Huge World Sports Club

Rugby Union - O'Sullivan delighted by Slam Win

2009-03-24T00:04:00.000-07:00

Page last updated at 12:38 GMT, Monday, 23 March 2009

O'Sullivan delighted by Slam win

Highlights - Wales 15-17 Ireland

Former Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan said he was absolutely thrilled by the Grand Slam triumph at the weekend.

Speaking before he flies off to take over as head coach the US Eagles, O'Sullivan said he was so glad for the players at finally achieving glory.

"I was so delighted for them," said O'Sullivan who stepped down last March after seven years in charge of Ireland.

"Some of the players may not be around next season, so for them it was a case of now or never."

O'Sullivan, who guided Ireland to three Triple Crowns during his tenure, twice missed the opportunity to grab a Grand Slam.

"Players like John Hayes may not be around next season and its great to see the likes of the 'Bull' getting his reward.

"Even Brian O'Driscoll could find it hard to produce the performances he did this season. He will have a massive Lions tour to follow now, so it will be interesting to see how fresh he will be next season.

"Ireland had a very strong 22 throughout the competition, and were fortunate not to have any serious injuries.

"I remember two season's ago in the only game that we lost against France, both Brian and Peter Stringer were out injured, and I felt that it cost us the game.

"In many ways it was fortunate that Brian played throughout the Championship this time. He was simply phenomenal, and there would have been nobody of the same calibre to replace him.

"That title has been a long time coming, but it was worth the wait," said O'Sullivan, who has been paid numerous compliments from those close to the squad for building the initial platform.

"People have been very gracious to me, and it is very much appreciated," added O'Sullivan.

Football: Rooney handed one-game suspension

2009-03-24T00:00:00.001-07:00

Page last updated at 20:31 GMT, Monday, 23 March 2009

Rooney handed one-game suspension

Rooney was sent off after 89 minutes at Craven Cottage

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will miss the visit of Aston Villa next month after being given a one-match ban for his red card at Fulham on Saturday.

The striker was sent off for two bookable offences during his side's 2-0 defeat, and he punched the corner flag while leaving the pitch.

But referee Phil Dowd said he was not sworn at by the player and Rooney will face no extra sanction beyond the ban.

Aston Villa travel to Old Trafford for a Premier League fixture on 5 April.

An FA spokesman said: "We have clarified with Phil Dowd that there was no abuse from the player after he was dismissed.

"In relation to the incident when he punched the corner flag, the referee did not see that and we have written to Wayne Rooney reminding him of his responsibilities."

2009-03-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

Page last updated at 20:31 GMT, Monday, 23 March 2009

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Rooney handed one-game suspension

Rooney was sent off after 89 minutes at Craven Cottage

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will miss the visit of Aston Villa next month after being given a one-match ban for his red card at Fulham on Saturday.

The striker was sent off for two bookable offences during his side's 2-0 defeat, and he punched the corner flag while leaving the pitch.

But referee Phil Dowd said he was not sworn at by the player and Rooney will face no extra sanction beyond the ban.

Aston Villa travel to Old Trafford for a Premier League fixture on 5 April.

An FA spokesman said: "We have clarified with Phil Dowd that there was no abuse from the player after he was dismissed.

"In relation to the incident when he punched the corner flag, the referee did not see that and we have written to Wayne Rooney reminding him of his responsibilities."

Formula 1: All News at a Glance

2009-03-23T23:59:00.000-07:00

Page last updated at 15:53 GMT, Monday, 23 March 2009

Hamilton reveals hunger for title

Lewis Hamilton is desperate to overcome McLaren's problems during pre-season testing and go on to successfully defend his Formula 1 world title.

Video and Audio coverage

Tour around an F1 team HQ

Exclusive interview: Hamilton chats to BBC Sport

Kovalainen expects 'very close' F1 season

Features and comment

Brundle on Alonso

"There are no weaknesses when he is behind the wheel"

Jonathan Legard blog

F1 commentator on why pressure is on the Ferrari drivers

Jake Humphrey blog

BBC Sport's F1 presenter writes from his flight to Oz

Angelina or Keira?

Discover who F1 drivers prefer and more - in our profiles

LATEST ON:
Formula1.com headlines

Driver number changes for Ferrari, Toro Rosso and Brawn

The 2009 Season Preview: Part Two - A New World Order?

Raikkonen: Ferrari F60 is a pleasure to drive

Formula1.com's glossary

Technical explanations

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Formula1.com's results page

Football: England defend selection of King

2009-03-23T23:56:00.000-07:00

Page last updated at 22:19 GMT, Monday, 23 March 2009

England defend selection of King

King gets the better of Chelsea's Didier Drogba at White Hart Lane

The Football Association has defended Fabio Capello's decision to select Tottenham defender Ledley King for the matches against Slovakia and Ukraine.

King has a chronic knee injury which severely restricts his ability to train and Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is widely reported to be against the call-up.

An FA spokesman said: "The England management will take no risks.

"They fully understand Ledley's injury situation but they want to have a close look at him."

King, who won the last of his 19 England caps in June 2007, has started 22 games for Tottenham this season and turned in a string of impressive performances.

But the 28-year-old's right knee swells up after strenuous exercise, making training all but impossible.

The FA spokesman added: "Ledley has not previously been part of a Fabio Capello squad and we wanted to see him in the team environment.

"He will be monitored during the week by the England and Tottenham medical staff before any decision on training or playing is made."

England take on Slovakia in a friendly on Saturday before hosting Ukraine in a World Cup qualifier the following Wednesday.

And, King aside, Capello should have a full-strength squad to choose from as his squad begin training at Arsenal's London Colney complex on Tuesday.

The Ukraine league only started at the beginning of March so their players will be very fresh

Fabio Capello

Everton's Leighton Baines will get his first experience of training with the seniors, while Manchester United keeper Ben Foster and Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon return after lengthy absences.

Capello has already pledged to use his maximum six substitutes against Slovakia as he attempts to keep his players as fresh as possible for the Ukraine match.

"The Ukraine game is very important to us," said the Italian. "Their league only started at the beginning of March so their players will be very fresh.

"Ours are a little bit tired. But I think the fans will help us this time. We will have 12 players on the pitch."

