indicated that they don't see any reason for Asif not playing in the Champions Trophy once his ban ends on the September 22. But other sources in the Board admitted that technically the ICC could raise objections to Asif playing in the Champions Trophy.
he start of this year's ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa has been brought forward by two days to September 22. The ICC had originally scheduled the eight-nation tournament from September 24 to October 5. "But now on the recommendations of some countries who wanted longer gaps for their players between matches, the tournament will start two days earlier," a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesman was quoted as saying on Thursday. The tournament, which involves 15 matches in 14 days, was originally scheduled to be held in Pakistan in 2008 but was moved to South Africa because of security concerns. The event will be held at Centurion and Wanderers. s compared to the 2006 tournament when 21 matches were played over 29 days, this year's matches are expected to be of high intensity due to short and sharp format.
Part 02
Part 03
First it was T20 World Cup and then test series, now back to the middle version One Day International series. Sri Lanka and Pakistan has played all kind of Cricket and player should feel little difficulty to change the format as we seen in the test series. Even though Sri Lanka has a little edge with there world class bowling attack Pakistan are also not easy to defeat as we seen in the twenty20 world cup, anything can happened. Sri Lanka has advantage of the return of Lasith Malinga, which improves Sri Lanka's already unmatchable bowling attack. And then again Pakistan has the benefit of Shaheed Afridi's inclusion to the team. The five one day matches and the only twenty20 match will be very attractive and entertaining as we have seen before, Sri Lanka and Pakistan matches are very attractive and always there are ground full of crowed to watch the games. Sri Lanka also have the advantage of the home ground and they will try to impress in front of their home crowed. So far brilliant Sangakkara will try to improve his track record as a captain.
Pakistani selectors are expected to include controversial pace bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif in the preliminary squad of 30 players for the Champions Trophy to be held from September 22 in South Africa. PCB sources said Chairman Ejaz Butt had given clearance to interim Chief Selector Wasim Bari to select Mohammad Asif in the preliminary list but had told Bari to consult the team management in Sri Lanka on Akhtar. Bari, a former Test captain, is due to leave shortly for Colombo where he will consult with captain Younis Khan, coach Intikhab Alam and manager Yawar Saeed on the squad for the One-day rubber there and also on the preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy. All cricket boards have to submit their preliminary squads by July 23 to the International Cricket Council. The PCB has already indicated that they don't see any reason for Asif not playing in the Champions Trophy once his ban ends on the September 22. But other sources in the Board admitted that technically the ICC could raise objections to Asif playing in the Champions Trophy.
he start of this year's ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa has been brought forward by two days to September 22. The ICC had originally scheduled the eight-nation tournament from September 24 to October 5. "But now on the recommendations of some countries who wanted longer gaps for their players between matches, the tournament will start two days earlier," a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesman was quoted as saying on Thursday. The tournament, which involves 15 matches in 14 days, was originally scheduled to be held in Pakistan in 2008 but was moved to South Africa because of security concerns. The event will be held at Centurion and Wanderers. s compared to the 2006 tournament when 21 matches were played over 29 days, this year's matches are expected to be of high intensity due to short and sharp format.
Cricket Highlights : Sri Lanka V Pakistan - 5Th ODI - 8/11/2009 8:00:35 PM
Part 01
Part 02
Part 03
Mohammad Aamer and Naved-ul-Hasan took four wickets each Sunday to lead Pakistan to a 132-run win in the final limited-overs match against Sri Lanka.Pakistan opted to bat after winning the toss and reached 279-8 in their 50 overs at R.Premadasa Stadium. The visitors then bowled out Sri Lanka for 147 in the 35th over.Despite the loss, Sri Lanka clinched the series 3-2 with wins in the first three matches. Aamer struck in the third ball of Sri Lanka's innings, having Upul Tharanga caught at slip by Umar Akmal to make it 0-1. Nineteen runs and three overs later, Sanath Jayasuriya made 6 before he was caught by Misbah-ul-Haq off Naved.
Captain Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene put on 35, but Sangakkara's dismissal for 16 with the total on 54 triggered a collapse and Sri Lanka was soon 74-8 and facing the prospect of being dismissed for its lowest score against Pakistan. Thilina Kandamby and Malinga Bandara shared 61 runs for the ninth wicket. Kandamby hit 42 not out, and Bandara made 31. Aamer also accounted for Jayawardene, Chamara Kapugedera, Anjelo Mathews to finish with 4-28. Naved's wickets included Jayasuriya and Sangakkara and he finished with 4-44. Earlier, Pakistan captain Younis Khan hit 76 and Misbah made 73 not out, putting on 83 off 86 balls for the fourth wicket.
