Champions Trophy Highlights: 11Th Match - Pakistan V Australia - 9/30/2009 8:54:28 PM

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Australia left it till the last ball to beat Pakistan by two wickets at Centurion Park. he win means Ricky Ponting's men finish top in their group and will play England at Supersport Park on Friday. Ricky Ponting's side began the day knowing victory would secure their place in the last four and after restricting Pakistan to 205 for six, looked to be cruising to their target at 140 for two. After that Australia's batting collapsed, losing 6 for 47, but Brett Lee and Nathan Hauritz managed to score 19 runs from 25 balls to clinch the win. The last time they played England- Australia won the series 6-1 but Ricky Ponting does not expect things to be as easy this time.

The Black Caps will play Pakistan in Sunday morning's second Champions Trophy semi final in Johannesburg after Australia's two wicket win over Pakistan in Centurion. Pakistan made 205 for 6 with Australia scraping home off the last ball reaching 206 for 8. Australia will play England in the first semi final in Centurion on Saturday. Wellington seamer Iain O'Brien has been called into the Black Caps' squad. The 33-year-old arrives tonight as a replacement for Daryl Tuffey, who is returning home after breaking his hand. Coach Andy Moles says O'Brien has recently been playing county cricket for Leicestershire. Moles says there is likely to be just one change to the playing eleven for their semi-final with Aaron Redmond opening with Brendon McCullum, and Gareth Hopkins dropping out. "We have got very different conditions to what we confronted over there (England), and they have been playing some pretty good cricket of late." He added, "So we are going to get back to the drawing board and talk about what went wrong in the last half of our batting this afternoon, and then make sure we do not do that again on Friday".

Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal and paceman Mohammad Asif also excelled, finishing with two wickets each. But Lee held his nerve, and bold running between wickets reduced the target to four runs off the final over. Battling to get bat on ball, the Australians squeezed out three singles off the first five balls of the final over the innings, delivered by Umar Gul. Then they sprinted through after Hauritz missed the final ball, and Australia had squeezed through by the slimmest of margins. Both teams will go through to the semi-finals, excluding cricketing superpower India, whose game against the under-strength West Indies became a dead rubber following Australia's shaky triumph.

Champions Trophy Highlights: 10Th Match - England V New Zealand - 9/29/2009 8:00:06 PM

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New Zealand beat England by four wickets at the Wanderers as the Black Caps qualified for the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy as Group B winners. England, after beating Sri Lanka and South Africa in their first two group games, looked jaded on a dreadful pitch and never recovered from an awful start as they slumped to 13-3. They eventually recovered to make an all-out total of 146 which could have been far worse but for a last-wicket stand of 29 between Ryan Sidebottom and James Anderson. Paul Collingwood top-scored with 40 and was reprieved by Black Caps captain Daniel Vettori after carelessly wandering out of his crease, in the 11th over of England's innings. He stepped two yards up the wicket to examine the spot where the ball had landed and wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum ran him out. TV official Aleem Dar confirmed the Durham star was technically out but Vettori eventually withdrew the appeal following prolonged discussions with his team-mates.

New Zealand went on to the attack from the outset when they batted and were cruising to victory when they moved on to 113-1. This latest captaincy issue - following incidents involving Angelo Mathews and Graeme Smith - came with England 27 for three after the top order was blitzed by an injury-hit New Zealand on a bowler-friendly surface. Strauss, Joe Denly and Owais Shah all perished inside the opening half-a-dozen overs after the New Zealanders won the toss. In similar conditions to those in which England reduced Sri Lanka to 17 for four in their opening Group B match, and with the floodlights on from the start, ball completely dominated. Mills got the second delivery of the match to rear off a length and take the edge of Strauss' bat - England's bowlers had been examining the very spot before the toss took place. Denly's off-stump was sent cartwheeling by a delivery from Shane Bond that nipped back.Then, Shah, who smashed 98 against South Africa on Sunday to claim the man-of-the-match award, paid for an expansive stroke as his attempted pull off Bond provided a catch behind.

That meant Eoin Morgan, who continued as England's emergency wicketkeeper with first-choice Matt Prior still suffering from a virus, and Collingwood were required to take stock. Despite knuckling down to the situation, however, left-hander Morgan succumbed to Ian Butler's extra bounce, having scored nine off 40 balls. Collingwood, who cracked three sixes, was also undone by extra lift as he miscued a pull off Elliott to midwicket. Man of the Match Grant Elliott. The South-African born all-rounder - who began his career at the Wanderers in 1996 before switching allegiances to the Land of the Long, White Cloud - bagged career-best figures of four for 31. 34-year-old Bond was left to bounce back from a horrible display against Sri Lanka on Sunday, in which he fetched nought for 82 in nine overs. He added to his two wickets earlier in the day with the scalp of Bopara (30), who fell to an unfortunate lbw dismissal that saw him struck very low on the pad on the back of a concerning lack of bounce. Tail-enders Sidebottom (20) and Anderson (four not out) fiddled around for as long as they could muster, but when Vettori proved the undoing of the former a dismal stint with the bat for semi-final qualifiers England and a stupendous passage with the ball for semi-final hopefuls New Zealand was sealed.

ICC Champions Trophy - 9Th Match, Group A Australia V India P1/2 - 9/29/2009 8:00:02 PM

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Australia V India, Group A, Centurion P2/2 No Result - 9/29/2009 7:59:57 PM

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Champions Trophy Highlights: 9Th Match - India V Australia - 9/28/2009 8:15:46 PM

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India's chances of qualifying for the Champions Trophy semi-final suffered a fatal blow after their crucial Group A match against Australia was called off due to heavy rains at the SuperSport Park here Monday. Australia were 234 for four in 42.3 overs when the match was called off as it began to rain heavily accompanied by lightning. The crucial match between India and Australia has been called off due to continous rain. Both teams shared 1-1 point each, which means Pakistan are through into the semi-final round. Australia were cruising comfortably at 234 for four in 42.3 overs when heaven opened up. The unrelenting rain turned the stadium into a virtual pool and lightning struck one light tower as well. Electing to bat, Australia flourished on some fabulous partnerships after getting off to a slow start.

