ICC Cricket, Cricket Live Scores, Latest Sports News, Rumors, Fantasy Games, and more

Pakistan National Games postponed over security fears

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:44:00 +0000

KARACHI - Pakistan's Olympic Committee has postponed the annual National Games due to the uncertain security situation in the country.

It was the first major national sporting event in Pakistan to be postponed due to security fears, although foreign teams and athletes have refused to tour the country for those reasons.

The Games were due to held in Peshawar in the troubled North West Frontier Province starting on Nov. 15.

"The Games have to be postponed due to circumstances beyond our control. The participating units had concerns after the recent terrorist attacks in Peshawar and Rawalpindi," a Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) statement said.

Read Full News...

Mistakes can happen as umpires are human beings: Dar

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:42:00 +0000

Karachi: Dismissing suggestions that umpiring in the Champions Trophy semi-final between Pakistan and New Zealand was biased, ICC elite panel umpire Aleem Dar said mistakes were bound to happen from match officials as they too are human beings.

The Pakistani umpire also came in support of his colleague Simon Taufel, who was openly criticised by a senior member of the Pakistan Cricket Board and accused the Australian of favoring New Zealand in the vital match.

"Umpires are human beings and can make mistakes. I don't think Simon Taufel gave a wrong decision on purpose. Anyone can make mistakes, even I have made errors on the field," Dar told reporters at a function organised by the PCB to felicitate him for winning the ICC Umpire of the Year award.

Dar was presented with a cash award of half million rupees and a special souvenir by PCB Chairman Ejaz Butt at the function held at the National Cricket Academy.

Read Full News....

Ganguly surprised over Dravid's exclusion

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:40:00 +0000

Kolkata: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly today expressed surprise over Rahul Dravid's exclusion from Team India for the upcoming One-day series against Australia this month.

"I don''t know whether this is experimentation or what. Don't think the selectors will experiment in a series against Australia," he said when asked to comment on the squad picked for the first two ODIs of a seven-match series.

"But I am a little surprised at the decision (of dropping Dravid). But it's a decision by the selectors and they know what is better for the side."

Ganguly, himself a victim of selectors' decisions on several occasions, said. On the ICC Champions Trophy debacle, the southpaw said, "It's sport and there will be ups and downs. It's important to support them (the team) when they are not doing well. I hope they will be back to their winning ways against Australia.

Read Full News...

Younus and PCB deadlocked over captaincy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:39:00 +0000

KARACHI - Younus Khan and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) failed to reach agreement on Thursday over his decision to resign as captain.

Younus quit on Tuesday in protest at match-fixing allegations against the team and he met with PCB chairman Ejaz Butt to discuss the situation.

Sources close to Younus said he had told Butt he would only withdraw his resignation if certain conditions were accepted by the board.

"Younus has made his position clear and the ball is now in the court of the PCB," a source said.

Younus submitted his resignation to the PCB chief during a hearing of the National Assembly standing committee on sports.

The hearing was convened after committee chairman Jamshed Dasti told television channels he would investigate reports that Pakistan had deliberately under-performed against Australia and New Zealand in the Champions Trophy.

But sources said there were other issues behind Younus's decision to resign, including his relationship with team mates.

Read Full News...

It's NSW's disciplne vs Caribbean flair

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:37:00 +0000

Hyderabad: A battle of nerves will unfold when Trinidad and Tobago and New South Wales Blues - the two unbeaten sides in the event so far - clash in a League A match of the inaugural Champions League Twenty20 tournament here tomorrow.

The Caribbean side surprised everyone with their impressive show in the group stage where they ousted Indian Premier League II champions Deccan Chargers last night.

Riding on a strong all-round performance, Trinidad and Tobago humbled Somerset in their opening group encounter. Even though, the Caribbeans started as underdogs, they have shown they are not just paper tigers as they have quite a few match-winners up their ranks.

Skipper Dwayne Bravo, who has been more successful with the ball so far, taking seven wickets in two matches, is due for big runs as he is yet to explode with the bat. However, somebody or the other from both the top and lower order have chipped in with useful contribution in times of crisis to help Trinidad and Tobago's cause.

Read Full News....

Prasad, Singh sacked from India coaching roles

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:35:00 +0000

NEW DELHI - Venkatesh Prasad and Robin Singh were sacked as India's bowling and fielding coaches on Thursday just over a week before the home one-day series against Australia.

Former India paceman Prasad and all-rounder Singh had come under pressure after first-round exits in two successive limited overs events. They took up the roles after the team's first- round elimination in the 2007 one-day World Cup.

"The BCCI has decided to discontinue the services of bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad and fielding coach Robin Singh, with immediate effect," Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary N.Srinivasan said in a statement.

India's sloppy fielding has let the team down and was in focus during the first-round eliminations from the Twenty20 World Cup, and the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa this month.

Read Full News....

Younis wants captaincy till the World Cup

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:32:00 +0000

Karachi, Younis Khan Thursday asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for a captaincy tenure till the 2011 World Cup besides more powers, if it wants him to retract his resignation.

Younis tendered his resignation Tuesday during a meeting of the National Assembly's standing committee on sports in Islamabad. The meet was held to look into the allegations that Pakistan's matches against New Zealand and Australia had been fixed.

A source told IANS that Younis had a meeting with PCB chairman Ijaz Butt in Lahore, where he was asked to reconsider his decision to resign as Pakistan captain.

Younis, who led Pakistan to the World Twenty20 title in England last June, said he wanted to be assured that the board will support his captaincy till the next World Cup. The sources said Younis also asked the PCB chief to remove senior team officials including Pakistan manager Yawar Saeed.

The match-fixing charges had been levelled by Jamshed Dasti, the standing committee's chairman, and asked Younis, Butt and other senior team officials to attend the Oct 13 meeting at the Parliament House.

Read Full News.....

Loss against Delhi proved costly, says wayamba skipper

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:29:00 +0000

New Delhi, Oct 13 (IANS) Wayamba Elevens skipper Jehan Mubarak said his side's big loss to Delhi Daredevils in the opening match proved to be their bane in the Champions League Twenty20.

The Sri Lankan side Tuesday won their second Group D match against Victoria Bushrangers by 15 runs but lost out a spot in the second stage due to a poor run-rate. Delhi Daredevils and Victoria Bushrangers qualify for the next stage.

Mubarak said his team took more time to adjust to the low and slow conditions here.

'It's a mixed emotions. Just when we began to click as a team, we find ourselves out of the tournament. Adapting to the conditions is crucial and we were slow in doing that,' Mubarak said in the post-match press conference.

'The loss against Delhi proved costly for us.'

The Bushranger's fast bowler and man-of-match Shane Harwood, who claimed three for 14, said they wanted to qualify to the next stage with a win.

Read Full News....

Victoria lose to Wayamba but make it to second stage

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:27:00 +0000

New Delhi, Oct 13 (IANS) Victoria Bushrangers qualified for the Super Eight stage despite a 15-run loss to Wayamba Elevens in the Champions Trophy Group D match at the Ferozeshah Kotla stadium here Tuesday.

Mustering 118 for nine after winning the toss and batting, Wayamba needed to stop the Bushrangers within 83 runs to have a realistic chance of qualifying to the next stage. The Australian side, however, crossed the barrier, managing 103 for four. Delhi Daredevils are the other team to qualify from the group.

Wayamba must have fancied their chances when Bushrangers were tottering at 73 for four in the 17th over, but Andrew McDonald 27 (not out) was the man who made the difference.

The all-rounder, who took 2-38, bludgeoned three fours and a six off Kaushal Lokurachchi in the 18th over to ensure his side qualify to the next level on the basis of better run-rate.

It was an important match for both teams. The Sri Lankan side had lost by 50 runs to Delhi Daredevils, which had outclassed Bushrangers in the first match.

The Australian team were chasing a small total, built around Michael Vandort (42) and Jeevantha Kulatunga (41), but the subcontinent team had their hopes rested on a low and slow wicket.

Victoria suffered a set-back on the third ball of the innings when Chanaka Welegedra took a stupendous single-handed catch in his follow through with no score on the board.

The Sri Lankans were sharp on the field and got their second wicket when Welegedra took his second wicket in Aiden Blizzard, reducing Bushrangers to 17 for two. And when Maharoof castled off David Hussey's bails in the 11th over, the Sri Lankan camp erupted in rapture.

But opener Brad Hodge (44 not out) and McDonald batted with purpose to cross the important target of qualifying for the next stage.

Read Full News....

Trescothick wins players' award

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 06:09:00 +0000

Trescothick was the leading first-class run scorer in county cricket

Marcus Trescothick has been named as the Professional Cricketers' Association's Player of the Year.

The Somerset opener has been in superb form all season, scoring 2,934 runs in all competitions, scooping the PCA's most valuable player award last month.

The 33-year-old, who quit Test cricket in 2008, is in India with his county for the Twenty20 Champions League.

Leicestershire batsman James Taylor was voted Young Player of the Year after scoring 1,177 runs in 16 matches.

The 19-year-old held off stuff competition from 2007 winner Adil Rashid and England Ashes-winning fast bowler Stuart Broad.

Taylor's progress was one of the few positives to come out of Leicestershire's season having finished bottom of the second division.

Trescothick and England captain Andrew Strauss, who collected the Special Merit Award, were named in the PCA Team of the Year alongside England stars Broad, Graham Onions and Jonathan Trott.