Pakistan made a bad start when Kamran Akmal was wrongfully adjudged lbw by Sri Lankan umpire Gamini Silva on the first ball of the innings. Television replays showed Akmal got an inside edge on the ball from seamer Nuwan Kulasekera before it hit his pad. Younis joined Imran Nazir and added 45 runs for the second wicket before Nazir was lbw to spinner Ajantha Mendis for 35. Mohammad Yousuf made 43 off 55 balls, hitting five boundaries. He was caught by Sangakkara off Jayasuriya with the total on 113. Younis survived a confident appeal for a catch behind on 70. A furious Sangakkara challenged Silva's decision and also had a brief on-field argument with Younis, which could lead to the two players being penalized by the International Cricket Council.
Seam bowler Dammika Prasad bowled Younis with a yorker to end his 100-ball innings that included five boundaries, leaving the score 196-4 in the 37th over. That brought a mini-collapse as the visitors lost three wickets for 18 runs. But Misbah and Naved combined for a 60-run partnership off 56 balls to lift their side to a respectable score. Misbah hit five fours in 83 balls, while Naved cracked two sixes and a four to score 34 from 39 balls. Kulaskerea returned the best bowling figures for the hosts with 3-46.
Part 02
Part 03
Mohammad Aamer and Naved-ul-Hasan took four wickets each Sunday to lead Pakistan to a 132-run win in the final limited-overs match against Sri Lanka.Pakistan opted to bat after winning the toss and reached 279-8 in their 50 overs at R.Premadasa Stadium. The visitors then bowled out Sri Lanka for 147 in the 35th over.Despite the loss, Sri Lanka clinched the series 3-2 with wins in the first three matches. Aamer struck in the third ball of Sri Lanka's innings, having Upul Tharanga caught at slip by Umar Akmal to make it 0-1. Nineteen runs and three overs later, Sanath Jayasuriya made 6 before he was caught by Misbah-ul-Haq off Naved.
Captain Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene put on 35, but Sangakkara's dismissal for 16 with the total on 54 triggered a collapse and Sri Lanka was soon 74-8 and facing the prospect of being dismissed for its lowest score against Pakistan. Thilina Kandamby and Malinga Bandara shared 61 runs for the ninth wicket. Kandamby hit 42 not out, and Bandara made 31. Aamer also accounted for Jayawardene, Chamara Kapugedera, Anjelo Mathews to finish with 4-28. Naved's wickets included Jayasuriya and Sangakkara and he finished with 4-44. Earlier, Pakistan captain Younis Khan hit 76 and Misbah made 73 not out, putting on 83 off 86 balls for the fourth wicket.
Pakistan made a bad start when Kamran Akmal was wrongfully adjudged lbw by Sri Lankan umpire Gamini Silva on the first ball of the innings. Television replays showed Akmal got an inside edge on the ball from seamer Nuwan Kulasekera before it hit his pad. Younis joined Imran Nazir and added 45 runs for the second wicket before Nazir was lbw to spinner Ajantha Mendis for 35. Mohammad Yousuf made 43 off 55 balls, hitting five boundaries. He was caught by Sangakkara off Jayasuriya with the total on 113. Younis survived a confident appeal for a catch behind on 70. A furious Sangakkara challenged Silva's decision and also had a brief on-field argument with Younis, which could lead to the two players being penalized by the International Cricket Council.
Seam bowler Dammika Prasad bowled Younis with a yorker to end his 100-ball innings that included five boundaries, leaving the score 196-4 in the 37th over. That brought a mini-collapse as the visitors lost three wickets for 18 runs. But Misbah and Naved combined for a 60-run partnership off 56 balls to lift their side to a respectable score. Misbah hit five fours in 83 balls, while Naved cracked two sixes and a four to score 34 from 39 balls. Kulaskerea returned the best bowling figures for the hosts with 3-46.
