Pakistan’s Cricket dream shattered by Aussies in U19 World Cup final

Pakistan colts in a hard-fought final of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World
Cup were beaten by 25 runs against Australia boys with 20 balls
remaining here on Saturday.

Both teams were running to win the title for the third time in the history of Under-19 Cricket World Cup.

Chasing
a moderate target of 208 runs, Pakistan batsmen batted well against sea
winds and accurate Aussie bowlers but could make182 runs in 46.4 overs.

Captain Azeem Ghumman was the top-scorer with 41. He batted with calm and caution hitting only one four in 90 balls.

However,
Hammad Azam, the most prolific scorer who has been unbeaten throughout
the tournament could not maintain his record and was dismissed for a
nought, caught behind by Triffitt off Hazlewood. His early ouster made
a panic in the Pakistan team’s dressing room.

Earlier, Pakistan winning the toss decided to send Kangaroos first and kept their grip tight over the match.

Sarmad
Bhatti grabbed three wickets and Fayyaz Butt claimed two as the Aussies
were 207-9 in 50 overs in the final counter of tournament.

Though
Pakistani pacers successfully claiming wickets on regular intervals but
they failed in keeping run rate down while the Aussies persistently
collected ones, twos, three and certain times boundaries and out of the
park.

The leading run scorers from Australian side were JS Floros (35), TJ Armstrong (37) and KW Richardson (44).

Wasim advises PCB to introduce new cricketers

KOLKATA: Former captain Wasim Akram severely criticizing Pakistani cricketers playing in Australia, has advised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to give chance to new cricketers. Wasim Akram, who is present in India for coaching of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), said that senior players are the cause of chaos in the Pakistan team and they are scoring less runs. Therefore, they should be replaced by such young players who by learning in a year may be able to serve the country for the next two decades. Wasim understands that Test cricket is the only game of cricket and it is like a long race for which every team requires special talent, mental fitness and spirit. Presently, Pakistan cricket team lack all these qualities. Wasim Akram termed Mohammad Yousuf an inexperienced captain but added that he has the potential of looking a better captain in coming days.

Hosts bag 1 gold medal in SBBIBC

KARACHI: Host Pakistan finished with 12 medals in the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Championships that ended here on Friday at the KPT Benazir Bhutto Sports Complex under great fanfare. Though Pakistan finished with a large bag of medals but it was China that dominated the gold medal race with four gold, one silver and two bronze while hosts could claim only one gold. Syria clinched two gold and two silver and Thailand two gold. Mohib Bacha of Pakistan White bagged the only gold for Pakistan when he defeated countrymate Nadir Baloch of Pakistan Green by 4-0 points in a one-sided light fly 48 Kg category contest. Other two home boxers in the final, however, could not realize their dream of winning the top honours and finished with a silver each. Abdul Waheed of Pakistan White lost by a close verdict to Anan Pongkhet of Thailand in fly 51 Kg weight. It was the most hotly contest bout of the evening which attracted huge attention of a good number of Pakistani spectators who supported the Pakistani and when against their expectation, the point was awarded to the Thai, there was ear deafening catcalling, hooting and booing. But when the final verdict came the crowd accepted it in sporting spirit. Pakistan Adnan Hussain was brutalised by Ibrahim Sanda of Syria in the fourth final who won by big 6-2 points. For the first time Pakistan, the boxing federation issued large number of invitations to local fans but the officials in-charge of the security allowed only few and stopped others to enter the gymnasium citing security arrangements as the reason. Due to strict security which was appreciated by every one, the local fans were denied watching some exciting bouts. Security was of top priority for the Pakistan Boxing Federation, the police and Rangers. The fact that the PBF has succeeded in holding the eight-day championships in which boxers and technical staff from 25 countries across the world including Europe, Africa, Far East, Middle East and Pak Indo sub continent took part. The Pakistan Boxing Federation has succeeded in proving that Pakistan has the ability to organise a secure and successful international sporting event. The young president of the PBF Dodha Khan Bhutto, who only a year ago took over the administrative reins of the federation, proved that one could accomplish a good task with hard work and enthusiasm. He had sat an example for the other national sports federation and it is expected that they too could also host an international event on smaller scale.

Beckham returns to AC Milan

ROME: David Beckham enjoyed a winning return to the AC Milan side as they outclassed Genoa 5-2 at the San Siro.

Watched by England coach Fabio Capello, Beckham impressed on the right side of a three-man attack in his first game since beginning a second loan spell.

Injuries to Alexandre Pato and Clarence Seedorf meant 34-year-old Beckham played further forward than usual.

After Ronaldinho had an early penalty saved, Genoa went ahead on 25 minutes but Milan were 2-1 up at half-time.

Leonardo's side ran riot in the second half to keep the gap between them and leaders Inter Milan at eight points.