Formula 1: New rules set for 2010 - F1 boss

2009-03-23T23:55:00.000-07:00

Page last updated at 12:43 GMT, Sunday, 22 March 2009

New rules set for 2010 - F1 boss:

Ecclestone wants the change so that "people race to win"

Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone says the new scoring system he is championing will definitely be introduced next year.

Plans to use the system, in which the driver with most wins becomes champion, from 2009 were scrapped on Friday.

But Ecclestone told the BBC that the system would be introduced in 2010.

"It will be supported by the FIA and it will be in the regulations, so when the people enter the championship, that's what the regulation will be," he said.

Asked if he was disappointed by the decision to ditch the system for this year, Ecclestone added on BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme: "Absolutely. If you go to the athletics and look at the 100m you're not looking at the guy that's second, you're looking at the winner.

Lewis (Hamilton) last year was second in a couple of races he could easily have won and he was quite right in being second

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone

"To make any changes when the entries have closed, you have to get a unanimous agreement between all the people that have entered, and it would appear that some of the teams didn't like the idea.

"The whole idea is nothing to do with winning the world championship, the idea was to make sure people raced in every race to win, not to be second or third and collect points."

The new system means that a driver could wrap up the title well before the end of the year, but Ecclestone brushed off suggestions it could potentially kill off interest in the sport.

"That's too bad. Maybe they'd be watching the other races where the people are racing to win rather than be second," said Ecclestone.

And he referred to a couple of races from the 2008 championship as examples of how the present scoring system discouraged attacking driving.

"Lewis (Hamilton) last year was second in a couple of races he could easily have won, and he was quite right in being second," said Ecclestone.

"If I'd have been his team manager I'd have been complaining if he'd been racing to win, in case there was a problem in the car or he fell off the road."

Defending champion Hamilton has been off the pace in pre-season testing but Ecclestone said he "absolutely" believed Hamilton remained the man to beat, adding "certainly if we had that other scoring system he would be".

Formula 1: F1 in Disarray Over Scoring Plan

2009-03-23T23:53:00.000-07:00

Page last updated at 19:07 GMT, Friday, 20 March 2009

F1 in disarray over scoring plan:

The new season starts with the Australian Grand Prix on 29 March

Formula 1 has axed plans for a new scoring system in 2009, just nine days before the start of the season.

The sport's governing body, FIA, announced earlier this week that the driver with the most wins would be crowned world champion.

But following a protest from F1 teams, FIA says it will defer the introduction of the new system until 2010.

The traditional points system will be used when the 2009 season begins on 29 March with the Australian Grand Prix.

The teams wish to reaffirm their willingness to collaborate with the FIA in order to jointly define a new point system for the 2010 season

Fota statement

A FIA spokesman told BBC Sport: "The new scoring system has been deferred until 2010, but I'm sure this will be reviewed throughout the course of the season as any new rule changes have to have teams approval before we proceed.

"We're slightly surprised that the teams have taken this long to come forward as we were under the impression that they were happy with the rule changes."

FIA had argued that the new scoring system would make racing more exciting by encouraging drivers to chase wins.

But several drivers, among them defending champion Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, criticised the change.

That prompted Friday's statement from Formula One Teams' Association (Fota), which claimed the amendment was invalid because the proper protocol had not been observed.

"It is too late for FIA to impose a change for the 2009 season that has not obtained the unanimous agreement of all the competitors properly entered into the 2009 Formula 1 Championship," it read.

Fota had put forward its own scoring system, with the top three drivers earning 12, nine and seven, rather than 10, eight and six points respectively.

But that was unanimously rejected by the World Motorsport Council (WMSC).

Instead, the WMSC opted for a variant of an earlier idea proposed by F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who had suggested an Olympic-style medals system, with the champion the driver with most golds.

The WMSC approved the "race-wins" plan, albeit with no provision to award medals.

Fota, which insists its own plan has widespread backing, hopes common ground can be reached with the FIA.

"The teams wish to reaffirm their willingness to collaborate with the FIA in order to jointly define a new point system for the 2010 season within a comprehensive set of measures aimed at further stimulating the attractiveness of the F1 sport," added the statement.

Hamilton would have finished second behind Ferrari's Felipe Massa had the new system applied last year.

The McLaren driver clinched the title after overtaking on the final bend of the final lap of the final race.

Formula 1: Hamilton reveals hunger for title

2009-03-23T23:50:00.000-07:00

Page last updated at 09:56 GMT, Monday, 23 March 2009

Hamilton pipped Ferrari's Felipe Massa to the 2008 F1 drivers' title

Lewis Hamilton is desperate to overcome McLaren's problems during pre-season testing and go on to successfully defend his Formula 1 world title.

The team have struggled with several aerodynamic issues ahead of Sunday's season-opener in Australia, leaving them trailing behind their rivals.

However, Hamilton is confident those problems are now behind them and says he is determined to lead the way again.

"My hunger to win a second title is as great as for the first," he said.

"It's really an amazing feeling. I want to train more. I've never wanted to train so much.

"I'm knocking on (personal trainer) Adam (Costanzo's) door early in the morning and he's like 'What are you doing here?'

I'm very happy with what I've achieved but now is the beginning of something new

Lewis Hamilton

"He's already seen the differences. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders and now I can enjoy my driving again and start churning away like I did in 2007.

"I can't wait to get into the season now. I want to win more, be more consistent."

Hamilton won the 2008 title in dramatic fashion as he pipped Ferrari's Felipe Massa at the final race of the season in Brazil.

However, McLaren have admitted they face a race against time to get their new MP4-24 car to the same level of their rivals before the campaign starts.

The final pre-season testing in Jerez, Spain last week proved that the Woking-based team are heading in the right direction as Heikki Kovalainen improved to within half a second of Williams' Kazuki Nakajima, who set a fastest time of one minute 17.494.

Hamilton was a couple of seconds off the pace, but believes he will be in a position to challenge when the team touches down in Melbourne.

606: DEBATE

Somehow I think if Lewis becomes the underdog because of his under-performing car, he may actually shine again

Arkimsa

"I'm very happy with what I've achieved but now is the beginning of something new," insisted the 24-year-old Englishman.

"When I look back on my career I see that every year I've improved. In every category I've always won a championship in my second year.

"Throughout my life that's been the way and it's the same in F1 as I won the title in my second year.

"I know now I'm already better than I was last year, physically, mentally and with the balance in my life.

"So, if things continue to get better, and I continue to improve my driving and the understanding of the car, then I see no reason why we can't win more."