Ponting led from front with a composed fifty and conjured up two crucial partnerships with Tim Paine (56) and Michael Hussey (67) to lay a solid platform for a big score. Indian pacers Ashish Nehra and Praveen Kumar, who replaced RP Singh, bowled in tandem to give their side a decent start as they conceded just 23 runs in the first eight overs and also dismissed Shane Watson for a duck. Australia broke the shackles in the eight over by milking the gangly Ishant for 16 runs as Paine hit him for a six and four and Ponting also drove him for a sweet four through the covers. The pair grew in confidence after that fruitful over and went on to add 83 runs for the second wicket which was enough to stabilise the Australian innings. Amit Mishra vindicated the decision of his drafting into the side with his disciplined bowling, which played a role on slowing down Australia's progress. The leg-spinner provided the second breakthrough when he scalped Paine.

Ponting and Mike Hussey though went about the business very efficiently, working the field around, and erected a stand of 88 runs for the third wicket. India had a fortuitous break when Gautam Gambhir, running in from deep midwicket, threw down the non-striker's end and caught Ponting short of his crease. Ponting's 65 came off 88 balls and contained four fours and a six. Hussey though kept going strongly from the other end and soon completed his half century from 45 balls and inclusive of four fours. With lightning and dark clouds mushrooming on the horizon, Australia opted for their batting powerplay in the 36th over in the hope of advancing their score rapidly. Both teams got a point each from the game and Pakistan qualified for the semi-finals. India now have to beat the West Indies and hope Pakistan get the better off the Aussies in the group A double header on Wednesday to make it the top four. In that case, India and Australia will be on three points each and the one with the better net run-rate will prevail. However, if Australia beat Pakistan they will qualify for the semi-final with India's game against West Indies turning to a dead rubber.

Champions Trophy Highlights : 7Th Match - Sri Lanka V New Zealand - 9/28/2009 8:15:44 PM

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Jesse Ryder's final input in the Champions Trophy was a brilliant 74, whilst carrying a groin injury, which helped New Zealand to a comfortable win over Sri Lanka to keep their tournament alive. Ryder needed a runner after picking up the injury, which has since ruled him out of the remainder of the tournament, but his parting gift helped the Black Caps keep their hopes alive. The big-hitting Ryder's 74 off 58 balls, along with Martin Guptill's 66, helped New Zealand to post a daunting total of 315-7. Sri Lanka started well in reply but ran out of steam as they crumbled to 277 all out to go down by 38 runs, meaning their progress now depends on the rest of the results in Group B. Daniel Vettori batted first on what was thought to be a testing Wanderers pitch, but Ryder and Brendon McCullum reached 50 from just 45 balls.

Despite some spiritted hitting in the middle overs by Mahela Jayawardene (77) and Kulasekara(57), Sri Lanka went down in their match against New Zealand in their Champions Trophy Group B match at the Wanderers stadium on Sunday. Chasing the mammoth target of 316 for victory in 50 overs Sri Lankans were all out for 277 and gave New Zealand a victory by 38 runs. Earlier in the day New Zealand scored 315 for seven wickets as the openers and one down batsman laid the foundation stone for the score. J.Ryder (74), M.Guptill (66) stood out with their effort for the Kiwis. Tillakaratne Dilshan and Jayasuriya's opening stand was an entertaining 66, but neither built on that start as wickets tumbled regularly. Skipper Mahela Jayawardene tried to keep up with the run rate as he made fifty in just 65 balls, before he and Kulasekara combined for a 50 stand in just 35 deliveries.

A 78 stand between the two for the seventh wicket helped keep Sri Lanka alive, but Vettori bowled Jayawardene for 77 to rock them back on their heels. Despite a late attempt by Kulasekara, whose 50 came in 54 balls, to salvage something from the game, he ran out of partners as the Asian side perished. They must now hope that England win their remaining two games if they are to have any chance of qualifying from Group B. Jayawardene tried desperately to keep up with the run-rate, reaching his half-century from 65 deliveries, and he finally found a decent partner in Kulasekara, the two putting on 50 in 35 balls. But the partnership and Sri Lanka's hopes were eventually eroded with the demise of Jayawardene, whose 85-ball knock ended when he was bowled by Vettori.

Champions Trophy Highlights : 8Th Match - England V South Africa - 9/28/2009 8:15:41 PM

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England became the first team to book their place in the last-four of the ICC Champions Trophy following a 22-run victory over hosts South Africa. A storming 98 from Owais Shah, which included six sixes, Paul Collingwood's 82 and a quick-fire 67 from Eoin Morgan helped steer England to a second win of the group stages and knocked South Africa out of the competition. Morgan's late surge took England to 323-8 in Centurion on a day when Andrew Strauss' much-maligned one-day side finally excelled with the bat. They had arrived in South Africa with their confidence in tatters following a 6-1 series mauling at the hands of Australia. In reply, Graeme Smith struck a magnificent 141 as the captain led by example and kept South Africa in the game. But James Anderson (3-42) produced a devastating spell to take the prize scalps of Herschelle Gibbs, Mark Boucher and also Roelof van der Merwe as the Proteas were restricted to 301-9 inside their 50 overs.