2009 PCA Awards:

Player of the Year: Marcus Trescothick (Somerset)

Young Player of the Year: James Taylor (Leicestershire)

ECB Special Award: Michael Vaughan

Special Merit Award: Andrew Strauss

Umpire of the Year: Richard Kettleborough

Sixes League: Dwayne Smith

Impossible is Nothing Award: Graham Stevenson

Team of the Year 2009: Marcus Trescothick (Somerset), Andrew Strauss (captain - Middlesex & England), Jonathan Trott (Warwickshire & England), Ed Joyce (Sussex), Ian Blackwell (Durham), Craig Kieswetter (Somerset), James Foster (wicketkeeper - Essex), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire & England), James Tredwell (Kent), Graham Onions (Durham & England), Steve Kirby (Gloucestershire).

Stage set for cricket's latest twist

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:40:00 +0000

The inaugural Champions League Twenty20 gets underway at Bangalore's Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday with hosts and IPL runners-up Royal Challengers Bangalore taking on Cape Cobras from South Africa. Cricket's first global inter-club tournament, it is the latest twist in a format that is only seven years but has established itself as the game's main money-spinner.

A mix of state, county, regional and franchise teams will battle it out for a US$ 6 million cash prize, with $2.5 million going to the winners. The unpredictability of the format is enhanced by the fact that there is little history between the teams, though many of the players would be familiar to each other as team-mates at some level.

That element of uncertainty was summed up by Herschelle Gibbs, a key player for the Cobras. "We have a good team and a lot of the guys have been around for a while but this is Twenty20 and anything can happen. As I said earlier it is about the team performing well on a given day that wins matches, but I think Royal Challengers will be one of the favourites."

There will certainly be a lot of anticipation in Bangalore, where the game itself is to be preceded by what the organisers claim will be a lavish ceremony featuring legendary Grammy award winner Chaka Khan and British pop star Jamelia. "It has been a while since Royal Challengers have played at home", Anil Kumble, the Bangalore captain, said. "It's almost a year now... more than a year. Everybody is looking forward to that and we will certainly take advantage of home support."

The 23 matches in the 16-day tournament are spread between Bangalore, Delhi and Hyderabad. The 12 teams have been divided into four groups of three each with IPL runners-up Bangalore grouped with Cape Cobras and Otago, while IPL champions Deccan Chargers are in a pool with Stanford 20/20 winners Trinidad and Tobago and the Somerset, runners-up of England's Twenty20 Cup.

Delhi Daredevils are grouped with Victoria, the runners-up in the Australian domestic competition, and the Sri Lanka champions Wayamba. The other group comprises the Australian title-holders New South Wales, South Africa's Eagles and Sussex, winner of England's Twenty20 Cup.

The top two teams will qualify for the second round where two groups of four each will compete in a round-robin league. The top four teams will make it to the semi-finals, which will be played in New Delhi, on October 21, and Hyderabad, on October 22.

New Zealand v Australia Match Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 06:39:00 +0000

Live text - Australia v New Zealand

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:03:00 +0000

AUSTRALIA INNINGS (target 201)

13th over - Aus 24-2
Two Simons, Mann and Doull, make way for Alison Mitchell and Ian Bishop in the TMS box as Mills charges in for his seventh over, and Watson - who's been stuck on seven for four overs - nudges a single. McCullum is as chirpy as ever behind the stumps, and it's just that one run from the over.

From ravisg28 on 606: "Bond is looking menacing. Look at the difference this guy has made to the team! Now he has been taken off, Aussies should use this to their advantage"

12th over - Aus 23-2
As ever in limited-overs cricket, when your two opening bowlers are so on song, how long do you leave them on for, considering they can only bowl 10 overs? Well, New Zealand have decided to give Bond a rest after five overs as Ian Butler takes over. He took an ODI-best 4-44 against Pakistan in Saturday's semi-final, but White finally reaches double figures with a square cut for four. He then drives and misses, there's an appeal for a catch behind - instant from McCullum, slightly delayed from Butler - but White remains.

From Mark Allen, TMS inbox: "This game is gonna go right to the wire, and my mate David John Russell is an absolute ringer for Mitchell Johnson, just a blond version!"

11th over - Aus 19-2
New Zealand make the easy decision to take the fielding powerplay - Australia's plan still seems to be just to hang in there, as their required run rate creeps up to five runs per over. White is still on the defensive against Mills, there's another loud lbw shout, amplified by the crowd, but there was bat on that - another inside edge onto the pad. White finally breaks the deadlock with a single off the last ball, but that's still two runs in the last 30 balls.

From Imam Imran, TMS inbox: "Did India win the 1983 World Cup or did the West Indies lose it? And are Australia about to do the same? Come on you flightless birds, a victory here is a victory for cricket"

10th over - Aus 18-2
The "Christchurch Express" is bowling so well here, he ought to change his name to Premium Bond. It's as much as Watson can do to defend his stumps. That's another maiden - three of the last four overs have been maidens (one run from 24 balls). Bond has 1-9 from five, Mills has 1-7 from four.

From Tom and Nic Smith, TMS inbox: "Left work knowing the Aussies would win. Got home to 6-2, now plan to have Lamb for tea and have applied for NZ passport"

9th over - Aus 18-2
Mills runs in to Watson, then holds on to the ball as he loses his footing in his delivery stride. Watson nudges a single into the off side. Simon Doull on TMS points out that although the leading run-scorer in the tournament (Punter) will receive a golden bat, the leading wicket-taker (Wayne Parnell, unless Mills takes four more wickets, Bond gets five, Butler gets six or Johnson gets seven) gets a golden ball but the leading catch-taker (currently Ross Taylor with nine) doesn't get anything - a golden handshake, a gold glove, a gold finger or anything. Personally, I can't wait to see those ICC Champions Trophy winner's jackets dished out - they appear to be either cream, bone, white, off-white, ivory or beige.

From stroller95 on 606: "Oh Gawd. That's kicked the ant's nest"

8th over - Aus 17-2
White stands tall against Bond, but then plays and misses against another beaut of a delivery from the "Christchurch Express". (I know he's never been called this - but let's all try to use it as often as possible and get it adopted as his semi-official nickname). Watson then comes within millimetres of being bowled... this is a fast, accurate spell from Bond and that's another maiden over.

BBC Sport's Alison Mitchell on Twitter: "Two quick early wickets, just what this game needed"

7th over - Aus 17-2
Mills has a fairly strong lbw shout against Watson, but that's a good decision by Umpire Dar as replays show he got an inside edge onto his pad. "Hussey and Hopes, boys", calls captain/keeper Brendon McCullum, anticipating two more wickets - and Mills completes an excellent maiden over.

Simon Doull on TMS: "New Zealand's bowlers need to be patient and realise they've picked up two wickets because they have bowled on a good line and length"

6th over - Aus 17-2
Similarly to Mills in the last over, Bond beats White all ends up with one that pings through. White turns a comfortable two off his legs, then edges just wide of Aaron Redmond at second slip for four. "The name is Bond... Shane Bond" states a banner held up by a Kiwi fan in the crowd at Centurion.

5th over - Aus 11-2
Watson hooks a slower bouncer from Mills and helps himself to four runs, but then drives and misses at a fuller delivery that sails between bat and pad, just missing (a) his inside edge and (b) his off stump.

From Manny, TMS inbox: "I said to myself from the start: 'This is going to be closer than everyone thinks!' Come on you Kiwis!"

4th over - Aus 7-2
Watson shoulders arms to Bond, who seems to have an extra spring in his step. The opener nudges a single to third man, then White has to take a hand off the bat as he fends off a fearsome lifter from the Kiwi speedster.

Ian Chappell on TMS: "If there is some doubt about Ferguson batting, maybe that's why they've pushed Hussey down the order - he's been their 'finisher' and they may want him down in the middle order"

3rd over - Aus 6-2
Interesting change in the batting order by Australia - Mike Hussey is number four on the scorecard but they've sent Cameron White in instead. (Apparently Ferguson is fit to bat too). It's the first time he's batted at four in an ODI, although he was mightily effective at three against England recently. Mills completes a wicket maiden.

2.2 overs - WICKET - Ponting lbw b Mills 1 - Aus 6-2
Another leg bye brings Ponting back on strike, Mills traps him on the back foot and he's gone! HUGE wicket for New Zealand! Game on.

Ian Chappell on TMS: "Bond looks to me like he's getting better with each game in this tournament, getting used to international cricket again. He usually manages to produce something good against the Australians"

From Nick Henderson, London, TMS inbox: "So, what is the life expectancy of a flying ant - and not one that's currently having a snooze on a length?"

2nd over - Aus 5-1
A mixed blessing for New Zealand from that wicket is that it brings Ricky Ponting to the crease. He walks out in determined manner, and the first ball he faces is a wide. Ponting forces a quick single to extra cover. A fast yorker hits Watson on the boot - ouch - and they scamper a leg bye.

1.2 overs - WICKET - Paine c Taylor b Bond 1 - Aus 2-1
Shane Bond to take the second over as is his preference, apparently. Plenty of chat on TMS about Callum "Walt Disney" Ferguson, who jarred his knee in the field. Ian Chappell thinks Australia might hope not to need him to bat, but expects he'd be able to bat with a runner as he was able to walk off the field. But Bond strikes with his second ball as Paine edges a catch into the safe hands of the diving Ross Taylor at first slip!

1st over - Aus 2-0
Kyle Mills has two slips in for the first over. His first ball is edged by Watson, it nearly hits the stumps, Paine charges through for a run, Watson belatedly has to run to the non-striker's end and he only just makes his ground ahead of keeper Brendon McCullum's throw. Paine is off the mark with a single.