Cricket IPL: IPL will be Staged outside India

2009-03-23T23:47:00.000-07:00

Page last updated at 07:51 GMT, Sunday, 22 March 2009

IPL will be staged outside India

The IPL is the most lucrative tournament in cricket

Next month's Indian Premier League will be held outside the country after organisers failed to secure government approval for the matches to go ahead.

The tournament clashes with the upcoming Indian general election, prompting fears over security.

England and South Africa have both confirmed they have been approached by the IPL about hosting the event.

Fears over safety were heightened after recent attacks on Sri Lanka's players in the Pakistan city of Lahore.

IPL organisers have blamed the government for being unable to provide security for the showpiece tournament.

"Due to the attitude of the government that it cannot provide security for the tournament, we are forced to take a decision to move the IPL out of India," said the country's cricket chief Shashank Manohar.

"A final decision on the venue will be announced in two to three days."

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has released a statement confirming it has been asked by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to examine the feasibility of hosting the 2009 tournament.

"Officials from both Boards have held exploratory discussions to relocate the tournament to England and Wales," read the statement. "Further meetings will be held during the forthcoming week."

ECB chairman Giles Clarke had earlier said that England "stand ready to help" if the IPL asked for assistance.

"We've got a close and friendly relationship with the BCCI and if they need any help on matters we'll be delighted to help if we can," Clarke told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme.

And Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe said he was confident England could host the event if required.

We have to ensure that the quality of the tournament as expected by our fans is delivered to the fullest without any compromise

IPL commissioner Lalit Modi

"I'm sure it would be possible (to stage the IPL in England)," he told the BBC.

"We have picked up lots of experience recently of hosting world-class events and the ECB can do that."

There are logistical complications arising from the tournament being held in the UK as England play three Tests and five one-day internationals against the West Indies between 21 April and 26 May, which is then followed by the ICC World Twenty20 from 1 June.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has also announced in a statement that they have been approached by the BCCI.

"We received an official approach this morning to be one of several options they are considering to host the tournament outside India," said CSA chief executive Gerald Majola. "We do not know what the other options are and it is not for us to comment on that.

"At this stage we are looking forward to holding discussions with IPL officials to discuss the proposal in detail."

The Sri Lankan Cricket Board have told BBC World Service Sport that they have offered to host the tournament.

"Being a neighbouring country we feel we would be the ideal location for them to come and play this tournament," said the secretary of the Sri Lankan Board, Nishantha Ranathunga. "It is a good opportunity for Sri Lanka as well."

General elections in India are spread over five days between April 16 and May 13, cutting significantly into the IPL's schedule which runs from April 10 to May 24.

Two proposed itineraries were made to India's federal Home Ministry by IPL organisers but both were rejected as the chief ministers of Maharashtra and Andra Pradesh refused to allow the tournament to take place alongside the elections.

Federal Home Minister P. Chidambaram said last week the elections were "unquestionably" the first priority for India's government.

"I can't exempt any state government from giving to the election commission the forces they have promised," he said.

"I have also made it clear that I cannot spare any central paramilitary forces (for the IPL)."

Despite previous denials from IPL commissioner Lalit Modi that the tournament could be moved out of the country, the decision of the two states forced the hand of the BCCI.

Concerns about security have been heightened after the recent attacks on the Sri Lankan cricket team in the Pakistani city of Lahore at the beginning of March.

The owners of the eight IPL franchises have been involved in discussions with event organisers and Manoj Badale, the chief executive of the Rajasthan Royals, who won the IPL last year, said a number of factors need to be considered before a choice of venue is made.

"There are all sorts of implications but the financial ones are significant," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. "I think at this stage we've got clarity of what these options mean."

"South Africa and England are definite options. The weather and the availability of grounds are a massive consideration.

"Dubai has definitely been looked at and a couple of other options in the Middle East.

Pietersen has said he may withdraw from the IPL over security fears

The huge amounts of money involved in the IPL has attracted some of cricket's best players to the event, including England duo Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff, who become the most costly cricketers at the auction in February when they were sold for $1.55m (£1.1m) each.

However, numerous players have voiced concerns about their safety with Pietersen stating recently that he would withdraw if his security fears were not dealt with.

Flintoff though has expressed his disappointment at being denied the chance to savour the experience in India.

"It's disappointing news because one of the big attractions for me about the IPL was playing in India," he said. "It's unfortunate but if we don't do that this year then hopefully we can do it again next year."

Modi said the integrity of the event was paramount in any decision that is made and hinted that the IPL would be willing to underwrite the losses of the franchises arising from the decision to move the tournament abroad.

"The revenue model and costs is of no concern and should not be a concern," he said. "Revenue is not the issue. The issue is the integrity of the tournament. This is a 59-match tournament and it will remain a 59-match tournament.

Cricket fans in India reflect on IPL's move abroad for the season

"The president of the BCCI has authorised the IPL to ensure that we do not cut corners and we deliver a tournament of world standard wherever it is played in the world."

Despite the change in venue, Modi insists that the tournament schedule will go ahead as originally planned, including start times for matches.

"We have to ensure that the quality of the tournament as expected by our fans is delivered to the fullest without any compromise," he said.

"What is critical for us is that Indian viewers get to watch the matches at 1600 and 2000 IST. That is what we are aiming for and that is what we will achieve."

This would mean fixtures will be at 1130 and 1530 GMT in England.

Cricket IPL: Flintoff hopes for IPL in England

2009-03-23T23:37:00.000-07:00

Page last updated at 09:02 GMT, Monday, 23 March 2009

Flintoff hopes for IPL in England:

Flintoff will play for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL

All-rounder Andrew Flintoff says he would prefer the Indian Premier League to be staged in England.

The IPL will be relocated to England, Wales or South Africa as it clashes with the Indian general election, prompting security fears.

"It would be good to spend some more time at home so obviously I'd prefer England," said Flintoff.

"But I'm sure South Africa would do a good job of staging it if it went there as well."

Flintoff was bought by Chennai Super Kings and became the joint most expensive IPL player when the franchise paid $1.55m for him at auction.

Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Ravi Bopara, Owais Shah, Dimitri Mascarenhas and Graham Napier are the other English players involved in the tournament which will see 59 matches played from 10 April to 29 May.