Their failure to pass the 313 mark meant that a run-rate below that of Group B rivals Sri Lanka also ended their interest in the competition. England captain Andrew Strauss, praising his team for a thumping 22-run victory over South Africa in the ICC Champions Trophy on Sunday, said he had not seen England batting so well in a long time. "It is the best I have seen England batting in a long time. The way the guys play their shots was amazing. Owais Shah played an incredible innings and Paul Collingwood backed him wonderfully. That set the platform for Eoin Morgan to play that cameo. So 320 odd runs in any wicket is a great total. Then we defended well," he said after the match. Asked about James Anderson who was the pick of England bowlers with 3/42, Strauss said, "In the last 18 months he has been excellent for England. He has got the swing and when not swinging he can work out the plan B. The way he has been bowling in the powerplays has been excellent."

"To win this kind of tournament we need the five bowlers to do their job," he added. Strauss, who called back a Sri Lankan batsman in their opening match, felt that South African captain Graeme Smith should have been given a runner towards the close of his innings. "Graeme wanted a runner as he developed cramps but I suppose the umpires were not that happy to allow him a runner. But after scoring a hundred I think you are tired and so I feel Graeme should have been given a runner."

Champions Trophy Highlights : 2Nd Match - Pakistan V West Indies - 9/28/2009 8:15:38 PM

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Pakistan made a winning start to their Champions Trophy campaign as they limped to a five-wicket victory against a severely depleted West Indies side in Johannesburg. The match was over as a contest within the first hour after West Indies had slumped to 47-7 with 17-year-old seamer Mohammad Aamer taking a wicket in the first over before eventually finishing with impressive figures of 3-24. Nikita Miller (51) did offer some resistance batting at number nine but West Indies were eventually dismissed for 133. However, Pakistan did not have it all their own way when they replied as Gavin Tonge took 4-25 to leave them on 76-5. However, an unbeaten sixth-wicket partnership of 58 between Umar Akmal, unbeaten on 41 and Shahid Afridi, 17 not out, saw Pakistan home.

West Indians are widely expected to make an early exit from the competition as a dispute involving the squad and the board has resulted in most of their big-name players missing the tournament. Pakistan survived an early-innings scare to begin their Champions Trophy campaign with a wobbly five-wicket victory over the West Indies at The Wanderers tonight. Three wickets apiece for Mohammad Aamer and Umar Gul looked to have set Pakistan up for an easy win after they bowled their opponents out for a paltry 133 in 34.3 overs - Nikita Miller (51) the mainstay for the Windies with his maiden half-century.

Yesterday, Tillekeratne Dilshan hit a splendid 106 to help Sri Lanka to a spirited display in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy when they reached a commendable 319 for 8 in their stipulated 50 overs through a second wicket stand of 158 runs between Dilshan and Sangakkara after South African captain Graeme Smith won the toss and elected to field on a wicket that looked perfect for batting. Smith would have justified his decision for a moment when Jayasuriya was adjudged lbw after hitting two fours but Kumar Sangakkara and Dilshan quickly re-established the Sri Lankan batting supremacy by some skilful and sensible batting on a pitch that looked increasingly easy for batting.With the dismissal of Dilshan and Sangakkara, Jayawardena and Samaraweera joined the run fiesta.

Champions Trophy Highlights : 6Th Match - India V Pakistan - 9/28/2009 8:15:36 PM

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In the end, the Indian side was let down by both the bowling and uninspired batting, many runs coming off free hits and an inexcusable array of no-balls from Pakistan. The Pakistani team, on the other hand, shone at their batting, and cleaned up the Indian batting when they needed to. Dravid, Gautam Gambhir, and Raina effectively threw away their wickets, and this was Pakistan's day to shine. India were 240 for 7 at the 43rd over, and the required run rate was almost 9, so the implications of the loss were beginning to sink in for the Indian team. They appeared lacklustre and morose, with only a glimmer of hope, which too was lost when RP Singh was caught by Mohammad Yousuf in the 44th over, with Ishant Sharma being also bowled out in the same over by Naved-ul-Hasan. THe final wicket fell in the next over, an outstanding spell by Pakistan.

Rahul Dravid the wall, was back in reckoning after a year and half, as India managed to remain in hunt of chasing down big Pakistani total in a crucial Champions Trophy encounter here at SuperSport Park in Centurion. Suresh Raina raised Indian hopes with a little cameo of 46 of 41 balls and ensured that India were well on course of the big chase, but his dismissal saw Pathan come to the crease, who managed to score just before nicking a catch on personal score of 5 runs and put India in further trouble. Earlier, Gautam Gambhir fell to a direct hit from Pak skipper Younis Khan, as Pakistan celebrated a mid pitch confusion, one needed to wait for the replay in order to fix who the culprit was. And it turned to be none other than Rahul Dravid who needlessly called in Gambhir.

Had it not been Gambhir's brilliant innings 57 of 46 balls, Team India were courting further troubles after early departure of little master Sachin Tendulkar. But from thereon stroke play from Gautam Gambhir saw India crossing 60 at the end of the 9th over. Prior to it, Indian batsmen Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir had started the innings cautiously, gently milking the bowling, without hitting any risky shots. At the end Pakistan defeated India by 54 runs in a Group A match of the Champions Trophy at the SuperSport Park here. Riding on a fine 128 by Shoaib Malik, Pakistan made 302 for nine in 50 overs.

Champions Trophy Highlights : 5Th Match - Australia V West Indies - 9/28/2009 8:15:34 PM

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Australia had to rely on the all-round talents of Mitchell Johnson to claim a 50-run win against a second string West Indies side to open their Champions Trophy title defence in Johannesburg today. Batting first, the Australians had been given a solid start on a tricky Wanderers wicket by skipper Ricky Ponting who hit 79, but when he fell as one of five wickets for just 51 runs the reigning world champions were in danger of being upstaged by a Windies cast of relative unknowns. Australia were 171 for seven when Johnson strode out to bat, but he belied the situation to smash his way to his maiden ODI half century and help Australia recover to a score of 275 for eight. Johnson then provided the crucial moment in the field when an 86-run stand between Andre Fletcher (54) and Travis Dowlin (55) had the Windies on course for victory at 124 for one.