1800: Umpires wave to the New Zealand team, who come onto the field and have a Michael Vaughan-style "huddle". Even though they've been sitting around the boundary for 20 minutes or so. The Kiwi huddle is overtaken by Aussie openers Shane Watson and Tim Paine. The Aussies are overwhelming favourites here - but Simon Mann on TMS keeps alluding to the 1983 World Cup final, when a similarly-unfancied India side shocked the all-conquering West Indies. I still remember that astonishing catch Kapil Dev took.

From David Waldron, TMS inbox: "On over-rates, if a team goes over the time to get through the 50, every over bowled outside the time should be deducted from their total overs. See how much spit Punter has left in his dry mouth then!"

1757: Both teams are ready, so we could be starting a bit earlier than 1815, but the ground staff are still attending to the wicket (and the flying ant carcasses).

From Ruaridh, Edinburgh, TMS inbox: "In answer to Noel's question about Callum Ferguson/Walt Disney: Apparently the day they were submitting nicknames Fergie was away. One of the other lads recalled a very long-winded story that Fergie had told the day before and hence got the nickname Walt Disney. Bit obscure but that's the story Fergie gave on an Australian talk show!"

1754: Start delayed until 1815 BST. Come on, get rid of those ant carcasses!

From Kev, Bristol, TMS inbox: "Although Aussies struggled against Pakistan they should knock these off with at least five overs to spare unless NZ can get two or three early wickets, including Punter"

1745: As Alison notes (below), dead flying ants are holding up the start of the second innings (as they did on this ground for Australia-England). Some interesting chat on TMS - the Independent on Sunday's Stephen Brenkley says the England selectors have been meeting today, but the squads for South Africa won't be announced for a few days. Apparently they're decided on about 13 of the tour party, but there are discussions over the likes of Harmison and Bopara. Surely they can't be thinking about whether Harmison should go? He's been effective in home Tests, but has been pretty dire at the start of the last three or four overseas tours.

BBC Sport's Alison Mitchell on Twitter: "Flying ant carcasses dropping all over outfield again. Fetch the broom!"

From Brenton from Toowoomba, Australia, via text on 81111: "Please let me have renewed faith in at least one of our past sporting fields. This is more than a cricket game, Australia offer to learn to win again... come on Aussie"

1738: On my return from the tea bar, I look out of the window and notice a blond-haired man having a crafty smoke down near the main door of BBC TV Centre. I think it reminds me of someone, but I think "no, it can't be him, what would he be doing here?". However, my colleague Paul Fletcher points out that my initial impression was correct - cricketing legend Shane Warne is in the house (or at least, huddling outside it).

1723: Right, time for Mitch's Mad Sandwich Dash as I try to make it to the BBC tea bar and back in time for those pesky slow-over-rate merchants Australia to begin their reply at 1745 BST. Have yourself a merry little manual refresh to see Australia's target appear.

NEW ZEALAND INNINGS

50th over - NZ 200-9
We're looking at a much-shortened break between innings here (and a big, juicy over-rate fine for Australia) as we're 18 minutes over time - Patel steers the first ball of Lee's final over for one to mid-on, Bond digs one out and they scamper a single. Patel backs away, Lee follows him and pings in a head-high bouncer which Patel has to hit the floor to avoid. He then has to duck another bouncer, I thought you were only allowed one per over? But New Zealand have made it through to the last ball of the innings, which Patel carves over backward point for a first-bounce four! So the Kiwis reach a round 200 - who'd have thought it?

49th over - NZ 194-9
Watson to complete his allocation - Bond works a single, Patel misjudges a slower ball but then slaps a single to long-off. Two off the over, but will every run be precious?
From David, TMS inbox: "To Heather (34th over) - that wasn't gloating, that was astonishment"

46th over - NZ 184-8
Hauritz in for his last over, Mills drills a single to long-off and Patel works one to deep mid-wicket. Mills reaches double figures with a single, Patel nudges one to square leg and Mills keeps the strike with another carefully-placed single. Hauritz finishes with 3-37 from 10.

From David, Manchester, TMS inbox: "The best way to solve the over rate is for every over completed after the allotted time to add onto the score of the batting team the equivalent number of runs based on the average runs per over scored. So, if they scored at six runs an over and two overs were completed after the allotted time, then the target would be increased by 12 runs. This would soon stop it happening as the extra overs would effectively be counted twice"

45th over - NZ 179-8
Patel scored a first-class century for Warwickshire earlier this year, but Australia will feel they ought to be able to knock him over here. He cuts the recalled Johnson for one, then Mills takes on Hussey's arm at backward point again but the throw is just wide and Mills completes the single. Then Patel dabs to Hussey and runs, Hussey hits the stumps this time but Patel (who's a bit quicker than Mills) comfortably makes his ground. Mills flashes and misses and then run a bye as White at slip takes his eye off the ball.

From Rich, Bristol, TMS inbox: "Following on from Noel & his Walt Disney comment, a well-known internet encyclopaedia has a list of nicknames used in cricket. Stuart 'Boyband, Westlife' Broad's did make me laugh. Quite loudly"

44th over - NZ 175-8
Jeetan Patel is New Zealand's penultimate batsman, playing his first game of the tournament. He nudges the last ball for a single off his pads.

43.4 overs - WICKET - Butler lbw b Hauritz 6 - NZ 174-8
With the powerplay overs concluded, Punter still has to work two overs of spin in before the end - so Hauritz is back in the attack and Mills dabs him for a single to third man. Butler then plays all around a straight one, it hits him low on the pad and Hauritz has his third wicket.

From John Jones, TMS inbox: "Re: Noel in Edinburgh [34th over]. Is it possible that Mickey Mouse has a Callum Ferguson watch?"

43rd over - NZ 173-7
This is the last powerplay over, what can the Black Caps make of it? Ian Butler, in a sleeveless sweater, is the new batsman but it's Watson to Mills first up and he cuts a single to the point boundary. Butler plays and misses at his first ball, then chips the ball over the off-side ring of fielders for two. He has a big swing at the last ball, and steers it to the cow corner boundary, where it bounces just inside the rope for four.

Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar on TMS: "Even after losing their captain, I get the impression that the occasion has got to New Zealand as their start was tentative"

42nd over - WICKET - Franklin b Lee 33 - NZ 166-7
Lee back for his seventh over. (Sorry to the estimated 28,799 of you who e-mailed in suggesting Broom should try a "sweep" shot - it didn't happen). Franklin tips-and-runs a quick single, Lee can't pick up cleanly and both batsmen make their ground. Mills is a capable hitter, and upper-cuts his first ball over the keeper and slip for four. A thick inside edge brings the Andy Murray lookalike a single to fine leg, but Lee finds the yorker and knocks over Franklin's off stump.

41st over - NZ 160-6
Franklin turns the last ball for a single to ensure he takes strike in the next over rather than new batsman Kyle Mills.

40.5 overs - WICKET - Broom run out (Hussey/Watson) 37 - NZ 159-6
A big heave at a half-tracker from Watson brings Broom four past mid-on, to reach 33 - that's his highest ODI score. He then blasts Watson over mid-off for four more, so that's overtaken his highest international score in any format, having once scored 36 in a Twenty20 international. But his innings is ended when he dabs to Mike Hussey at backward point, there's some awful hesitation and "Mr Cricket" throws to the bowler's end where Watson gleefully demolishes the stumps.

From Jan, a Kiwi in London, via text on 81111: "Come on NZ!! I am so bored at my desk on a very gloomy day in London. Desperately wanting to beat the Aussies. We need a lot of runs!"

40th over - NZ 151-5
Siddle's fine to bowl his last over but Franklin whips a four off his hips before dabbing a well-run two to third man to bring up the fifty stand (off 78 balls). The tall left-hander steers a single to mid-off (or as I nearly typed, a singlet to mid-off. Remember those Aussie singlets at the first World Twenty20 here in 2007? Yellow tabards over grey under-shirts - yuck). Broom taps a single, Franklin thumps a straight-driven four. That's 12 off the over which puts a bit of a dent in Siddle's figures - he started marvellously but finishes with a still very acceptable 1-30 from 10 overs.

From Alex, TMS inbox: "Mark, I was once umpiring a match, where it was 0-3 after one ball. The first ball was a no-ball, but the non-striker tripped and got run out, the second was stumped off a wide and the third spooned a catch straight back at the bowler. It would have been 0-4 (and a hat-trick), as the next ball was a wide and stumped again, but the other umpire couldn't be sure on that one. No third umpire at lower league cricket in Holland in the 80s, I'm afraid"

39th over - NZ 139-5
The shaven-headed Aussie physio trots on to have a quick word with Siddle after that last over. Hauritz looks set to bowl - but then Umpire Gould signals that the batting powerplay is going to be taken, so Watson will bowl instead. Broom nurdles a single, but Franklin's cover drives can't beat the patrolling Punter in the covers. He punches a quick single to mid-off, then Broom swipes a slightly fortunate four through third man as he danced down the track and tried to blast it to long-off.

BBC Sport's Alison Mitchell on Twitter: "Early finish the way things are going"

38th over - NZ 133-5
Siddle in for his penultimate over - New Zealand must be thinking about when to take the batting powerplay, but Australia are presumably keeping Lee's last three overs back for that. Broom turns a single off his hips, but has taken 52 balls to score 22. Franklin rotates the strike, then Broom keeps the strike with a single. The way he's batting, Australia may not mind that too much.