606: DEBATE

Ultimately it might be good for the competition to be based in England for a year

Weagles

A decision is expected this week as to where the IPL will be moved but Flintoff said he was disappointed he would not be able to sample the atmosphere of playing it in India.

"It's disappointing news because one of the big attractions for me about the IPL was playing in India," added Flintoff.

"I love playing cricket in India, particularly one-day cricket.

"I've never played a Twenty20 match over there but I can imagine it woulld be an unbelievable experience because as a player you don't get a chance very often to play in front of big crowds of 40,000 to 50,000 people.

"It's unfortunate but if we don't do that this year then hopefully we can do it next year."

England is to host the World Twenty20 this summer and if the IPL was staged across the country, it would effectively provide a warm-up for the international tournament.

But the IPL may also impinge on the Test and one-day series against the West Indies, which starts on 7 May.

"I don't have any real problems with it," said England captain Andrew Strauss. "It's still going to be the same schedule so it's not like our players are going to be missing any more cricket.

"I suppose, from our players' point of view, they are at home rather than being away but the counter-argument for that is that opposition players get used to English conditions prior to the World Twenty20."

Cricket IPL: South Africa new IPL frontrunners

2009-03-23T23:20:00.000-07:00

Page last updated at 20:35 GMT, Monday, 23 March 2009

South Africa new IPL frontrunners

AB de Villiers (left), Makhaya Ntini and Graeme Smith all have IPL deals

Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi wants South Africa to stage the tournament, BBC Sport understands.

Modi has arrived in South Africa as he evaluates the options available to the IPL following the decision to move the event because of security fears.

He plans to visit both South Africa and England in the next 24 hours to "assess venues and the logistics".

England had been the early favourites to stage the tournament following the decision to switch it from India.

Modi said he had no choice but to move the event because India's government could not guarantee safety and security resources with national elections happening at the same time.

England and Wales Cricket Board [ECB] chief executive David Collier plans to fly to London from the West Indies to hold talks later this week.

But it now appears South Africa are in pole position to stage the lucrative Twenty20 competition, which will run from 10 April to 24 May, featuring 59 matches, eight teams and players from a host of countries.

"I think it's all of a sudden become the favourite," former South Africa international Shaun Pollock told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I think the advantage for us is that all our domestic cricket is finished and the stadiums are pretty vacant, and all the facilities are available to be used.

"The weather's also pretty good and I think the timeframe of the viewing will fit in nicely to the Indian schedule. So there's a lot of thing going for it, but who can say?"

Manoj Badale, co-owner of inaugural IPL champions Rajasthan Royals, says South Africa is his preferred destination but is still hopeful India could host the tournament.

Rajasthan Royals hope IPL stays in India

"Certainly based on the conversations I've had, if it goes outside of India you'd have to suggest South Africa is the likeliest venue," he told BBC sports editor Mihir Bose.

"I'm amazed the Indian government is prepared to walk away from such a large event at a time when it's election season and £100m is a lot of money for any economy.

"I'm still hoping a rapprochement is achieved and we see the tournament back in India."

Badale, who lives in west London, says moving the tournament to England would be a risk because of the weather and the potential lack of crowds.

"April is the start of the cricket season - it's cold and it's not a prime-time cricket-watching part of the season," he said.

"Children are still at school, people aren't yet on holiday and people haven't really tuned into the cricket mentality here."

But he said there were advantages to both England and South Africa staging the tournament.

"The big plus for South Africa and England is you've got 2.4m South Asians in the UK and you've got about 1.2m South Asians in South Africa," he said.

"Those would be the communities you would try to reach out to but there's only so much you can do in 18 days."

In contrast, Somerset chairman Andy Nash said England was in good shape to host the tournament.

"There is an awful lot yet to be worked out but, at the end of the day, England invented the Twenty20 format," he told Radio 5 Live.

"Should it be possible to bring the IPL here, I'm sure there will be enormous crowds and a huge amount of interest.

"Logistically it won't be simple but if the will is there it can be overcome, I'm sure. Cricket can achieve remarkable things if people work together.

"Once the ECB are aware of the requirements of the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) and IPL, they will move heaven and earth to try to accommodate this."

ICC Women's World Cup 2009: About the Event; RESULTS and STANDINGS

2009-03-12T00:14:00.001-07:00

ICC Women's World Cup 2009 - About the Event

The ICC Women's World Cup to be staged in Australia in 2009 will be the first to be played under the auspices of the ICC since its merger with the International Women's Cricket Council (IWCC) in 2005.

Australia will defend the title it won after defeating India in the final in South Africa in 2005. The other seven teams to take part in the tournament include India, New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka, West Indies, South Africa and Pakistan.

South Africa and Pakistan qualified for the World Cup after reaching the final of the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifiers staged in Stellenbosch, South Africa, in March. For more details on the Qualifier click here.

The Women's World Cup has been running for longer than the men's version and was first staged in England in 1973, when it was won by the hosts.

Since then there have been a further seven tournaments with Australia winning five of them (1978, 1982, 1988, 1997 and 2005), and England (in 1993) and New Zealand (2000) both triumphing once.

The tournament has been staged twice each in England (1973 and 1993), India (1978 and 1997) and New Zealand (1982 and 2000) as well as Australia (1988) and South Africa (2005).

RESULTS

Mar 12, 2009

Scorecard

NZL

RSA

NZL beat RSA by 199 runs

Mar 12, 2009

Scorecard

IND

SRI

IND beat SRI by 35 runs

Mar 12, 2009

Scorecard

ENG

PAK

ENG beat PAK by 8 wickets

Mar 12, 2009

Scorecard

AUS

WIN

AUS beat WIN by 47 runs

STANDINGS
Teams MP - W -NR -L -NRR -PTS
GROUP A
New Zealand 2 -2 -0 -0 -(+0.8313)- 4
Australia-2-1-0-1-(+0.5783)-2
West Indies-2-1-0-1- (-0.5159)-2
South Africa-2-0-0-2-(-0.6705)-0

GROUP B
England-2-2-0-0-(+1.6134)-4
India -2-1-0-1-(+1.1958)-2
Pakistan -2-1-0-1-(-0.5200)-2
Sri Lanka 2-0-0-2-(-1.5700)-0

ICC Women's World Cup 2009 Teams: West Indies

2009-03-12T00:11:00.000-07:00

ICC Women's World Cup 2009 - Teams

West Indies - Team Profile

It is hard to know how the West Indies will perform in this event as up until its matches against Ireland in June 2008 and England in July 2008, it had barely played an international game since the Women's World Cup 2005.