Johnson ran out Fletcher with a rocket direct-hit throw from mid-off and from there the Windies folded to be all out for 225 in 46.5 overs. West Indies, without their big names due to the contract dispute with their governing body, had provided little resistence with the bat in their opening game against Pakistan when they were routed for just 133. The inexperienced second string West Indies gave yet another sterling account of themselves, but for the second time in a row, faltered at key moments to squander initiative. West Indies eventually fell short of the victory target by 50 runs, but not before delivering a scare to their more fancied opponents on more than one occasion. Chasing 276 for victory, West Indies had made a brisk start, racing to their 50 in just 8 overs. In the process they lost the wicket of Devon Smith to Peter Siddle for 17 runs.

Andre Fletcher (54 runs) and Travis Dowlin then smashed fluent half-centuries adding 86 runs for the second wicket as West Indies seemed on course to cause an upset win. But the duo fell in quick succession, former to a run-out, latter to Brett Lee as Australia wrested back the advantage. The daunting Australian total proved too much for West Indies despite half-centuries from Andre Fletcher and Travis Dowlin. The duo built an 86-run second-wicket partnership before Fletcher was run out, for 54, by a direct hit from Johnson, fielding at mid-off. Dowlin made his way to a patient 55 off 87 balls before he top-edged a delivery from fast bowler Brett Lee and was caught by wicketkeeper Tim Paine. On Monday, Australia take on India in Centurion while West Indies play their final match, against India, on Wednesday at the Wanderers.

Champions Trophy Highlights : 4Th Match - Sri Lanka V England - 9/28/2009 8:15:32 PM

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The early part of Sri Lanka's batting was keeping in tune with the cold, bleak conditions at the Wanderers as England's new-ball bowlers made deep, telling inroads. Andrew Strauss' decision to stick the Lankans in paid immediate dividends as James Anderson and Graham Onions ran riot, firing out the top four in next to no time. Anderson (3/20) was outstanding all through the innings while Onions faded away after a promising start, sending down nine wides – in all England conceded a whopping 21 wides – and letting the pressure ease to a great extent. Sri Lanka's batting stars were the left-handed Thilina Kandamby and the right-handed all-rounder Angelo Mathews, both of whom made poised half-centuries, though it was the experience of Thilan Samaraweera that initiated the rescue act.

England's captain, Andrew Strauss, avoided a repeat of the run-out scandal that engulfed Paul Collingwood at The Oval last year as he called Sri Lanka's batsman Angelo Mathews back to the crease after he had failed to make his ground following a collision with the bowler Graham Onions. Strauss agreed to withdraw England's appeal after a brief discussion with the umpires, Billy Bowden and Aleem Dar, who then summoned Mathews back from the boundary to resume his innings. It was a crucial stage of Sri Lanka's innings — 170 for six with 10 overs remaining and Mathews looking threatening on 50 not out — but if Strauss needed any persuasion to take the virtuous route then Collingwood, his most trusted senior pro, was well qualified to advise him that he had no option.

aul Collingwood unluckily fell for 46, bowled by Lasith Malinga, as England's run chase with Sri Lanka entered a crucial phase at the Wanderers. Andrew Strauss' side were poised on 82 for three after 20 overs chasing 213 to win under lights, with Collingwood the big wicket for Sri Lanka. England's openers had earlier started cautiously under lights, with Denly picking up a streaky opening boundary with an inside edge. He was undone two balls later however as Nuwan Kulasekara slipped one past his forward push and had him rightly adjudged lbw for five. Strauss collected his first four with a thin inside edge off Lasith Malinga that skipped to the fence, however he had to go when, on nine and after nailing a pull from Kulasekara, he was astonishingly caught one-handed by Thilina Kandamby at mid-wicket.

Champions Trophy Highlights : 3Rd Match - New Zealand V South Africa - 9/28/2009 8:15:29 PM

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South Africa beat New Zealand by five wickets in their Group B clash to keep their hopes alive in the tournament. Daryl Tuffey lured Graeme Smith into chipping one to mid-on, where Kiwi skipper Daniel Vettori was all alert to take an easy catch. Speedster Shane Bond claimed the second one. Brendon McCullum collected well behind the stumps to make Jacques Kallis head home. Vettori accounted for the third wicket in Hashim Amla. JP Duminy edged a Kyle Mills delivery to McCullum to join his mates in the dressing room. Tuffey claimed the fifth Protean wicket in Mark Boucher. South Africa revived their Champions Trophy hopes with a convincing five-wicket victory over New Zealand on Thursday.

The Black Caps were dismissed for 214 in their innings, with Wayne Parnell taking five wickets in a one-day international for the first time. That meant the hosts' batsmen could set off at a steady pace and although they did lose wickets as the innings progressed, they always looked likely to reach their total. They did so with more than eight overs to spare, AB de Villiers seeing them hope with a classy 70 not out from 76 balls. The victory means South Africa have one win and one loss ahead of their final group match against England. South Africa captain Graeme Smith opted to field after winning the toss at Centurion, a decision that was fully justified as Wayne Parnell picked up 5-57 to help bowl out New Zealand for 214 in 47.5 overs.

Once again South Africa skipper Smith won the toss and once again he opted to field on a dry, slow, uneven early season track that gave the spinners assistance in warm, partly cloudy conditions. New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori stressed the need to build partnerships, but his plea fell largely on deaf ears with the 71-run stand between Ross Taylor and Grant Elliott a notable exception. The stubborn 95-ball stand ended when South Africa-born Elliott chose the wrong line and his middle stump was pushed back by a deceptive delivery from spinner Roelof van der Merwe. Taylor was the top Kiwi scorer with 72 off 106 balls before missing a low full toss and being trapped leg before by revitalised Wayne Parnell, who was voted man of the match.