It could hardly have gone better for Beckham, who is spending a second spell at Milan from LA Galaxy in a bid to prove to Capello that he is worth a place in England's squad for the World Cup.

Federer and Nadal ease into Doha quarters

DOHA: Roger Federer, aiming to regain a title he last won four years ago, reached the quarter-finals of the Qatar Open with a performance which for the second successive day suggested he is starting the new season well rested and in fine shape.

The Grand Slam record-breaker won 6-2, 6-4 against Evgeny Korolev, a young and rising Russian on the verge of the world's top 50 who hit ambitiously but looked capable of achieving more than he actually did.

Federer contained him well, moved excellently, prevented his inexperienced opponent from feeling comfortable, and from time to time had moments of sublime attacking, which helped maintain an intimidating aura.

"This was a more dangerous match than my first one because he is a big ball striker and plays aggressive on forehand and backhand," Federer said.

"Conditions were difficult today, it was very slow out there and I had to be patient and grind it out, so I was happy with the way I adapted and with the way the match went."

Federer was helped by several moments when Korolev beat himself - perhaps overly aware of Federer's reputation - notably after he broke the great man's serve to get back to 2-3, only to play a poor service game himself.

Then unaccountably Korolev failed to appeal against a line call on the opening point of the final game, when he was serving to save the match.

Hawkeye was showing as on the line a drive which had been called out, but the Russian missed his chance to get the decision overturned.

By contrast at 15-30 Federer appealed against another 'out' call, on his own drive this time, and got it reversed, taking the score to 15-40 and giving him two match points.

Korolev fought back bravely and saved both of them but still lost that game and the match. Had he appealed, as Federer did, he should have reached 5-5 with all to play for.

Federer is seeded to play a final on Saturday against his greatest rival, Rafael Nadal, who looked particularly pumped up after dismissing Potito Starace, a former top 30 player from Italy, by 6-2, 6-2.

Wicketkeeper Sarfraz will be sent to Australia

Karachi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has called up wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed as a cover for struggling wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal for the third Test match against Australia in Hobart, starting from January 14. Kamran dropped three regulation edges from Australian middle-order batsman Michael Hussey off Kaneria's bowling, on 27, 45 and 52. Hussey went to score an undefeated 134 runs, and played a crucial role in Pakistan’s shocking 36-run defeat. Sarfraz was earlier selected ahead of Kamran for the 2008 Asia Cup, during which he impressed with his keeping skills, but did not have a chance to show his batting skills. Pakistan’s teenage pacer Mohammad Aamir is likely to be fit for the third and final Test. Aamir suffered a minor groin injury during the opening Test in Melbourne where he took a sensational five-wicket haul in the second innings to bring Pakistan back in the match. Pakistan team manager Abdul Raqeeb while talking to Geo News said Aamir has received some treatment and is responding well. “He had some icing and will be resting for a few days. He was rested on the advice of doctors because he was really stiff but hopefully he will be fully fit for Hobart.” According to team sources, all rounder Shoaib Malik will replace Misbahul Haq in the third test.

Australia beat Pakistan by 36 runs, win series 2-0

A

SYDNEY: Pakistan were all-out for 139 runs loosing second cricket Test match against Australia by 36 runs here at SCG, Geo news reported.Australia set Pakistan 176-run easy target to win Test match but despite easy wicket on fifth day, Pakistan could not defeat World Champions.Hauritz claimed 5-wicket haul, while Johnson and Bollinger took 3 and 2 wickets respectively.

Pakistan take 204-run lead over Australia 2nd day

SYDNEY: Pakistan gained a big lead of 204 runs over the Aussies despite a collapse in the final session of the second day of the second Test match here at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday. They lost seven wickets in the third and the last session of the day. At stumps, Pakistan were 331 runs for nine wickets with tail-enders Danish Kaneria (2) and Mohammad Asif (0) at the crease. Pakistan resumed at 14-0 in the morning and both openers, playing steadily added 70 runs in the first session and succeeded in reaching 100 without being separated after lunch. This was the second century stand between the pair of Imran Farhat and Salman Butt in Test cricket. However, the partnership was broken by spinner Nathan Hauritz when Imran Farhat was caught behind by Brad Haddin on an attempted sweep shot. Imran made 53, his 13th half-century in 32nd Test. He hit four boundaries in his 140-ball innings and together with Salman Butt made 109 runs. Later, Salman Butt was also caught behind off Mitchell Johnson for 71, made with the help of nine fours. This was his eighth fifty in 26th Test. Pakistan were 190-2 at tea with Faisal Iqbal and captain Mohammad Yousuf batting patiently. They carved out a 61-run partnership off 83 balls before Faisal departed on 27. Yousuf was joined by young Umar Akmal who batted aggressively and scored 49 from 48 balls with nine fours. Yousuf also fell in the forties (46). Misbah-ul-Haq and Kamran Akmal could not make good scores and were dismissed on 11 and 14, respectively. However, Misbah completed 1,000 runs in his 19th Test. Mohammad Sami and Umar Gul contributed 13 and 12 runs, respectively. For Australia, Doug Bollinger was the most successful bowler, taking three for 70 runs while Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson claimed two wickets each. Peter Siddle and Hauritz took one wicket each.