From Richard, Watford, TMS inbox: "Re the two batsmen out... I know it's not quite the same but my dearly departed grandfather, a handy opening bat, had the distinction of being run out in both innings of a match for Lensbury 3rd XI without facing a ball. I believe his opening partner went by the name of Shah"

37th over - NZ 130-5
Franklin takes Hauritz on with a lofted straight drive, but it only brings him a single. Broom shuffles across his crease, gets an edge to where first slip would/should be and they scamper three.

From Daniel McCormack, TMS inbox: "SafferWill [11th over] - I would prefer to be a gloating Aussie than a group stage South African"

36th over - NZ 126-5
Siddle returns, Franklin drives, Broom is sent back, Ponting's throw is wide but again the throw's not backed up and New Zealand have an unearned single. Then Siddle gets one to dart back in at Broom, it hits him on the inner thigh... better make that very high up on the inner thigh, if you know what I mean. That's gotta hurt. The female New Zealand physio doesn't come out... it's 12th man Brendon Diamanti who is sent out to the middle with the physio bag. After a long delay, Broom resumes.

From Dr HMC, TMS inbox: "It baffles me now you've mentioned why the likes of Mascarenhas has continually been left out of England's one-day side. Who would people choose between him and Luke Wright? I know who I would have! Luke Wright needs to be dropped ASAP!"

35th over - NZ 125-5
Broom pushes Hauritz for two through extra cover, the Kiwi pair add a single apiece but it's still pedestrian progress at this stage. And those county signings keep coming in... Nottinghamshire have signed Northants all-rounder Graeme White on a two-year deal.

From Heather, TMS inbox: "I'm sorry - gloating? [See 22nd over]. When has Australia held an open top bus tour for its Ashes-winning cricketers, trips to the Prime Minister's house and handed out knighthoods all around? Good grief!"

34th over - NZ 121-5
Sorry, should have been 118-5 after that last over. Broom and Franklin manage three singles against Watson, but the Aussies are still razor-sharp in the field, especially the skipper.

From Noel, Edinburgh, TMS inbox: "Mark, have you any idea why Callum Ferguson's nickname is Walt Disney? This one has been troubling me for days, and the internet doesn't seem to know the answer"

No idea. Is there a Callum Ferguson World theme park in North Adelaide? Does he have a Mickey Mouse wristwatch? Or does he intend to have himself cryogenically frozen? (Yes, I know the freezing is an urban myth and not actually true, before you write in).

33rd over - NZ 118-5
Franklin and Broom try to keep the scoreboard ticking with four singles against Hauritz (who also sends down a wide).

32nd over - NZ 113-5
Watson replaces Siddle - he's got another six overs to get through unless Hopes or one of the others gets a bowl. Ian Chappell and Gerald De Kock on TMS note that it's in Australia's interests to bowl New Zealand out, otherwise they may face another slow over-rate fine. "I wrote in 1991 that the only way to solve the over-rate problem is to suspend the captain. There'll be a huge scream when it happens, but you can be sure a side wouldn't let it happen more than once," Chappelli says. Watson trots in and bowls round the wicket to Franklin - a single to third man is the only scoring stroke. Floodlights are on.

From Toe2Toe on 606: "NZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz"

31st over - NZ 112-5
Hauritz returns after that three-over blast from Lee, but Franklin expertly tickles the first ball after the resumption for four through third man. A single takes him to 11 (momentarily catching Broom's score), but Broom can't get the off-spinner away as he tries to force him to leg.

From Russell, Bristol, TMS inbox: "Re: Mark Davies (16th over). Have tried spitting on my hands before every ball, but my colleagues in the office are none too impressed, and my keyboard is in a terrible state"

30th over - NZ 107-5
Broom tickles Siddle to third man for a single. Franklin slices one to third man, and we have another drinks break. And to answer many, many questions of "what if Batsman A is caught/stumped/run out and then Batsman B is stumped/run out/caught" from Terry, Tim, Kerry, Mir, Nick, Thomas, Ben, Kiel and others in the TMS inbox - the ball is dead as soon as Batsman A is dismissed. But of course all 10 dismissed batsmen could be run out off no-balls. Just not more than one off the same no-ball delivery.

From Rich, Salisbury, via text on 81111: "Will Broom be able to 'handle' the pressure? Sorry"

29th over - NZ 105-5
Lee goes round the wicket to Franklin, who adds a single, then moves back over the wicket to the right-handed Broom, who reads a slower ball well but can't force it past Ponting at short cover. Lee sends one shooting down the leg side, that's an obvious wide, then Broom reaches double figures as he clips a single off his legs.

From David Hobson, TMS inbox: "I thought you could be stumped off a wide - that would be a wicket and an extra ball"

You can indeed be stumped off a wide - so like the "timed out" question [22nd over], you could be 0-2 after one (legal) delivery. But you can't take two wickets off the same delivery (whether legal or not), if you see what I mean.

28th over - NZ 102-5
Siddle replaces Johnson, but Broom brings up three figures for New Zealand with a comfortable cover-driven four. That's the only scoring stroke, Broom is a little tentative against the Victorian paceman.

Ian Chappell on TMS: "I don't think New Zealand have batted very well at all, apart from Guptill. Lee has bowled very well without much reward"

From Nav, Manchester, TMS inbox: "Re: two people being out off one ball. If two batsman are stranded in the middle of the square, can't the fielding side remove one set of bails, throw the ball to the other end and remove the other set and both batsman are run out?"

No. The ball is dead as soon as the first batsman is dismissed (by whatever means).

27th over - NZ 98-5
James Franklin is the new batsman - some may feel that number seven is a place too high for him, but I remember seeing him win an ODI against Sri Lanka with the bat. The left-hander is off the mark when he edges past slip for four.

From wacaground on 606: "I remember watching Broom at Perth earlier this year. He batted well and I hope, for NZ's sake, that he can do it again"

26.4 overs - WICKET - Elliott lbw b Lee 9 - NZ 94-5
Broom ducks a bouncer from Lee - it's signalled as a wide by Umpire Gould, who isn't Lee's favourite person today. Broom gets up on his toes to knock a single to mid-wicket, then Elliott is trapped back on his crease as Lee gets one to swing into his pads, and finally Umpire Gould raises his finger to Lee's delight. That's his 50th wicket against New Zealand.

From Dan, Selby, TMS inbox: "Re: Ponting spitting. I'm also a spitter and find that chewing a couple of tabs of gum - as Ponting also does - can increase the stickiness of your hands, helping with catching as Martin Davies says. This same sticky saliva can also be used to shine the ball, increasing the chances of reverse swing. Of course there's no evidence this method has been, is being or could be used to benefit the fielding side"

26th over - NZ 92-4
Johnson in for his eighth over, Elliott steers a single but is back on strike after Broom runs through for a leg bye. And some county news hot off the presses from Old Trafford... all-rounder Steven Mullaney has turned down a new two-year deal with Lancashire to "pursue other county offers".

25th over - NZ 90-4
Hauritz is off despite taking that wicket as Brett Lee returns to the attack, there's a mix-up as Elliott jabs the ball to backward point. Broom sets off for a run before Elliott's moved but Hussey throws to the wrong end (when he could have easily run Elliott out at the bowler's end), no-one backs the throw up, it sails to the boundary and so Elliott has a five. Cameron White is moved from slip to short mid-wicket... and just to rub Lee's and Punter's noses in it, off the very next ball Broom edges through the exact area where slip had been for four!

24th over - NZ 81-4
Neil Broom is the new batsman - he plays for New Zealand's domestic Twenty20 champions Otago so will be off to the Champions League after today. (Otago's overseas player? Dimitri Mascarenhas. Remember him?). Punter brings himself in at second slip, Johnson keeps it tight against the new man, and that's a wicket maiden.

And a quick note for those of you following this from abroad - I'm afraid the TMS commentary is only available to UK users, because of rights restrictions. (We can broadcast TMS worldwide for matches played in the UK, but not for matches played abroad).

23.1 overs - WICKET - Taylor c Hussey b Johnson 6 - NZ 81-4
Taylor tries to force Johnson through the covers and Mike Hussey leaps into the air at backward point to take a superb catch!

23rd over - NZ 81-3
Johannesburg-born Grant Elliott is the new batsman, he scored an impressive 75 not out against Pakistan in the semi-final and is immediately off the mark with a single. Taylor rotates the strike, Elliott forces a two off his legs.

22.2 overs - WICKET - Guptill c & b Hauritz 40 - NZ 77-3
After a single from Taylor, Hauritz gives it some air against Guptill - he pokes it back to the bowler and Hauritz gratefully accepts the return catch.

From Daniel Lloyd, TMS inbox: "Re: Can two batsmen be out off the same ball. In a junior cup game my side once found themselves 0-2 after just one ball. Unfortunately as I emerged from the dressing rooms after struggling to get ready, a very pedantic umpire adjudged me to be 'timed out', so I'd say technically two or more batsmen can be out off just one ball?"

I guess you can be 0-2 after one ball, but being timed out isn't technically "off" a particular ball - it's between deliveries, so to speak.

22nd over - NZ 76-2
Taylor guides Johnson for a single off his legs - he's clearly still playing himself in at this stage, but can certainly give it the long handle. He hit a couple of huge sixes in the semi-final against Pakistan, including one which sailed out of the ground. Guptill angles a single to third man, then Johnson finds Taylor's edge but it only carries to slip on the bounce. Johnson goes round the wicket, bowling very wide of the crease, and has Taylor playing and missing until he gets a leading edge which pings to the cover sweeper for a single.