Champions Trophy Highlights : 1St Match - Sri Lanka V South Africa - 9/28/2009 8:15:27 PM

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Sri Lanka beat hosts South Africa in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy. Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka made a mammoth 319 for eight, with opener Tillakaratne Dilshan hitting 106. South Africa were struggling on 206 for seven when rain arrived at Centurion Park. No further play was possible so Sri Lanka won via the Duckworth-Lewis method. The result gets Sri Lanka off to a flying start in Group B, which also contains England and New Zealand.Tillekeratne Dilshan smashed his third ODI century and put Sri Lanka in a commanding position in the curtain-raiser of the Champions Trophy tournament that got underway at Supersport Park here in Centurion yesterday.

The 32-year-old, enjoying the form of his life, was in punishing mood as he scored the first hundred of the tournament before being dismissed for 106 in the 30th over of the match, by which stage Sri Lanka had cruised to 181 for three in 30 overs threatening to post a massive total. After Sanath Jayasuriya fell early for ten, trapped leg before wicket by Dale Steyn, Dilshan partnering his captain Kumar Sangakkara added a massive 158 runs for the third wicket as Sri Lanka consolidated. Dilshan made full use of fielding restrictions going over the top - cutting and pulling powerfully, but once the restrictions ended in the 15th over, consolidated. With the spinners operating, the batsman was content in rotating the strike pushing the ball to gaps and taking singles comfortably.

The pair brought up the 50 run stand in just 44 deliveries and Dilshan went onto post his half-century in 38 balls with 11 boundaries. He made full use of the Free Hit as well when Albie Morkel overstepped, pulling the bowler for a massive six brining up Sri Lanka's 100 runs in just 88 deliveries. Sangakkara went onto post his 49th half-century in 69 deliveries. Dilshan brought up his century in 87 deliveries pushing Jean Paul Duminy for a single and then in the very next ball, Kumar Sangakkara was dismissed when he offered a simple return catch to Duminy. South African captain Graeme Smith's decision to bring Dale Steyn back worked off as Dilshan was caught in the third man region by Morkel trying to upper cut the bowler. South Africa earlier elected to bat first after winning the toss. Both teams brought in two spinners for the game with Sri Lanka deciding to go for Ajantha Mendis instead of Thilan Thushara Mirando.

South Africa V England, Group B, Centurion P1/5 - 9/28/2009 8:15:24 PM

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South Africa V England, Group B, Centurion P2/5 - 9/28/2009 8:15:21 PM

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South Africa V England, Group B, Centurion P3/5 - 9/28/2009 8:15:17 PM

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South Africa V England, Group B, Centurion P4/5 - 9/28/2009 8:15:13 PM

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South Africa V England, Group B, Centurion P5/5 - 9/28/2009 8:15:09 PM

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NZ V SL, Champions Trophy, Group B, Johannesburg P6/6 - 9/28/2009 8:15:06 PM

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NZ V SL, Champions Trophy, Group B, Johannesburg P1/6 - 9/28/2009 8:15:03 PM

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NZ V SL, Champions Trophy, Group B, Johannesburg P2/6 - 9/28/2009 8:15:01 PM

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NZ V SL, Champions Trophy, Group B, Johannesburg P3/6 - 9/28/2009 8:14:58 PM

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NZ V SL, Champions Trophy, Group B, Johannesburg P4/6 - 9/28/2009 8:14:54 PM

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NZ V SL, Champions Trophy, Group B, Johannesburg P5/6 - 9/28/2009 8:14:51 PM

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NZ V SL, Champions Trophy, Group B, Johannesburg P6/6 - 9/28/2009 8:14:48 PM

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Aus V WI, Champions Trophy, Group A, Jo'burg P1/5 - 9/28/2009 8:14:45 PM

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Aus V WI, Champions Trophy, Group A, Jo'burg P2/5 - 9/28/2009 8:14:42 PM

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Aus V WI, Champions Trophy, Group A, Jo'burg P3/5 - 9/28/2009 8:14:38 PM

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Cricket Highlights: Sri Lanka V New Zealand - Champions Trophy 7Th ODI - 9/27/2009 7:46:20 PM

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Jesse Ryder's final input in the Champions Trophy was a brilliant 74, whilst carrying a groin injury, which helped New Zealand to a comfortable win over Sri Lanka to keep their tournament alive. Ryder needed a runner after picking up the injury, which has since ruled him out of the remainder of the tournament, but his parting gift helped the Black Caps keep their hopes alive. The big-hitting Ryder's 74 off 58 balls, along with Martin Guptill's 66, helped New Zealand to post a daunting total of 315-7. Sri Lanka started well in reply but ran out of steam as they crumbled to 277 all out to go down by 38 runs, meaning their progress now depends on the rest of the results in Group B. Daniel Vettori batted first on what was thought to be a testing Wanderers pitch, but Ryder and Brendon McCullum reached 50 from just 45 balls.

Despite some spiritted hitting in the middle overs by Mahela Jayawardene (77) and Kulasekara(57), Sri Lanka went down in their match against New Zealand in their Champions Trophy Group B match at the Wanderers stadium on Sunday. Chasing the mammoth target of 316 for victory in 50 overs Sri Lankans were all out for 277 and gave New Zealand a victory by 38 runs. Earlier in the day New Zealand scored 315 for seven wickets as the openers and one down batsman laid the foundation stone for the score. J.Ryder (74), M.Guptill (66) stood out with their effort for the Kiwis. Tillakaratne Dilshan and Jayasuriya's opening stand was an entertaining 66, but neither built on that start as wickets tumbled regularly. Skipper Mahela Jayawardene tried to keep up with the run rate as he made fifty in just 65 balls, before he and Kulasekara combined for a 50 stand in just 35 deliveries.