Cricket Highlights : Sri Lanka V Pakistan - 3Rd ODI - 8/6/2009 8:00:31 PM
Part 01
Part 02
Part 03
First it was T20 World Cup and then test series, now back to the middle version One Day International series. Sri Lanka and Pakistan has played all kind of Cricket and player should feel little difficulty to change the format as we seen in the test series. Even though Sri Lanka has a little edge with there world class bowling attack Pakistan are also not easy to defeat as we seen in the twenty20 world cup, anything can happened. Sri Lanka has advantage of the return of Lasith Malinga, which improves Sri Lanka's already unmatchable bowling attack. And then again Pakistan has the benefit of Shaheed Afridi's inclusion to the team. The five one day matches and the only twenty20 match will be very attractive and entertaining as we have seen before, Sri Lanka and Pakistan matches are very attractive and always there are ground full of crowed to watch the games. Sri Lanka also have the advantage of the home ground and they will try to impress in front of their home crowed. So far brilliant Sangakkara will try to improve his track record as a captain.
Pakistani selectors are expected to include controversial pace bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif in the preliminary squad of 30 players for the Champions Trophy to be held from September 22 in South Africa. PCB sources said Chairman Ejaz Butt had given clearance to interim Chief Selector Wasim Bari to select Mohammad Asif in the preliminary list but had told Bari to consult the team management in Sri Lanka on Akhtar. Bari, a former Test captain, is due to leave shortly for Colombo where he will consult with captain Younis Khan, coach Intikhab Alam and manager Yawar Saeed on the squad for the One-day rubber there and also on the preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy. All cricket boards have to submit their preliminary squads by July 23 to the International Cricket Council. The PCB has already indicated that they don't see any reason for Asif not playing in the Champions Trophy once his ban ends on the September 22. But other sources in the Board admitted that technically the ICC could raise objections to Asif playing in the Champions Trophy.
he start of this year's ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa has been brought forward by two days to September 22. The ICC had originally scheduled the eight-nation tournament from September 24 to October 5. "But now on the recommendations of some countries who wanted longer gaps for their players between matches, the tournament will start two days earlier," a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesman was quoted as saying on Thursday. The tournament, which involves 15 matches in 14 days, was originally scheduled to be held in Pakistan in 2008 but was moved to South Africa because of security concerns. The event will be held at Centurion and Wanderers. s compared to the 2006 tournament when 21 matches were played over 29 days, this year's matches are expected to be of high intensity due to short and sharp format.
Part 02
Part 03
First it was T20 World Cup and then test series, now back to the middle version One Day International series. Sri Lanka and Pakistan has played all kind of Cricket and player should feel little difficulty to change the format as we seen in the test series. Even though Sri Lanka has a little edge with there world class bowling attack Pakistan are also not easy to defeat as we seen in the twenty20 world cup, anything can happened. Sri Lanka has advantage of the return of Lasith Malinga, which improves Sri Lanka's already unmatchable bowling attack. And then again Pakistan has the benefit of Shaheed Afridi's inclusion to the team. The five one day matches and the only twenty20 match will be very attractive and entertaining as we have seen before, Sri Lanka and Pakistan matches are very attractive and always there are ground full of crowed to watch the games. Sri Lanka also have the advantage of the home ground and they will try to impress in front of their home crowed. So far brilliant Sangakkara will try to improve his track record as a captain.
Pakistani selectors are expected to include controversial pace bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif in the preliminary squad of 30 players for the Champions Trophy to be held from September 22 in South Africa. PCB sources said Chairman Ejaz Butt had given clearance to interim Chief Selector Wasim Bari to select Mohammad Asif in the preliminary list but had told Bari to consult the team management in Sri Lanka on Akhtar. Bari, a former Test captain, is due to leave shortly for Colombo where he will consult with captain Younis Khan, coach Intikhab Alam and manager Yawar Saeed on the squad for the One-day rubber there and also on the preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy. All cricket boards have to submit their preliminary squads by July 23 to the International Cricket Council. The PCB has already indicated that they don't see any reason for Asif not playing in the Champions Trophy once his ban ends on the September 22. But other sources in the Board admitted that technically the ICC could raise objections to Asif playing in the Champions Trophy.
he start of this year's ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa has been brought forward by two days to September 22. The ICC had originally scheduled the eight-nation tournament from September 24 to October 5. "But now on the recommendations of some countries who wanted longer gaps for their players between matches, the tournament will start two days earlier," a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesman was quoted as saying on Thursday. The tournament, which involves 15 matches in 14 days, was originally scheduled to be held in Pakistan in 2008 but was moved to South Africa because of security concerns. The event will be held at Centurion and Wanderers. s compared to the 2006 tournament when 21 matches were played over 29 days, this year's matches are expected to be of high intensity due to short and sharp format.
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