The side, which is captained by Merissa Aguilllera, also lost to Sri Lanka in late 2008, but showed enough form to provide hope to the young side.

Coach Sherwin Campbell, who played 52 Tests and 90 ODIs for the West Indies, will bring plenty of experience to the side although the main challenge many players will face is one of a lack of match practice.

The opening match against South Africa will be a crucial game to win if it is to progress to the Super Six stage.

SELECT PLAYERS


Merissa Aguilleira (Captain)	Kirbyina Alexander (Vice Captain)	Shanel Daley


Deandra Dottin	Afy Fletcher	Geneille Greaves


Cordel Jack	Stacy-Ann King	Pamela Lavine


Debbie-Ann Lewis	Anisa Mohammed	Shakera Selman


Danielle Small	Charlene Taitt	Stafanie Taylor

ICC Women's World Cup 2009 Teams: Sri Lanka

2009-03-12T00:10:00.000-07:00

ICC Women's World Cup 2009 - Teams

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka reached the final of the Asia Cup in May 2008 but was heavily defeated by India, which illustrates the task it faces if it is to challenge the top four sides.

Skipper Shashikala Siriwardene will be one of the key players for Sri Lanka with both bat and ball and showed she is capable of rising to the big occasion with four wickets in the Asia Cup 2008 Final.

A lack of match experience could potentially damage its hopes, but by losing to India by only 29 runs in one of the Asia Cup group matches, Sri Lanka showed it has the potential to be competitive against the top sides and a 3-2 defeat of the West Indies in late 2008 gave the side a huge confidence boost.

It will also be keen to improve on performances at the 2005 event, where Sri Lanka's batting struggled to deal with superior bowling, with only two batters passing the fifty mark during the tournament.

58 all out against New Zealand and 57 all out against Australia was particularly disappointing, although it secured a top six spot at the event with a shock 32-run win over hosts South Africa.

SELECT PLAYERS


Shashikala Siriwardena (Captain)	Sanduni Abeywickrama	Suwini de Alwis


Hiruka Fernando	Rose Fernando	Inoka Galagedera


Gayathri Kariyawasam	Eshani Lokusooriya	Dilani Manodara


Chamari Polgampola	Udeshika Prabodani	Deepika Rasangika


Dedunu de Silva	Sripali Weerakkody	Chandi Wickremasinghe

ICC Women's World Cup 2009 Teams: South Africa

2009-03-12T00:08:00.000-07:00

ICC Women's World Cup 2009 - Teams

South Africa

Sunette Loubser leads her South African team to the event looking to improve on its performance the last time it played at a major tournament.

South Africa's performances on home soil during the Women's World Cup in 2005 were so disappointing that they were forced to qualify for the 2009 event.

But South Africa now looks a more formidable outfit and coasted through the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier (ICC WWCQ) in 2008 without ever looking in trouble.

Although it enjoyed a comfortable series win over Ireland in July 2008, a failure to win a single game against England in the ODI and Twenty20 series shows how much work the side still has to do to catch up with the top four.

Claire Terblanche, Susan Benade and Cri-Zelda Brits help form a powerful batting unit, while Alicia Smith will also be expected to contribute.

Smith was joint leading wicket taker at the ICC WWCQ, and with several belligerent innings against England last year she showed she has the potential to be a world-class all rounder, while spinner Loubser can always be relied upon for wickets.

The big blow to South African cricket in the past year has been the loss of Johmari Logtenberg, who chose to give up the sport in order to pursue a career in golf.

SELECT PLAYERS


Sunette Loubser (Captain)	Alicia Smith (Vice Captain)	Susan Benade


Cri-Zelda Brits	Trisha Chetty	Mignon du Preez


Shandre Fritz	Shabnim Ismail	Marizanne Kapp


Ashlyn Kilowan	Marcia Letsoalo	Claire Terblanche


Charlize van der Westhuizen	Yolandi Van Der Westhuizen	Dane Van Niekerk

ICC Women's World Cup 2009 Teams: Pakistan

2009-03-12T00:06:00.001-07:00

ICC Women's World Cup 2009 - Teams

Pakistan

Urooj Mumtaz's side qualified for this event as a result of reaching the final of the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier.

After surprising Ireland in the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier in Stellenbosch in February 2008, a comprehensive victory in the semi-final over the Netherlands helped seal a place for Australia for 2009.

Sana Mir was outstanding throughout the event and it was her wicket taking abilities that helped her capture the Player of the Tournament Award.

Indeed Pakistan will look to its spin attack to provide excellent back up to the pace of Asmavia Iqbal.

With the bat, Bismah Maroof has the ability to score runs at this level, but much improvement will be needed by the batting line-up which has failed too often on the big occasion in recent times, such as in the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier Final against South Africa.

It had a disappointing event at the Asia Cup 2008, registering only one win in the tournament over Bangladesh, having earlier suffered a humiliating defeat against the same opposition, but there were some positives with Urooj Mumtaz scoring her first ODI fifty.

SELECT PLAYERS


Urooj Mumtaz (Captain)	Sana Mir (Vice Captain)	Almas Akram


Armaan Khan	Asmavia Iqbal	Batool Fatima


Bismah Maroof	Javeria Khan	Nahida Khan


Naila Nazir	Nain Abidi	Qanita Jalil


Sajida Shah	Sania Khan	Sukhan Faiz

ICC Women's World Cup 2009 Teams: New Zealand

2009-03-12T00:04:00.000-07:00

ICC Women's World Cup 2009 - Teams

New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the top four sides in the world and will be highly fancied as a team capable of winning the ICC Women's World Cup.

It came close to reaching the 2005 final, but a poor batting display in the semi-final against India saw it lose by 40 runs.

All-rounders Aimee Mason, Sarah Tsukigawa and Nicola Browne will be important players for the experienced White Ferns.

The loss of Rebecca Rolls, who has retired, is hugely disappointing for the Kiwis but it has the ability to make an impression on the event.

The annual Rose Bowl series against Australia, which was tied 2-2 in February 2009, means that the team is familiar with Australian conditions and players and the Kiwis will be a tough outfit to defeat.