A 78 stand between the two for the seventh wicket helped keep Sri Lanka alive, but Vettori bowled Jayawardene for 77 to rock them back on their heels. Despite a late attempt by Kulasekara, whose 50 came in 54 balls, to salvage something from the game, he ran out of partners as the Asian side perished. They must now hope that England win their remaining two games if they are to have any chance of qualifying from Group B. Jayawardene tried desperately to keep up with the run-rate, reaching his half-century from 65 deliveries, and he finally found a decent partner in Kulasekara, the two putting on 50 in 35 balls. But the partnership and Sri Lanka's hopes were eventually eroded with the demise of Jayawardene, whose 85-ball knock ended when he was bowled by Vettori.

Cricket Highlights: India V Pakistan - Champions Trophy 6Th ODI - 9/27/2009 7:46:13 PM

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In the end, the Indian side was let down by both the bowling and uninspired batting, many runs coming off free hits and an inexcusable array of no-balls from Pakistan. The Pakistani team, on the other hand, shone at their batting, and cleaned up the Indian batting when they needed to. Dravid, Gautam Gambhir, and Raina effectively threw away their wickets, and this was Pakistan's day to shine. India were 240 for 7 at the 43rd over, and the required run rate was almost 9, so the implications of the loss were beginning to sink in for the Indian team. They appeared lacklustre and morose, with only a glimmer of hope, which too was lost when RP Singh was caught by Mohammad Yousuf in the 44th over, with Ishant Sharma being also bowled out in the same over by Naved-ul-Hasan. THe final wicket fell in the next over, an outstanding spell by Pakistan.

Rahul Dravid the wall, was back in reckoning after a year and half, as India managed to remain in hunt of chasing down big Pakistani total in a crucial Champions Trophy encounter here at SuperSport Park in Centurion. Suresh Raina raised Indian hopes with a little cameo of 46 of 41 balls and ensured that India were well on course of the big chase, but his dismissal saw Pathan come to the crease, who managed to score just before nicking a catch on personal score of 5 runs and put India in further trouble. Earlier, Gautam Gambhir fell to a direct hit from Pak skipper Younis Khan, as Pakistan celebrated a mid pitch confusion, one needed to wait for the replay in order to fix who the culprit was. And it turned to be none other than Rahul Dravid who needlessly called in Gambhir.

Had it not been Gambhir's brilliant innings 57 of 46 balls, Team India were courting further troubles after early departure of little master Sachin Tendulkar. But from thereon stroke play from Gautam Gambhir saw India crossing 60 at the end of the 9th over. Prior to it, Indian batsmen Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir had started the innings cautiously, gently milking the bowling, without hitting any risky shots. At the end Pakistan defeated India by 54 runs in a Group A match of the Champions Trophy at the SuperSport Park here. Riding on a fine 128 by Shoaib Malik, Pakistan made 302 for nine in 50 overs.

ICC Champions Trophy New Zealand v Sri Lanka

ICC Champions Trophy South Africa v England

Australia vs West Indies Highlights – Champions Trophy

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Rest of the highlights will be available starting 05:30 am GMT/06:30 am UK Time – due to timings clash with theInd-Pak game

Watch highlights – Australia vs West Indies – from the 2009 Champions Trophy played on September 26, 2009.

More 2009 Champions Trophy Highlights

India vs Pakistan Highlights – 2009 Champions Trophy

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Alternate Youtube version

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Alternate Youtube version

III
IV
V

Watch highlights – India vs Pakistan – from the 2009 Champions Trophy played on September 26, 2009.

I’ve never liked Shoaib Malik. Have always looked at him as the guy who displaced Saqlain from the Pakistan team. But even his biggest haters today would have had to concede a super knock in the company of Yousuf, who was deft as he often is. What made this Malik knock a great knock was that after the breathtaking Nazir show, for a long period, the Indian bowlers appeared to be in control. While the bowlers barring Nehra had poor outings, such was the intelligence of the knock that it was only after the 30th over that the real damage of the partnership began to slowly rear itself in a scratching-the-head sort of what-has-been-silently-going-on-here way.

One thing though about the Indian players today while all this was happening – having grown up (at least physically) from the 80s onwards watching countless India-Pak matches, the mood in the field was different today and the players were relatively chilled out especially during the typical Pakistani openers-assault.

Preplay: Too bad Yuvraj is missing this tournament since he’s one of those players who transcends national leanings through his sheer presence on a cricket field. Hope the game doesn’t disappoint.

India Pak Live

Cricket Highlights: Sri Lanka V England - Champions Trophy 4Th ODI - 9/25/2009 10:28:40 PM

Part 01


Part 02
uploading

The early part of Sri Lanka's batting was keeping in tune with the cold, bleak conditions at the Wanderers as England's new-ball bowlers made deep, telling inroads. Andrew Strauss' decision to stick the Lankans in paid immediate dividends as James Anderson and Graham Onions ran riot, firing out the top four in next to no time. Anderson (3/20) was outstanding all through the innings while Onions faded away after a promising start, sending down nine wides – in all England conceded a whopping 21 wides – and letting the pressure ease to a great extent. Sri Lanka's batting stars were the left-handed Thilina Kandamby and the right-handed all-rounder Angelo Mathews, both of whom made poised half-centuries, though it was the experience of Thilan Samaraweera that initiated the rescue act.

England's captain, Andrew Strauss, avoided a repeat of the run-out scandal that engulfed Paul Collingwood at The Oval last year as he called Sri Lanka's batsman Angelo Mathews back to the crease after he had failed to make his ground following a collision with the bowler Graham Onions. Strauss agreed to withdraw England's appeal after a brief discussion with the umpires, Billy Bowden and Aleem Dar, who then summoned Mathews back from the boundary to resume his innings. It was a crucial stage of Sri Lanka's innings — 170 for six with 10 overs remaining and Mathews looking threatening on 50 not out — but if Strauss needed any persuasion to take the virtuous route then Collingwood, his most trusted senior pro, was well qualified to advise him that he had no option.

aul Collingwood unluckily fell for 46, bowled by Lasith Malinga, as England's run chase with Sri Lanka entered a crucial phase at the Wanderers. Andrew Strauss' side were poised on 82 for three after 20 overs chasing 213 to win under lights, with Collingwood the big wicket for Sri Lanka. England's openers had earlier started cautiously under lights, with Denly picking up a streaky opening boundary with an inside edge. He was undone two balls later however as Nuwan Kulasekara slipped one past his forward push and had him rightly adjudged lbw for five. Strauss collected his first four with a thin inside edge off Lasith Malinga that skipped to the fence, however he had to go when, on nine and after nailing a pull from Kulasekara, he was astonishingly caught one-handed by Thilina Kandamby at mid-wicket.