From Sadie, Kingston, TMS inbox: "Re: SafferWill (11th over). Agree about Australia and their gloating. I think the Aussies could do with eating a bit of humble pie today. Despite losing the semi-final on Saturday, I don't think any Pakistan fan particularly minded losing to the Kiwis. New Zealand are a highly talented team who play cricket with immense decency, decorum and respect for the game and for the opposing side, and that's why I'm sure most Pakistan fans will be rooting for New Zealand today. And deservedly so. Come on you All Blacks!"

21st over - NZ 73-2
Hauritz has five men inside the circle (rather than the minimum four) but none are in close catching positions - Alison Mitchell on TMS suggests this shows the wicket isn't offering much spin. Guptill and Taylor steer a couple of quick singles, but Hauritz is quickly through his over.

From Phil, TMS inbox: "Re 14.45 this will settle an ongoing debate from the summer of 2001, the scene - Moorside garage cricket, 3rd ODI. Upon making a charge for a second run, I clambered in to my fellow batsmen to leave us both stranded on our backsides only to watch in horror as Kerry 'Nelly' Dixon wipped off the bails at one end and struck them down at the other. Both out was the decision and it is still disputed to this day due to this very ruling discussed, that only one could have been out. Thank you Mark for settling this one. I can now, after over eight years, lay this ghost to rest and sleep at night"

20th over - NZ 71-2
Johnson has changed ends, he has a (wideish) slip in as Guptill works a single off his legs. Taylor is off the mark with a single to the cover boundary sweeper, Guptill adds a couple past the gum-chewing Punter at mid-wicket and then lays down a bunt - dropping the ball at his feet and hustling through for a quick single. Some good running that over.

From TeleKemis on 606: "If I were his team-mate, I'd be ready to throttle Redmond for that. That is awful, awful, awful. Why do that when they were starting to get the scoring rate up?"

19th over - NZ 66-2
Hauritz gives it plenty of air against new batsman Ross Taylor, who gets forward well.

18.3 overs - WICKET - Redmond st Paine b Hauritz 26 - NZ 66-2
More confident straight-driving brings Guptill another single to take his score to 34. But Reckless Redmond's stay at the crease is over as he advances to aim a cross-batted swipe at Hauritz and is smartly stumped by Paine.

18th over - NZ 65-1
Watson bangs in a bouncer at Redmond, who sinks to his knees and makes a late attempt to dink the ball over the keeper with the toe of the bat. It's signalled a wide, which is a little harsh on the bowler. Redmond, who's looking more aggressive since the drinks break, thumps a four over mid-on - then steps away to leg and is nearly bowled as Watson fires one in past the base of off stump. Chappelli won't be happy with that footwork. A late cut (a very late cut as it happens) brings him one, but Guptill nicks the strike with a straight-driven single.

From Ed, TMS inbox: "Ponting spits on his hands in homage to Giant Haystacks, who used to do the same thing. Ponting's a huge grapple fan"

17th over - NZ 58-1
Nathan Hauritz certainly has his full complement of toes, but he spins - off-spin as it happens - as he replaces Johnson. Guptill steers a single to long-on, that's the fifty partnership. Redmond then smacks a lofted drive over the bowler's head, but there's not much power on it and they only get two. He then calls Guptill through for a quick single, but Callum Ferguson's throw from mid-off is wide and the Kiwi pair make their ground.

From grattanmc on 606: "The Aussies are starting to look tired. One game too many this summer, perhaps?"

1445: While the players are taking drinks, here's a quick question from Richard in London - is there any way two batsmen can be out off one ball? The answer is no, although there have been occasional proposals to trial a rule similar to the "double play" in baseball.

From Martin Davies, Chichester, TMS inbox: "Punter spits on his hands every ball, as I do, to keep them slightly tacky. Helps with the catching!"

16th over - NZ 54-1
Umpire Dar, normally quite fussy over such things, has a quiet word with Watson about running on the wicket in his follow-through. The fair-haired seamer sends down an aerial wide, then Guptill nearly plays on, the ball pings into the air and they try to run a quick single - Paine's throw to the bowler's end is well wide and they run a second. A single takes Guptill to 31 from 45 balls, Redmond weaves away from a bouncer and it's time for the blue drinks buggy to chug onto the ground.

From Angus, TMS inbox: "Is it a public holiday in South Africa today? If not I'm not surprised there aren't many people in the ground. Which other sports would schedule a major international final for a Monday? I don't want to complain too much as it's a nice distraction from the usual Monday struggle at work. But it really does go to show that cricket's administrators have absolutely no common sense?"

15th over - NZ 50-1
Guptill drives at Johnson, it flies just over the leaping Mike Hussey at backward point and they pick up two. He might have caught it if he'd been the size of Will Jefferson or Chris Tremlett. But we have our first boundary for a while as Guptill powerfully straight-drives for four, and the stadium DJ briefly takes me back to my schooldays by playing "The One And Only" (by Chesney Hawkes) over the PA. Johnson strays with a wide, then Guptill blasts another straight-driven four before swiping the last ball of the fielding powerplay for a single. Chesney Hawkes was a one-hit wonder, but who will step up to play the starring role today?

From Lee, TMS inbox: "If Danny V did a Russell-Crowe like swap from NZ to Oz then Oz would still be the number one Test side. And they'd have the tiny urn rather than the unimpressive and quite ugly Champions Trophy"

14th over - NZ 38-1
Redmond is down on one knee to club Watson through the off side and it bounces just short of Lee at mid-off. They run one. A single takes Guptill to 16, Redmond works one to third man. "It's like watching a Test match at the moment," Simon on TMS says. Guptill carves a single off the last ball, it's pedestrian scoring from the Kiwis at this stage - wonder if they'd do better by pushing Ross Taylor up to number three.

13th over - NZ 34-1
Johnson keeps a tight line to Guptill, who steers a single to the cover sweeper. Redmond pushes a quick single to Lee at mid-off. "It's hard work for New Zealand out there," notes Simon Mann on TMS, while Chappelli feels they need at least 250.

From Philip, TMS inbox: "Guptill has one more toe than Fred Titmus had"

Indeed - hence the old joke "What's got six toes and spins? Fred Titmus".

12th over - NZ 32-1
Siddle takes a rest with excellent figures of 5-1-8-1 and is replaced by the medium-fast Shane Watson. Guptill turns a single off his legs, Redmond forces one off his pads, the ball dies at his feet but Guptill is quickly through for the single. He gets a fortunate inside edge past the keeper for one, then Redmond blasts another cover-driven four.

From Greg in Cumbria, TMS inbox: "If we Kiwis do win at least it will be by playing fair. I am sure the Aussies have been practicing their underarm bowling over the last couple of days"

Now then, settle down! I'm sure there will be no repeat of The Trevor Chappell Debacle today.

11th over - NZ 24-1
Even more unsurprisingly than "Punter" Ponting spitting on his hands at every opportunity, he's opted to take the fielding powerplay immediately - so Australia can only have three men outside the fielding circle for overs 11-15. Johnson beats Guptill's outside edge with another good delivery, then the right-hander squeezes one through the grasp of James Hopes at square leg and they run two. A single takes Guptill to 12.

From SafferWill, TMS inbox: "To ChrisDownUnder [3rd over]: An Aussie having a go at another nation for gloating? Pot. Kettle. Black?"

10th over - NZ 22-1
Some things never change - Ponting spits on his hands between overs. (Why does he do that? I never see anyone else doing it). Redmond takes the attack to Siddle, with a lofted cover-drive which sails to the boundary. But that's the lowest total after 10 overs in the tournament - beating England into the tournament record books.

From Aussie in Crawley, TMS inbox: "Come on you Aussies! Let's not lose to the Poms and Kiwis in the same summer! It is a real shame though that Danny V is M.I.A, he's a real competitor!"

9th over - NZ 18-1
Left-arm paceman Mitchell Johnson replaces Lee, but there are still two slips in. Redmond dabs a quick single into the off side, although Chappelli on TMS isn't happy with his footwork - "he moves around before the ball is delivered so the bowler knows where he's going, but then doesn't move his feet as he plays the stroke". Guptill works a single off his legs, Redmond rotates the strike then Johnson appeals for a catch behind against Guptill... replay inconclusive, Umpire Gould unmoved, Aussie captain Ricky Ponting not happy.

From thegreyghost on 606: "This may be my fault. I sort of made a pact with the devil to ensure retention of the Bledisloe Cup and Vettori and McCullum were my sacrifices. Apologies to those who are more fans of cricket than God's own game. I need to point out that at no time did I think we'd make the final"

8th over - NZ 15-1
Redmond opens the face to angle a single to third man, but Guptill is watchful against Siddle's accuracy and that's the only scoring stroke. Having received a slow over-rate fine the other day, the Aussie fielders race round between overs.

Former Australia captain Ian Chappell on TMS: "It's been a very good start for Australia - both bowlers have bowled tightly, and there's been some uneven bounce already. It's always best to bat first if you win the toss in a final like this, but not much else has gone right for New Zealand so far"

7th over - NZ 14-1
Unfortunately there's still plenty of empty seats at Centurion - a South Africa v India or Pakistan final might have been perfect for the money-men. After a single from Guptill, Redmond drives at Lee, the ball lodges in the top of his pad and the pair exchange a smile as Redmond sportingly throws the ball back. A single takes New Zealand belatedly to double figures, then Guptill off-drives for the first boundary of the innings. NZ's best over so far, but they're still well short of where they'd have hoped to be by now.

6th over - NZ 8-1
Guptill prods Siddle for a quick single to the lumbering Shane Watson at mid-off. Redmond gets down on one knee to duck a bouncer - Siddle has an impressive 1-3 from three overs.