India Win Hamilton ODI Series Against New Zealand

Hamilton: They rightly say records are meant to be broken. When Mohammad Azharuddin slammed a ton off just 62 deliveries, it was there to stay, but not forever. Sehwag, the Delhi dasher, tore apart the New Zealand bowling to become India’s fastest centurion of all times. He scored his third ton against New Zealand off just 60 odd balls.

India were declared the winners by 84 runs (D/L method) and they now have an unassailable lead of 3-0, which means they have won a series in New Zeakand for the first time in 33 years.

Virender Sehwag was declared the man of the match without a doubt for his breath taking innings that set the Seddon Park on fire.

When New Zealand had finished their innings at 270/5 off 47 overs, the spectators were sure they had a thrilling encounter in store. However, when the swashbuckling Viru unleashed his array of lethal shots, maneuvering his willow with ease, Hamilton looked like a park in a residential colony and the Kiwis had to run for cover.

Choosing to bat first for a change, New Zealand had started off cautiously saving wickets and later Ryder and McCullum let themselves loose to take the Black Caps to a flying start. Some sloppy effort in the field by the Indians ensured Ryder scored 46 and McCullum went on to score a flamboyant 77. Dhoni had missed a stumping chance early on in the innings and later Sehwag dropped a sitter to give McCullum two lives. However, the bowler to suffer remained the same – Yuvraj, who later dismissed Jesse Ryder who looked set for a consecutive century.

McCullum survived scare after scare to carve out 77 runs without much support from Ross Taylor (5), Jacob Oram (1) and Martin Guptill (25). Zaheer finally broke the McCullum jinx and caught the dashing right hander plumb in front of the wickets. Just when the Kiwis seemed to have lost their way, Peter McGlashan (56 off 42) and Grant Eliott (35 off 27) joined hands to bail the hosts out of trouble with a 95 run sixth wicket partnership posting a total of 270 in 47 overs. The overs were reduced due to the rain interruptions.

Amidst rain interruptions and revised targets, Sehwag did not stop. He went on and on firing all cylinders to all corners of the park. Rain interrupted Sehwag’s fireworks and the target was revised 263 in 43 overs after the second time rain played spoilsport and then to 220 in 36 overs after the rain Gods obliged again.

Riding on Sehwag’s blitzkrieg, India had scored 201 for no loss before the drizzle began again in the 24th over thereby making it definite for a result to be declared in case the game could not continue further. And that exactly happened. India were declared winners after 23.3 overs were bowled with India’s scorecard reading a fabulous 201/0.

Amidst Sehwag’s slam-bang, Gambhir’s contribution could not be ignored. The left hander scored 63 runs off 67 deliveries and played an anchor role to provide perfect support and cushion to the Hamilton Hurricane Sehwag whose final score read 125 off 74 deliveries which was studded with six thunderous hits into the stands and 14 shots that rolled into the fence.

The fifth and final ODI of the series will be played at Eden Park, Auckland on March 14.

Source: www.nhatky.in

India Vs New Zealand 4th ODI At Hamilton

WELLINGTON: Captain Daniel Vettori will return to the New Zealand team and paceman Tim Southee has been dropped as the home side attempt to stop rampant India from sealing a one-day series victory.

Sachin Tendulkar’s brilliant unbeaten 163 led India to a 58-run win and a 2-0 series lead in Christchurch on Sunday, with two games left to play.
WATCH LIVE CRICKET MATCH
Vettori was missing from that game as he joined his wife, Mary, for the birth of their first child, but he will be back for the Hamilton match on Tuesday.

Southee paid the price for posting the most expensive 10-over bowling spell by a New Zealander in a one-day international with figures of 0-105 as India smashed 392 runs.

Vettori’s tight bowling will be even more important than usual in the absence of seam bowler Ian Butler, the only other bowler who has posted consistently respectable figures against India.

Butler, who was recalled to the New Zealand team this year after a five-year absence, strained a thigh muscle while bowling in Christchurch but the home side hope he will be available for the final one-dayer in Auckland on Saturday.

Uncapped Central Districts allrounder Ewen Thompson — who made his international Twenty20 debut against the West Indies in December — joins the squad of 12.

New Zealand squad
Daniel Vettori (captain), Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum, Peter McGlashan, Kyle Mills, Iain O’Brien, Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel, Jesse Ryder, Ross Taylor, Ewen Thompson.

Source: www.nhatky.in