3Rd Match, Group B South Africa V New Zealand - 9/25/2009 10:28:34 PM

Part1

New Zealand vs South Africa Champions Trophy Highlights

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II

III

IV

Scoreline: NZ 214 all out – Ross Taylor 72 | Wayne Parnell 5 wickets
SA get there easy (41.1) AB de Villiers 70 no

I’d thought that SA’s chances in this tournament might have actually improved after the pasting from SL. Today’s perignoreance was more like the one SA pull out in the opening game of a major tournament before messing up at a crucial later stage. So, if Gibbs were to return sometime soon, SA actually now look like serious contenders here. They might have lost 5 wickets in their chase, but it looked even easier than that with AB back to what he’s been over the last year or so, and earlier, normalcy returning to Parnell’s game despite the eventual runs conceded.

Preplay Time Killer: SA usually steamroll teams in the early rounds of tournaments like this. However there might be SA supporters who are actually happy their team messed up cos it could mean a rising peak rather than a spiraling-downwards peak. Gibbs unfortunately continues to be out injured – can Smith-AB put on a show today. NZ on the other hand, despite their recent misery in SL are one of my personal favourites to make it out of this group. But what’s with their players catching all kinds of stomach flus when a major tournament is underway. It happened in the T20 World Cup and Butler is out today (besides Oram with some other injury). Nathan McCullum (who surprisingly doesn’t get enough games) might get one today as a result.

Sri Lanka vs England Highlights – Champions Trophy

Watch cricket highlights – Sri Lanka vs England – from the Champions Trophy (to be) played on September 25, 2009.

Match scheduled for a 12:30 GMT start. Highlights can be viewed starting a little after the game.

More 2009 Champions Trophy Highlights

New Zealand vs South Africa Champions Trophy Highlights

I

II

III

IV

Scoreline: NZ 214 all out – Ross Taylor 72 | Wayne Parnell 5 wickets
SA get there easy (41.1) AB de Villiers 70 no

I’d thought that SA’s chances in this tournament might have actually improved after the pasting from SL. Today’s perignoreance was more like the one SA pull out in the opening game of a major tournament before messing up at a crucial later stage. So, if Gibbs were to return sometime soon, SA actually now look like serious contenders here. They might have lost 5 wickets in their chase, but it looked even easier than that with AB back to what he’s been over the last year or so, and earlier, normalcy returning to Parnell’s game despite the eventual runs conceded.

Preplay Time Killer: SA usually steamroll teams in the early rounds of tournaments like this. However there might be SA supporters who are actually happy their team messed up cos it could mean a rising peak rather than a spiraling-downwards peak. Gibbs unfortunately continues to be out injured – can Smith-AB put on a show today. NZ on the other hand, despite their recent misery in SL are one of my personal favourites to make it out of this group. But what’s with their players catching all kinds of stomach flus when a major tournament is underway. It happened in the T20 World Cup and Butler is out today (besides Oram with some other injury). Nathan McCullum (who surprisingly doesn’t get enough games) might get one today as a result.

Sri Lanka vs England Highlights – Champions Trophy

Watch cricket highlights – Sri Lanka vs England – from the Champions Trophy (to be) played on September 25, 2009.

Match scheduled for a 12:30 GMT start. Highlights can be viewed starting a little after the game.

More 2009 Champions Trophy Highlights

New Zealand vs South Africa Champions Trophy Highlights

I

II

III

IV

Scoreline: NZ 214 all out – Ross Taylor 72 | Wayne Parnell 5 wickets
SA get there easy (41.1) AB de Villiers 70 no

I’d thought that SA’s chances in this tournament might have actually improved after the pasting from SL. Today’s perignoreance was more like the one SA pull out in the opening game of a major tournament before messing up at a crucial later stage. So, if Gibbs were to return sometime soon, SA actually now look like serious contenders here. They might have lost 5 wickets in their chase, but it looked even easier than that with AB back to what he’s been over the last year or so, and earlier, normalcy returning to Parnell’s game despite the eventual runs conceded.

Preplay Time Killer: SA usually steamroll teams in the early rounds of tournaments like this. However there might be SA supporters who are actually happy their team messed up cos it could mean a rising peak rather than a spiraling-downwards peak. Gibbs unfortunately continues to be out injured – can Smith-AB put on a show today. NZ on the other hand, despite their recent misery in SL are one of my personal favourites to make it out of this group. But what’s with their players catching all kinds of stomach flus when a major tournament is underway. It happened in the T20 World Cup and Butler is out today (besides Oram with some other injury). Nathan McCullum (who surprisingly doesn’t get enough games) might get one today as a result.

Sri Lanka vs England Highlights – Champions Trophy

Watch cricket highlights – Sri Lanka vs England – from the Champions Trophy (to be) played on September 25, 2009.

Match scheduled for a 12:30 GMT start. Highlights can be viewed starting a little after the game.

More 2009 Champions Trophy Highlights

Sri Lanka vs England Highlights – Champions Trophy

Watch cricket highlights – Sri Lanka vs England – from the Champions Trophy (to be) played on September 25, 2009.

Match scheduled for a 12:30 GMT start. Highlights can be viewed starting a little after the game.