From alfie_nz on 606: "First Vettori out, now McCullum gone for a duck. The fat lady hasn't quite sung yet for New Zealand, but she is definitely clearing her throat!"

5th over - NZ 7-1
Lee continues to keep Redmond tied down, Redmond is playing at fresh air here. Another maiden over, Lee is on top of his game and the Aussies are firmly on top of this game.

Former New Zealand seamer Simon Doull on TMS: "The final decision on Vettori would have been made this morning, but I think New Zealand knew the outcome yesterday as he was really struggling. They'd have planned to be without him"

4th over - NZ 7-1
Siddle continues to get some bounce to new batsman Martin Guptill, who is up on his toes - all seven of them (he only has two on one of his feet after a forklift accident a few years ago) - as he shoulders arms to his first ball. When Siddle's line strays for the first time, Guptill is off the mark with a two off his legs.

3.2 overs - WICKET - McCullum c Paine b Siddle 0 - NZ 5-1
Siddle continues to hit the deck well at a good length against McCullum, who swishes at a lifter and is caught behind by Tim Paine for a duck! The Aussies have landed a big early blow.

From Thomas Walker, TMS inbox: "I'm reading your coverage from my Blackberry on my couch in Sydney as my friends are too busy watching an old Anthony Hopkins film to watch the game on TV... We've had a long weekend in NSW and it's been cold and raining the whole time (but at least no dust storms!). Good news about Vettori - he is the one Kiwi player who could have hurt us tonight"

3rd over - NZ 5-0
TMS commentator Gerald De Kock fears rain "at some stage", as Aaron Redmond faces the bowling for the first time. He cuts just past backward point for the first runs off the bat - Siddle's misfield at third man (he nearly lets it go straight through) allows them to come back for a second run. But Lee then beats Redmond with a beaut of a delivery, this is high-class fast bowling from him. Redmond has to defend a short ball from the crease as Lee completes another tight over.

From ChrisDownUnder on 606: "If the Kiwis win, we won't hear the last of it. They will become the unofficial world champs to all those Kiwis that live here in Oz..."

2nd over - NZ 3-0
Peter Siddle charges in for the second over with two slips in, McCullum drives but Nathan Hauritz makes a good stop at cover. Siddle is right on the money, back-of-a-length just outside off stump, and McCullum can't get him away as he plays out a maiden over.

From JTB in Balloch, via text on 81111: "Vettori injured? I blame all that horse racing he used to do!"

1st over - NZ 3-0
Brett Lee takes the new ball for Australia - his first delivery is wide outside opener/keeper/stand-in skipper Brendon McCullum's off stump, and English umpire Gould is straight into the action to signal a wide. Lee yells an lbw appeal, but it's a good decision by "Gunner" Gould as McCullum got a faint inside edge onto his pad. Lee then whips in an unplayable ball at McCullum that moves late, beats his outside edge and just misses off stump, there's a half-hearted appeal for a catch behind but nothing doing. A legside wide doubles the Kiwis' score, then McCullum forces a leg bye off the last ball. No runs off the bat so far, but a hostile first over from Lee putting the brakes on McCullum's natural aggression at the top of the order.

From Colin McL, TMS inbox: "Real shame that Daniel V isn't fit enough to play today. His sportsmanship alone should win him a gong in this tournament... so, on his behalf, come on the Black Caps!"

1326: Teams line up for the anthems. New Zealand's first, then Australia's. The singers of these anthems have been, ahem, of varying quality - remember Graeme Swann chuckling at the woman getting some of the words to "God Save The Queen" wrong, and the Norman Collier-style defective microphone routine during the NZ anthem in the semi-finals. But these two are pretty good - the man singing the Aussie anthem has a luxurious baritone voice.

1324: Although it's been chucking it down with rain here in London all morning, it's dry at the moment at Centurion - although the TMS team are concerned there may be a chance of rain later. But let's hope we get a proper game in - and don't get a farcical finish like the 2007 World Cup final.

Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop on TMS: "Vettori is a big loss as alongside Ricky Ponting, he's a contender for player of the tournament. But the West Indies 'third team' have shown us that if you take a team lightly, you can fall flat on your face"

From David, Spain, TMS inbox: "Vettori unfit to play? That's devastating news "

1310: Oh, and we do have some English representation in the final today - New Zealand coach Andy Moles (born in Solihull), and umpire Ian Gould (ex-Middlesex and Sussex), who will be joined on the field today by ICC umpire of the year Aleem Dar, of Pakistan. Dar's compatriot Asad Rauf is on TV replays, while Billy Bowden is fourth umpire, whose usual task is to bring out a black briefcase with replacement balls. Match referee is Roshan Mahanama - to complete the line-up, I'm joined by Pranav Soneji on match-report duties and we're both under the iron fist of our "gaffer" today, Alistair Watkins.

1305: Apparently Vettori's confirmed absence came too late for New Zealand to register Scott "The Penguin" Styris as a replacement player - having already called up three replacement players (James Franklin, Aaron Redmond and Iain O'Brien) for injured trio Jacob Oram, Jesse Ryder and Daryl Tuffey. Styris flew in the other day as cover for Grant Elliott who was also carrying an injury, although he wasn't officially part of the squad. Here are the full teams:

Australia: Shane Watson, Tim Paine (wk), Ricky Ponting (capt), Mike Hussey, Callum Ferguson, Cameron White, James Hopes, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Nathan Hauritz, Peter Siddle.

New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (capt & wk), Aaron Redmond, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Neil Broom, James Franklin, Kyle Mills, Ian Butler, Jeetan Patel, Shane Bond.

1302: New Zealand's stand-in captain Brendon McCullum has won the toss and opted to bat first. The one change from their semi-final side is off-spinner Jeetan Patel replacing Vettori. Australia retain the unchanged side they've fielded throughout the tournament.

1300: Afternoon, everyone - and a particular welcome to all Australia and New Zealand fans reading this - you can be assured that whether you hail from Melbourne or Milford Sound, Wellington or Wagga Wagga, we'll be playing a straight bat from here. But some bad news for the Kiwis straight up - captain Daniel Vettori is ruled out with his hamstring injury which he aggravated during the semi-final.

Read More...

Hussey drafted into Aussie squad

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:57:00 +0000

Australia have drafted batsman David Hussey, 32, into their ICC Champions Trophy squad as a replacement for injured vice-captain Michael Clarke.

Hussey has scored 598 runs in 23 one-day games for Australia

Clarke, 28, has returned to Australia for treatment on a lower back problem sustained during last month's 6-1 one-day series win over England.

Hussey's inclusion has been approved by the International Cricket Council.

And he is now heading for South Africa, where Australia will play in Friday's semi-final against England in Pretoria.

Hussey is unlikely to play in that match as Australia, who beat Pakistan by two wickets on Thursday to reach the last four, have used the same top-six batsmen for their three group games in the tournament.

It appears therefore that the Victorian batsman is being called up in case of an injury should they make the final, which takes place at Centurion next Monday.

Hussey, who was originally due to fly to India for next Thursday's start of the inaugural Twenty20 Champions League, hit his only one-day century in his last outing for Australia against Scotland in August.

His 111 off 109 balls helped the tourists score 345 in a 189-run win in Edinburgh.

Clarke, meanwhile, was the second Australian to depart the Champions Trophy squad after left-arm seamer Nathan Bracken was ruled out with a knee injury and Doug Bollinger was drafted in as replacement.

Bracken, who plays his domestic cricket for New South Wales, will miss the Champions League Twenty20 campaign after being told he will need surgery.

"Following consultation with knee specialists, Nathan has been booked in for arthroscopic surgery next week," said Cricket Australia doctor Trefor James.

The Twenty20 Champions League features 12 teams from India, Australia, England, South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and West Indies.

Sussex and Somerset qualified from England after the former beat the latter in the 2009 Twenty20 Cup final.

Kiwis prepare for Pakistan semi

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:51:00 +0000

Injury-hit New Zealand have seamer Iain O'Brien available for Saturday's ICC Champions Trophy semi-final against Pakistan in Johannesburg.

Vettori and Younus last met in the World Twenty20 in England this year

O'Brien - the third replacement player called up by the Kiwis - has replaced broken hand victim Daryl Tuffey

Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Younus Khan is hoping to build on their ICC World Twenty20 triumph earlier this year.

"I'm always happy whether you play England, Australia or any team in the semi-finals or final," Younus said.

"It doesn't matter. If you play good cricket then you are the winner."

Batsman Aaron Redmond, who was called up to replace the injured Jesse Ryder but only flew in hours before the Kiwis' final group game, is pushing for a place in the line-up for the semi-final, as is all-rounder Brendon Diamanti.

Pakistan have competition for places in the seam bowling department as teenager Mohammad Aamir was rested for Wednesday's defeat by Australia, while his replacement Mohammad Asif - back after a year-long doping ban - took 2-34.

New Zealand (from): Brendon McCullum (wk), Martin Guptill, Neil Broom, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Gareth Hopkins (wk), Daniel Vettori (capt), James Franklin, Kyle Mills, Shane Bond, Ian Butler, Aaron Redmond, Brendon Diamanti, Jeetan Patel, Iain O'Brien.

Pakistan (from): Kamran Akmal (wk), Shahid Afridi, Younus Khan (capt), Shoaib Mailk, Mohammad Yousuf, Misbah-ul-Haq, Umar Akmal, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, Umar Gul, Mohammad Asif, Saeed Ajmal, Imran Nazir, Mohammad Aamir, Fawad Alam, Rao Iftikhar.