SELECT PLAYERS


Haidee Tiffen (Captain)	Aimee Mason (Vice Captain)	Suzie Bates


Nicola Browne	Abby Burrows	Sophie Devine


Lucy Doolan	Sara McGlashan	Beth McNeill


Katey Martin	Rachel Priest	Kate Pulford


Amy Satterthwaite	Sarah Tsukigawa

ICC Women's World Cup 2009 Teams: India

2009-03-12T00:00:00.001-07:00

ICC Women's World Cup 2009 - Teams

India - Team Profile

India showed it is still one of the favourites for the ICC Women's World Cup 2009 when it easily won the Asia Cup in May 2008.

Mithali Raj, who passed 3,000 ODI runs during the Asia Cup last year, has established herself as one of the leading performers in world cricket and is expected to be one of the top run scorers at the event.

Jhulan Goswami, the ICC Women's Player of the Year in 2007, is one of the most fearsome fast bowlers in the world and will hoping to build upon her growing reputation for delivering match-winning spells, especially now she has the added responsibility of being captain.

A number of the squad, including Raj and Goswami, were part of the India side that experienced defeat in the 2005 event and will be determined to make up for the past.

India has yet to win the Women's World Cup and will be hoping to emulate its male counterparts who have enjoyed success at both the ICC World Twenty20 2007 and the ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup 2008.

A 4-0 series defeat to England in September 2008 and a 5-0 loss to Australia was a blow to the side's hopes but it remains one of the key contenders in the competition.

ICC Women's World Cup 2009 Teams: England

2009-03-11T23:57:00.000-07:00

ICC Women's World Cup 2009 - Teams

England - Team Profile

England showed that it is a force to be reckoned with after some brilliant displays against Australia and New Zealand in early 2008.

Not only did it regain the Ashes, with nine wickets in the match from Isa Guha, it also comfortably defeated New Zealand in the ODI series away from home, having lost to the White Ferns back in 2007.

Captained by the brilliant Charlotte Edwards, who has consistently made runs at the highest level and who won the LG ICC Women's Player of the Year Award in 2008, the side also relies on Claire Taylor.

Players to watch out for include highly promising wicket-keeper Sarah Taylor, while fast bowler Katherine Brunt is always a threat along with Guha.

Having remained unbeaten in series against West Indies, South Africa and India at home in the summer of 2008 it will be desperate to reach the final on March 22.

ICC Women's World Cup 2009 Teams: Australia

2009-03-11T23:48:00.001-07:00

ICC Women's World Cup 2009 - Teams

Australia - Team Profile

Australia is the current number one team in the world, the reigning champions and will be highly fancied to take the ICC Women's World Cup on home soil in 2009.

Boasting an excellent combination of youth and experience, the side will be led by Karen Rolton who was part of Australia's team that won the Women's World Cup in 2005.

Lisa Sthalekar is regarded one of the leading all-rounders in the world and much will be expected of the right-handed batter, whose off spin bowling has a record of taking wickets at important times for her country.

Big things are also hoped for of Alex Blackwell, whose twin sister Kate narrowly missed out on selection for the squad, as well as slow left arm spinner Shelley Nitschke who topped the wicket taking charts at the Women's World Cup 2005.

Much media attention will focus on multi-talented Ellyse Perry, who has shown much promise both in football and cricket, and impressed fans with her massive straight six into the stands of the MCG in a Twenty20 game against England in February 2008.

Having tied the ODI series against England in early 2008, although it lost the only Test against its Ashes rivals, Australia recovered to record an excellent victory away from home in an ODI series against New Zealand.

And a 5-0 victory over India in late 2008 and Australia's achievement in retaining the Rose Bowl in February 2009 (the series finished 2-2) showed that it still has the talent to beat the very best in the world.

The side has also been boosted by a recent announcement that Cricket Australia will make a total annual contribution of up to $500,000 to squad members, to help allow extra time for practice and matches.

Fixture of ICC Women's World Cup 2009, Mar 7 - Mar 22 2009

2009-03-11T21:39:00.000-07:00

ICC Women's World Cup 2009, Mar 7 - Mar 22 2009

Based on groupings as follows:

Group A	Group B
Australia (A1)	India (B1)
New Zealand (A2)	England (B2)
West Indies (A3)	Sri Lanka (B3)
South Africa	Pakistan

Note: All matches begin at 10:00 AM Australia time.

MAR 2009

GROUP A

GROUP B

07 SAT

IND vs PAK

Bowral, Australia
IND bt PAK by 10 wkts
Scorecard

07 SAT

ENG vs SL

Canberra, Australia
ENG bt SL by 100 runs
Scorecard

08 SUN

AUS vs NZ

North Sydney, Australia
NZ bt AUS by 13 runs (D/L Method)
Scorecard

08 SUN

WI vs SA

Newcastle, Australia
WI bt SA by 2 wkts
Scorecard

09 MON

SL vs PAK

Canberra, Australia
PAK bt SL by 57 runs
Scorecard

10 TUES

NZ vs WI

Bankstown, Australia
NZ bt WI by 56 runs
Scorecard

IND vs ENG

North Sydney, Australia
ENG bt IND by 9 wkts
Scorecard

10 TUES

AUS vs SA

Newcastle, Australia
AUS bt SA by 61 runs
Scorecard

12 THURS

AUS vs WI

Drummoyne, Australia

Scorecard

ENG vs PAK

North Sydney, Australia

Scorecard

12 THURS

NZ vs SA

Bowral, Australia

Scorecard

IND vs SL

Bankstown, Australia

Scorecard

Super Six's

Super Six Stage

Provided they qualify, each of the top three teams will retain its ranking from the group stage through to the Super Sixes, regardless of their finishing position in the group. For example, Australia will be ranked A1 whether they finish first, second or third at the end of the group stage. If the fourth ranked team in a group qualifies for the Super Six stage, they will adopt the ranking of the team that they have replaced. For example if South Africa qualifies at the expense of Australia, South Africa would follow the fixtures for A1 in the Super Six stage.