More 2009 Champions Trophy Highlights

New Zealand vs South Africa Champions Trophy Highlights

I

II

III

IV

Scoreline: NZ 214 all out – Ross Taylor 72 | Wayne Parnell 5 wickets
SA get there easy (41.1) AB de Villiers 70 no

I’d thought that SA’s chances in this tournament might have actually improved after the pasting from SL. Today’s perignoreance was more like the one SA pull out in the opening game of a major tournament before messing up at a crucial later stage. So, if Gibbs were to return sometime soon, SA actually now look like serious contenders here. They might have lost 5 wickets in their chase, but it looked even easier than that with AB back to what he’s been over the last year or so, and earlier, normalcy returning to Parnell’s game despite the eventual runs conceded.

Preplay Time Killer: SA usually steamroll teams in the early rounds of tournaments like this. However there might be SA supporters who are actually happy their team messed up cos it could mean a rising peak rather than a spiraling-downwards peak. Gibbs unfortunately continues to be out injured – can Smith-AB put on a show today. NZ on the other hand, despite their recent misery in SL are one of my personal favourites to make it out of this group. But what’s with their players catching all kinds of stomach flus when a major tournament is underway. It happened in the T20 World Cup and Butler is out today (besides Oram with some other injury). Nathan McCullum (who surprisingly doesn’t get enough games) might get one today as a result.

Sri Lanka vs England Highlights – Champions Trophy

Watch cricket highlights – Sri Lanka vs England – from the Champions Trophy (to be) played on September 25, 2009.

Match scheduled for a 12:30 GMT start. Highlights can be viewed starting a little after the game.

More 2009 Champions Trophy Highlights

New Zealand vs South Africa Champions Trophy Highlights

I

II

III

IV

Scoreline: NZ 214 all out – Ross Taylor 72 | Wayne Parnell 5 wickets
SA get there easy (41.1) AB de Villiers 70 no

I’d thought that SA’s chances in this tournament might have actually improved after the pasting from SL. Today’s perignoreance was more like the one SA pull out in the opening game of a major tournament before messing up at a crucial later stage. So, if Gibbs were to return sometime soon, SA actually now look like serious contenders here. They might have lost 5 wickets in their chase, but it looked even easier than that with AB back to what he’s been over the last year or so, and earlier, normalcy returning to Parnell’s game despite the eventual runs conceded.

Preplay Time Killer: SA usually steamroll teams in the early rounds of tournaments like this. However there might be SA supporters who are actually happy their team messed up cos it could mean a rising peak rather than a spiraling-downwards peak. Gibbs unfortunately continues to be out injured – can Smith-AB put on a show today. NZ on the other hand, despite their recent misery in SL are one of my personal favourites to make it out of this group. But what’s with their players catching all kinds of stomach flus when a major tournament is underway. It happened in the T20 World Cup and Butler is out today (besides Oram with some other injury). Nathan McCullum (who surprisingly doesn’t get enough games) might get one today as a result.

Sri Lanka vs England Highlights – Champions Trophy

Watch cricket highlights – Sri Lanka vs England – from the Champions Trophy (to be) played on September 25, 2009.

Match scheduled for a 12:30 GMT start. Highlights can be viewed starting a little after the game.

More 2009 Champions Trophy Highlights

New Zealand vs South Africa Champions Trophy Highlights

I

II

III

IV

Scoreline: NZ 214 all out – Ross Taylor 72 | Wayne Parnell 5 wickets
SA get there easy (41.1) AB de Villiers 70 no

I’d thought that SA’s chances in this tournament might have actually improved after the pasting from SL. Today’s perignoreance was more like the one SA pull out in the opening game of a major tournament before messing up at a crucial later stage. So, if Gibbs were to return sometime soon, SA actually now look like serious contenders here. They might have lost 5 wickets in their chase, but it looked even easier than that with AB back to what he’s been over the last year or so, and earlier, normalcy returning to Parnell’s game despite the eventual runs conceded.

Preplay Time Killer: SA usually steamroll teams in the early rounds of tournaments like this. However there might be SA supporters who are actually happy their team messed up cos it could mean a rising peak rather than a spiraling-downwards peak. Gibbs unfortunately continues to be out injured – can Smith-AB put on a show today. NZ on the other hand, despite their recent misery in SL are one of my personal favourites to make it out of this group. But what’s with their players catching all kinds of stomach flus when a major tournament is underway. It happened in the T20 World Cup and Butler is out today (besides Oram with some other injury). Nathan McCullum (who surprisingly doesn’t get enough games) might get one today as a result.

New Zealand vs South Africa Champions Trophy Highlights

I

II

III

IV

Scoreline: NZ 214 all out – Ross Taylor 72 | Wayne Parnell 5 wickets
SA get there easy (41.1) AB de Villiers 70 no

I’d thought that SA’s chances in this tournament might have actually improved after the pasting from SL. Today’s perignoreance was more like the one SA pull out in the opening game of a major tournament before messing up at a crucial later stage. So, if Gibbs were to return sometime soon, SA actually now look like serious contenders here. They might have lost 5 wickets in their chase, but it looked even easier than that with AB back to what he’s been over the last year or so, and earlier, normalcy returning to Parnell’s game despite the eventual runs conceded.

Preplay Time Killer: SA usually steamroll teams in the early rounds of tournaments like this. However there might be SA supporters who are actually happy their team messed up cos it could mean a rising peak rather than a spiraling-downwards peak. Gibbs unfortunately continues to be out injured – can Smith-AB put on a show today. NZ on the other hand, despite their recent misery in SL are one of my personal favourites to make it out of this group. But what’s with their players catching all kinds of stomach flus when a major tournament is underway. It happened in the T20 World Cup and Butler is out today (besides Oram with some other injury). Nathan McCullum (who surprisingly doesn’t get enough games) might get one today as a result.