Umpires: Simon Taufel, Ian Gould, Daryl Harper (third umpire), Steve Davis (fourth umpire)

Series Schedule and Current Results

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:34:00 +0000

Semi-Finals
- Australia
  England
  New Zealand
  Pakistan
Round-Robin Stage
- Group A
  Australia
  India
  Pakistan
  West Indies
- Group B
  England
  New Zealand
  South Africa
  Sri Lanka

Series Schedule

22 Sep 2009 Tuesday	South Africa vs Sri Lanka 1st Match Group B, SuperSport Park, Centurion (D/N) Sri Lanka won by 55 runs (D/L method)
23 Sep 2009 Wednesday	Pakistan vs West Indies 2nd Match Group A, New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (D/N) Pakistan won by 5 wickets
24 Sep 2009 Thursday	South Africa vs New Zealand 3rd Match Group B, SuperSport Park, Centurion South Africa won by 5 wickets
25 Sep 2009 Friday	England vs Sri Lanka 4th Match Group B, New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (D/N) England won by 6 wickets
26 Sep 2009 Saturday	Australia vs West Indies 5th Match Group A, New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg Australia won by 50 runs
26 Sep 2009 Saturday	India vs Pakistan 6th Match Group A, SuperSport Park, Centurion (D/N) Pakistan won by 54 runs
27 Sep 2009 Sunday	New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 7th Match Group B, New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg New Zealand won by 38 runs
27 Sep 2009 Sunday	South Africa vs England 8th Match Group B, SuperSport Park, Centurion (D/N) England won by 22 runs
28 Sep 2009 Monday	Australia vs India 9th Match Group A, SuperSport Park, Centurion (D/N) No Result (Match Abandoned Due To Rain)
29 Sep 2009 Tuesday	England vs New Zealand 10th Match Group B, New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (D/N) New Zealand won by 4 wickets
30 Sep 2009 Wednesday	Australia vs Pakistan 11th Match Group A, SuperSport Park, Centurion Australia won by 2 wickets
30 Sep 2009 Wednesday	India vs West Indies 12th Match Group A, New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (D/N) Live action starts from: 12:30 GMT (18:00 IST)
02 Oct 2009 Friday	Australia vs England 1st Semi Final Match, SuperSport Park, Centurion (D/N) Live action starts from: 12:30 GMT (18:00 IST)
03 Oct 2009 Saturday	New Zealand vs Pakistan 2nd Semi Final Match, New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (D/N) Live action starts from: 12:30 GMT (18:00 IST)
05 Oct 2009 Monday	TBC vs TBC Final Match, SuperSport Park, Centurion (D/N) Live action starts from: 12:30 GMT (18:00 IST)

ICC Champions Trophy: India v West Indies

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:04:00 +0000

ICC Cricket Champions Trophy

In Play

India won the toss and decided to field First

West Indies Innings

129 all out (36.0 overs)

India Innings

34 for 2 (10.0 overs)

West Indies Innings - All out

			Runs	Balls	4s	6s
Fletcher	c Dravid	b Kumar	0	6	0	0
Powell	c Dhoni	b Nehra	5	15	1	0
DS Smith	c Dhoni	b Nehra	21	26	3	0
Dowlin		b Dhoni	14	33	2	0
Reifer	c Karthik	b Kumar	1	5	0	0
Bernard	c Dravid	b Mishra	22	46	1	0
Sammy	c Mishra	b Nehra	23	38	0	0
Crandon		b Harbhajan	5	9	1	0
Miller	not out		17	23	1	1
Roach	c Gambhir	b Harbhajan	4	10	0	0
Tonge	c and b	Kumar	5	6	1	0
Extras		1nb 7w 4lb	12
Total		all out	129	(36.0 ovs)

Bowler	O	M	R	W
Kumar	9.0	3	22	3
Nehra	8.0	1	31	3
Nayar	3.0	0	17	0
Dhoni	2.0	0	14	1
Harbhajan	8.0	2	14	2
Mishra	6.0	0	27	1

Fall of wicket
0	Fletcher
26	Powell
27	DS Smith
31	Reifer
57	Dowlin
89	Bernard
99	Sammy
102	Crandon
122	Roach
129	Tonge

India Innings

			Runs	Balls	4s	6s
Karthik	not out		10	30	1	0
Gambhir		b Roach	6	5	1	0
Dravid	run out		4	2	1	0
Kohli	not out		14	23	2	0
Extras			0
Total		for 2	34	(10.0 ovs)

Bowler	O	M	R	W
Roach	3.0	1	16	1
Tonge	5.0	0	13	0
Sammy	2.0	0	5	0

Fall of wicket
7	Gambhir
12	Dravid

Umpires: Aleem Dar, S J A Taufel, J J Crowe, D J Harper
India Team: Gambhir, Karthik, Dravid, Raina, Dhoni (C/W), Kohli, Nayar, Harbhajan, Nehra, Mishra, Kumar
West Indies Team: Fletcher (W), Powell, DS Smith, Crandon, Dowlin, Reifer (C), Bernard, Sammy, Miller, Roach, Tonge

Australia book England semi

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:56:00 +0000

ICC Champions Trophy, Centurion Park, Centurion:
Australia 206-8 (50 ovs) bt Pakistan 205 (50 ovs) by two wickets

Australia limped to a tense two-wicket, last-ball win over Pakistan to top Group A and set up a ICC Cricket Champions Trophy semi-final against England on Friday.

Put into bat first on a helpful seaming wicket at Centurion Park, Pakistan, who will face New Zealand in the last four, struggled to 205-6 from 50 overs.

After cruising at 140-2, Australia lost Ricky Ponting (32) and Mike Hussey (64) as Pakistan took control of the match.

But from 187-8, Brett Lee and Nathan Hauritz took Australia past the target.

The tense win also sealed India's elimination from the competition as Mahendra Singh Dhoni's side required rivals Pakistan to beat Ricky Ponting's side.

But after dictating the tempo of the match for 80 overs, with Ponting and Hussey well set at the crease following an 81-run fourth-wicket stand, Australia crumbled as Pakistan's diverse bowling attack tore holes through the middle order.

Fast bowler Rana Naved was at the heart of Pakistan's resurgence, mixing yorkers and slower deliveries bowling in conjunction with the guile of off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, bamboozling Australia's tail with his repertoire of variations.

However, needing 18 from 18 deliveries, Hauritz eased the pressure with an on-driven boundary off Rana in the 49th over to take Australia past 200 with four more runs for victory in the final over.

Two dot balls from Umar Gul heightened the increasing tension around Centurion Park, but the ninth-wicket duo ran a bye from the very last delivery of the match to seal a nerve-wracking victory.

Five new inductees into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:07:00 +0000

The ICC and the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations (FICA) have acknowledged the services to cricket of some of the all-time greats of the game with five new inductees to the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

Herbert Sutcliffe, Clarrie Grimmett, Victor Trumper, Wasim Akram and Steve Waugh have today been inducted into the Hall of Fame, bringing the total number of players in that exclusive club to 60.

Upon hearing the news, Steve Waugh said: "It is a great honour to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame and to see my name feature alongside such greats of the game including the likes of Don Bradman. To be named in the new five inductions this year alongside fellow Australians Victor Trumper and Clarrie Grimmett is something I wouldn't have imagined for myself when I first started playing for Australia. I'm extremely grateful to know I was voted in by the current living members of the Hall of Fame and to see myself alongside the likes of so many other cricketing heroes is something I am very proud of."

Wasim Akram said: "This honour is the perfect icing on the cake of a decent career. It is a great feeling to know your contribution and achievements in this fascinating sport are being acknowledged in such a way. When I started playing cricket, it was my dream to play with the stalwarts like Imran Khan and Javed Miandad. And now to be put in the same group, which also includes legends who were inspirational and role models for every cricketer, is extremely special."

"Matches against India have always been the most memorable ones for me, especially our victory at Chennai in 1999 where more than 40,000 spectators gave us a standing ovation. Victory at Melbourne in the 1992 World Cup in front of 88,000 spectators and the reception we received upon our return is something I'll cherish for the rest of my life. I am delighted and honoured to have represented my country for 18 years. I thank all my mentors, family members, fans and team-mates for helping me to join the galaxy of real superstars in this ICC Cricket Hall of Fame."

A rigorous process is followed when selecting new inductees to the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. First, a long list of nominations was collated from names provided by all the current living members of the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame (of which there are 33) along with the ICC management. The long list was then broken down into a short-list of 10 names by the nominations committee.

This year's nominations committee was made up of ICC President David Morgan, current living Hall of Famer Ian Chappell, journalist and broadcaster Christopher Martin-Jenkins, FICA president Jimmy Adams, Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians (ACS) chairman David Kendix, former New Zealand women's player Catherine Campbell and current Sri Lanka batsman Mahela Jayawardena.

The short-list of nominations was then sent out to the ICC Hall of Fame voting academy where voters were asked to choose their top five inductees, awarding five points to their first choice, four to their second and so on.

The ICC Cricket Hall of Fame voting academy is made up of the following, ICC President David Morgan, all 33 current living members of the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, a representative of the each of the Full Members (total of 10), a member of the media from each of the Full Members (total of 10), an Associate and Affiliate representative (HRH Prince Tunku of Malaysia), a representative of ACS (David Kendix), FICA chief executive Tim May and one women's cricket representative (Rachael Heyhoe-Flint).