MAR 2009

NORTH SYDNEY

BANKSTOWN

DRUMMOYNE

14 SAT

7th vs 8th play off @ No.2 Oval

14 SAT

A1 vs B1

A2 vs B2

A3 vs B3

16 MON

A1 vs B3

17 TUES

A2 vs B1

A3 vs B2

19 THURS

A1 vs B2

A3 vs B1

A2 vs B3

Final and Play-offs

MAR 2009

NORTH SYDNEY

BANKSTOWN

DRUMMOYNE

21 SAT

3rd vs 4th play off

5th vs 6th play off

22 SUN

Final

ICC Women's World Cup 2009 - Photo Gallery

2009-03-11T21:38:00.000-07:00

Australia v West Indies, 12th March 2009

Showing 1 of 5

Shakera Selman of the West Indies celebrates with team mates after taking the wicket of Lisa Sthalekar of Australia during the ICC Women's World Cup 2009 round two group stage match between Australia and West Indies in Sydney, Australia.

ICC Women's World Cup 2009: England and New Zealand seal places in Super Six stage

2009-03-11T21:37:00.000-07:00

ICC Women's World Cup 2009 - News

England and New Zealand seal places in Super Six stage

Tuesday, March 10, 2009 5:42:43 AM

Atkins and Taylor slam unbeaten half-centuries as England beats India by nine wickets

Karen Rolton edges closer to milestone but misses ninth ODI century as Australia defeats South Africa while New Zealand downs West Indies for second successive win

An unbroken 125-run second-wicket partnership between opener Caroline Atkins and Claire Taylor guided two-time former champion England to an easy nine-wicket victory over India to secure a place in the Super Six stage of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2009 at the North Sydney Oval on Tuesday.

Both Atkins and Taylor, the top-ranked batter in the Reliance Mobile ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings, finished unbeaten on 69 each as England raced to the victory target of 170 with 11.3 overs to spare in a game that was covered live by ESPN STAR Sports.

It was England’s second successive victory and puts it on top of Group B while India is second with one win and one defeat. After Wednesday’s rest day, the first round matches will conclude on Thursday with England taking on third-placed Pakistan at the North Sydney Oval in front of the ESPN STAR Sports cameras while India will go head-to-head with bottom-placed Sri Lanka at Bankstown.

In Group A, defending champion Australia got its campaign back on track after a surprise defeat to New Zealand on Sunday with a comfortable 61-run victory over South Africa while New Zealand put in another tidy bowling performance to defeat the West Indies by 56 runs to join England in the Super Six.

On Thursday, South Africa will have to beat 2000 World Cup winner New Zealand to keep its hope of reaching the Super Six stage alive while the West Indies can go through to the Super Six stage irrespective of the outcome of its match against Australia if New Zealand wins at Bowral.

In that scenario, New Zealand will finish on top of Group A and will take forward four carry-over points to the Super Six stage while Australia will take two and the West Indies none.

In the Super Six stage, the top three sides in each group will play the teams which have qualified from the other group. The top two sides from the Super Six will go forward to the 22 March final.

Put into bat, India slipped from 92-3 to 126-9 in a space of just 14 overs before a late onslaught by Amita Sharma lifted the 2005 World Cup runner-up to 169 all out in 48.4 overs. Sharma clobbered five fours and a six in a 24-ball 33 before being the last batter out.

While wickets fell like nine-pins from one end, former captain Mitahli Raj stood tall before becoming the eighth batter to depart at the score of 123. Raj scored a well-played 59 that came off 90 balls and included nine fours.

Left-arm spinner Holly Colvin was the star of England’s bowling attack when she showed a lot of craft and variation while picking up 3-22. Fast bowler Jenny Gunn also displayed her promise and talent by bagging 3-50 while new-ball bowler Isa Guha finished with 2-16 after claiming the wickets of both the openers.

In its target chase, England was never really under threat despite losing Sarah Taylor (27) as Atkins and Claire Taylor put India’s bowling to the sword with some sizzling drives and sweeps.

Atkins’ knock came off 124 balls and included nine fours while Claire Taylor belted nine fours and a six in a rapid 69 not out off 65 balls. Taylor has now scored 170 runs in two innings, including 101 against Sri Lanka at the Manuka Oval in Canberra.

Atkins, named player-of-the-match, said: “I wouldn’t call my innings a fluent one but our bowlers took all the pressure off us so I was able to scratch around and bat around the two good batters.

“It was great to bat with Claire as she keeps the run-rate up and I can just bat around her.”

England head coach Mark Lane was also pleased with his side’s performance. “It was a much improved performance in all three disciplines today. It was good to see Holly Colvin coming into her own and taking 3-22.

“We were excellent in the field with Lydia Greenway taking three catches.”

Elsewhere, Australia captain Karen Rolton edged closer to becoming the most successful batter in women’s cricket when she scored an electrifying unbeaten 96 that set up a 61 runs victory over South Africa at the No. 1 Sports Ground, Newcastle.

Rolton, who started the tournament needing 350 runs to leapfrog her former captain Belinda Clark (4,844 runs), clubbed 13 fours in an 87-ball knock but missed out on her ninth career century after running out of overs. Rolton now sits on 4,612 runs and needs another 233 runs to become the leading run-scorer in women’s ODI cricket.

Rolton featured in a 82-run second-wicket partnership off 75 balls with Shelley Nitschke who was also in a punishing mood, belting 11 fours and a six in her 87 that came off 94 balls. Earlier, Nitschke had provided Australia with a flying start when, together with Alex Blackwell, she put on 75 runs for the first wicket with Blackwell scoring 22.

For South Africa, vice-captain Alicia Smith was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-42.

In turn, South Africa was bowled out for 197 in 49.3 overs with Trisha Chetty scoring a fighting 58 that came off 78 balls and included six fours.

Nitschke completed a good day in the field by following up her 87 with 3-43 to claim the player-of-the-match award.

Reflecting on today’s victory, Rolton said: “It was a good fight for the girls and I thought South Africa batted well. We got off to a bit of a slow start and I would have liked a few more runs early on but to the South Africa girls’ credit, they bowled well.

“It was good to be in the middle. We’ve been working hard to try and get some partnerships going and some batters batting through and making runs because we haven’t been able to do that.

“I’m a little bit disappointed with the way we bowled and that’s something we can work on before our next match against the West Indies.”

At Bankstown Oval, Sydney, New Zealand laboured to a 56 runs victory over the West Indies after managing just 192-8 in 50 overs, thanks to a quick-fire 41 not out off 35 balls by Sarah Tsukigawa and vice-captain Aimee Mason, who contributed 37 off 63 balls.

The two batters added 57 runs in little over 10 overs for the seventh wicket after New Zealand was struggling at 104-6.