ICC President David Morgan said: "In the long history of our great sport there have been a number of players who have excelled above their peers and the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame is a way of acknowledging that enormous contribution they have made to the game. The pleasure and entertainment those greats have provided to generations of cricket supporters down through the years must not be forgotten. This Hall of Fame is a good way of doing that and it will be one of the lasting legacies of this ICC centenary year. I would like to congratulate Wasim and Steve as well as the families of the other three inductees for their achievements. They can rightly take their place among the giants of the game."

Meanwhile, Herbert Sutciffe's son, John, said: "My dad would have loved this award and reveled in it. He was a great player who had a Test average up there with the very best members of the Hall of Fame. There's no doubt he would have been delighted with this honour."

Clarrie Grimmett's son, Vic, said: "I'm tickled pink! It was a brilliant surprise to receive this news. Dad was quite shy and reserved but he was a lovely man who would have been delighted with this award. This is very special."

Speaking about his grandfather, Victor Trumper III said: "I read everything about my grandfather in his memorabilia. He achieved some great things in his personal and cricket life. He led a very selfless life and never chased fame but took great pride in what he achieved."

The ICC Hall of Fame initiative forms part of the ICC's centenary celebrations which are focused on celebrating the unique heritage of the game and cricket's enduring spirit.

The launch of the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame forms part of a range of events during the ICC's centenary year of 2009. The year is intended to be a global celebration with numerous events taking place to reflect all that is great about the game.

Australia restrict Pakistan to 205

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:06:00 +0000

Centurion: Australia exploited a spongy track to restrict Pakistan to a modest 205 for six in a crucial Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy cricket tournament.

Put into bat, opener Kamran Akmal (44), Mohammad Yousuf (45) and Misbah-ul Haq (41) provided a semblance of resistance on a tricky Centurion pitch to leave the Aussies to score at 4.10 runs per over to secure a berth in the semi-finals.

The result of the game has a huge bearing on India's fortune in the tournament as an Australian victory will ensure an early ouster for Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men.

Akmal's knock, during which he struck six boundaries, helped Pakistan recover from early jolts, while Yousuf tried to hold the innings together with a defiant 69-ball 45.

Pakistan started on an attacking note with Shahid Afridi, promoted to open the batting, cracking two boundaries off Australia paceman Peter Siddle in the second over of the innings.

But Afridi (15), who struck three bounderies during his brief 18-ball stay, failed to make it big and became the first man to depart when his ambitious pull off Mitchell Johnson (2-45) found James Hopes in square leg region in the eighth over.

Other opener Akmal then paired up with skipper Younis Khan (18 off 49) to stitch up a 45-run partnership for the second wicket, before Shane Watson sent Akmal packing in the 19th over.

Australia and India frustrated by rain

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:37:00 +0000

Centurion: Australia reached 234 for four off 42.3 overs before heavy rain forced the abandonment of their ICC Champions Trophy Group A match against India at Centurion on Monday.

Both teams earned a point, leaving India without a win in the competition.

Pakistan head the group on four points and they will play Australia, on three, at Centurion on Wednesday.

India have one point from two matches and will conclude their group fixtures when they take on the winless West Indies in Johannesburg, also on Wednesday.

If Australia beat Pakistan those two teams would progress to the tournament semi-finals.

Australia's innings was powered by half-centuries from Tim Paine, Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey.

Opener Paine and Ponting shared a second-wicket stand of 84 runs off 86 balls before Paine was caught at mid-wicket by Harbhajan Singh off the bowling of leg-spinner Amit Mishra.

Paine departed for a sparkling 56 including seven fours and a six but Ponting found a willing ally in Hussey as the pair put on 88 runs for the third wicket.

The 34-year-old Ponting played a steady hand in compiling 65 runs off 88 balls before he was run out attempting a second run thanks to a direct hit from Gautam Gambhir on the deep cover boundary.

Ponting's dismissal left Australia on 175 for three but the left-handed Hussey, who has struggled for runs recently, returned to form in scintillating style as he raced to his 23rd one-day half-century off just 45 balls.

Hussey eventually fell for 67 runs off 65 deliveries when he was caught at long-off by Sachin Tendulkar off the bowling of Ishant Sharma before heavy rain forced the players off.

Younis Khan says ICC Champions Trophy belongs to Pakistan

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:19:00 +0000

Elated with the thumping victory against India, Pakistan skipper Younis Khan has declared that the ICC Champions Trophy belongs to his country and he will leave no stone unturned to get it back.

“This Trophy was originally scheduled to be held in Pakistan. We were the real hosts. My nation wants it back and we are ready to give our hundred percent to get it back for the country,” The News quoted Khan, as saying.

Pakistan has never reached the final of the Champions Trophy, but Khan expressed optimism that this time his team might get lucky.

“We have never reached the final and I think it is a good opportunity to go on to win the prestigious title. It is a good chance and we are only three games away from winning it. Our country needs a few more titles like this Trophy,” he added.

He praised Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Yousuf for their sensible game in the middle.

“We owe the victory to both of them. Their innings have given us tremendous boost. They stuck to their job well and that turned out to be real difference.”

“I knew it very well that anything around 300 would provide a good opportunity for Pakistan to wrap up the match. Even a score of 270 would have been a fighting one. If you look at the records under lights on this ground such targets have not been chased.”

Australia won the toss and bat first

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:18:00 +0000

Australia won the toss and decided bating first

Points Table: ICC Champions Trophy, Compaq Cup 2009 and ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:54:00 +0000

Team	Played	Won	Lost	NR	Tie	BP	Points	NRR	For	Against
Pakistan	1	1	0	0	0	0	2	1.730	134/30.3	133/50.0
Australia	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.000	0/.0	0/.0
India	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.000	0/.0	0/.0
West Indies	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	-1.730	133/50.0	134/30.3

Team	Played	Won	Lost	NR	Tie	BP	Points	NRR	For	Against
Sri Lanka	1	1	0	0	0	0	2	1.460	261/37.4	206/37.4
South Africa	2	1	1	0	0	0	2	-0.050	423/78.5	475/87.4
England	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.000	0/.0	0/.0
New Zealand	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	-0.990	214/50.0	217/41.1

Team	Played	Won	Lost	NR	Tie	BP	Points	NRR	For	Against
Sri Lanka	2	2	0	0	0	2	10	2.360	523/100.0	287/100.0
India	2	1	1	0	0	0	4	-1.040	324/90.3	462/100.0
New Zealand	2	0	2	0	0	0	0	-1.370	274/100.0	372/90.3

Team	Played	Won	Lost	NR	Tie	BP	Points	NRR	For	Against
South Africa	3	3	0	0	0	0	6	0.790	427/58.2	392/60.0
West Indies	3	2	1	0	0	0	4	0.063	401/47.0	415/49.0
England	3	1	2	0	0	0	2	-0.414	343/49.0	346/46.4
India	3	0	3	0	0	0	0	-0.470	421/60.0	439/58.4

Team	Played	Won	Lost	NR	Tie	BP	Points	NRR	For	Against
Sri Lanka	3	3	0	0	0	0	6	1.270	452/60.0	376/60.0
Pakistan	3	2	1	0	0	0	4	1.180	390/53.1	369/60.0
New Zealand	3	1	2	0	0	0	2	-0.230	407/60.0	373/53.1
Ireland	3	0	3	0	0	0	0	-2.190	370/60.0	501/60.0

Team	Played	Won	Lost	NR	Tie	BP	Points	NRR	For	Against
India	2	2	0	0	0	0	4	1.230	293/35.3	267/38.0
Ireland	2	1	1	0	0	0	2	-0.160	250/36.2	250/35.3
Bangladesh	2	0	2	0	0	0	0	-0.990	292/40.0	318/38.2

Team	Played	Won	Lost	NR	Tie	BP	Points	NRR	For	Against
England	2	1	1	0	0	0	2	1.170	347/40.0	300/40.0
Pakistan	2	1	1	0	0	0	2	0.850	312/40.0	278/40.0
Netherlands	2	1	1	0	0	0	2	-2.020	256/40.0	337/40.0

Team	Played	Won	Lost	NR	Tie	BP	Points	NRR	For	Against
Sri Lanka	2	2	0	0	0	0	4	0.620	352/39.0	336/40.0
West Indies	2	1	1	0	0	0	2	0.710	349/35.5	361/40.0
Australia	2	0	2	0	0	0	0	-1.330	328/40.0	332/34.5

Team	Played	Won	Lost	NR	Tie	BP	Points	NRR	For	Against
South Africa	2	2	0	0	0	0	4	3.270	339/40.0	208/40.0
New Zealand	2	1	1	0	0	0	2	0.310	217/26.0	217/27.0
Scotland	2	0	2	0	0	0	0	-5.280	170/27.0	301/26.0

Intikhab confident of Pakistan beating India

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:04:00 +0000

Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam is confident that his team will beat India at Centurion on Saturday and earn a semi-final place in the ICC Champions Trophy.

Going by the form, India will be the favourites in the much awaited clash, but Intikhab believes that two major factors will give his side an upper hand - the absence of flamboyant Indian batsman Yuvraj Singh and the return of Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif.

"Yuvraj is the key player for India in One-dayers and now that he is gone, they are going to really suffer in this tournament," said the Pakistan coach on Friday.

Yuvraj was ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy after he fractured a finger in his right hand. He will be out of action for six weeks.

"Yuvraj is not only a hard-hitter he gives Indian batting a much needed boost while coming down the order," said Intikhab, who has coached Yuvraj during a stint with Punjab Cricket Association.

The Pakistan coach said for Pakistan the return of Asif is great news. Intikhab said that Asif, who missed the opening game against West Indies will certainly be playing against India.