West Indies, which defeated South Africa by just two wickets on Sunday, was never in the hunt after losing Deandra Dottin on the fourth ball of the innings before finishing at 136-8 in 50 overs.

Player-of-the-match Tsukigawa said she had waited for the batting PowerPlay to accelerate the run-rate. “I came out with a plan of setting myself till the 45th over and we knew we had the PowerPlay to take in the last five overs. So it was important to get there and give ourselves a chance to launch from there with a couple of batters still left.”

Stand-in New Zealand captain Aimee Mason said: “I am pretty happy with our performance today. It’s always good to lead from the front and I was quite happy with how it went today and obviously very good to get a win as well.

“It wasn’t one of our best performances and was a really hard-fought win. I think we deserved it and we showed the depth in our team, with our batting order and our bowlers doing a great job. The bowlers adapted to the pitch which was pretty slow and took a bit of turn.”

Scores in brief:

At North Sydney Oval: India 169 all out, 48.4 overs (Mithali Raj 59, Amita Sharma 33, Anagha Deshpande 32; Holly Colvin 3-22, Jenny Gunn 3-50, Isa Guha 2-16)

England 172-1, 38.3 overs (Caroline Atkins 69 not out, Claire Taylor 69 not out)

England won by nine wickets

At No. 1 Sports Ground, Newcastle: Australia 258-4, 50 overs (Karen Rolton 96 not out, Shelley Nitschke 87, Alex Blackwell 22; Alicia Smith 3-42)

South Africa 197 all out, 49.3 overs (Trisha Chetty 58, Mignon du Preez 37, Cri-Zelda Brits 36; Shelly Nitschke 3-43, Rene Farrell 2-30)

Australia won by 61 runs

At Bankstown Oval: New Zealand 192-8, 50 overs (Sarah Tsukigawa 41 not out, Aimee Mason 38, Amy Satterthwaite 37; Stafanie Taylor 2-33, Kirbyina Alexander 2-37)

West Indies 136-8, 50 overs (Pamela Lavine 40, Stafanie Taylor 38; Lucy Doolan 3-21, Aimee Mason 3-26)

New Zealand won by 56 runs

ICC Women's World Cup 2009: Rolton stars in Australian victory

2009-03-11T21:31:00.000-07:00

ICC Women's World Cup 2009 - News

Rolton stars in Australian victory

Tuesday, March 10, 2009 2:11:49 AM

Australia got its ICC Women’s World Cup campaign back on track with a 61-run victory over South Africa.

The win means that Australia is now level on points with the West Indies, although New Zealand tops Group A after two consecutive victories.

After a disappointing batting display against New Zealand on Sunday, Australia struggled to score in the early morning conditions against some excellent new ball bowling.

But once Shelley Nitschke (87) and Alex Blackwell (22) had dealt with the opening bowlers, they looked reasonably comfortable as they went onto add an excellent 75-run partnership for the first wicket.

A second-wicket stand of 82 between Nitschke and Karen Rolton then put Australia into an excellent position, with the Australian skipper in particularly good form as she made 96 not out off just 87 deliveries.

South Africa showed great character and determination to restrict the Australia score to 258-4 off 50 overs, with all-rounder Alicia Smith adding to her ever growing reputation with 3-42.

After losing Claire Terblanche early on, an excellent 82-run stand between Trisha Chetty (58) and Cri-Zelda Brits (36) meant that South Africa was very much on course for its victory target.

But the fall of two quick wickets dented Sunette Loubser’s side chances, before Mignon due Preez (37) and Alicia Smith (19) led a mini recovery to lead South Africa to 161-3 with 9 overs remaining.

Needing quick runs, South Africa had no alternative but to throw the bat, which resulted in a dramatic collapse to 197 all out, losing seven wickets for 35 runs, with Shelley Nitschke (3-43) the pick of the bowlers.

ICC Women's World Cup 2009 : England through to Super Six stages, Pakistan achieves historic victory; New Zealand maintains unbeaten record

2009-03-11T21:28:00.000-07:00

ICC Women's World Cup 2009 News

England through to Super Six stages

Tuesday, March 10, 2009
England sealed its place in the Super Six stage at the ICC Women's World Cup after a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over India. More...

Rolton stars in Australian victory

Australia got its ICC Women's World Cup campaign back on track with a 61-run victory over South Africa.

New Zealand maintains unbeaten record

New Zealand was made to work hard by West Indies as it recorded a 56-run victory to maintain its unbeaten record at the ICC WWC.

Pakistan achieves historic victory

Pakistan took a step closer towards the Super Six stage of the ICC Women's World Cup after a historic 57-run victory over Sri Lanka.

More ICC Women's World Cup 2009 News

Five wickets for Marsh maintains unbeaten start

England spinner stars in comfortable victory over Pakistan

Hosts try and secure a place in next stage

Final Super Six spots up for grabs on Thursday

Siriwardena excited about India challenge

Sri Lankan skipper desperate for historic success in final group match

India and England look to maintain unbeaten run

Tournament favourites desperate for victory against South Africa

England and New Zealand seal places in Super Six stage

Rolton stars in Australian victory

Australia got its ICC Women’s World Cup campaign back on track with a 61-run victory over South Africa.

New Zealand maintains unbeaten record

New Zealand was made to work hard by West Indies as it recorded a 56-run victory to maintain its unbeaten record at the ICC Women’s World Cup.

England through to Super Six stages

Atkins and Taylor secure nine-wicket victory over IndiaP

Rejuvenated Pakistan back on track with victory over Sri Lanka

A rejuvenated Pakistan strengthened its claim for a place in the Super Six stage of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2009 when it defeated Sri Lanka by 57 runs at Manuka Oval, Canberra on Monday.

Two bowlers reported for suspected illegal bowling actions at ICC Women's World Cup

England fast bowler Jenny Gunn and Sri Lanka off-spinner Rose Fernando have been reported because of suspected illegal actions.

UEFA Champions League: Liverpool bury Real

2009-03-11T21:25:00.001-07:00

Thursday, March 12, 2009

UEFA Champions League
Liverpool bury Real

Liverpool star Steven Gerrard celebrates after scoring his second goal against Real Madrid during their Champions League round of 16 second-leg match at Anfield on Tuesday.Photo: AFPAfp, Paris

Liverpool and Chelsea underlined the strength of the English Premiership on Tuesday, booking Champions League quarterfinal berths after sending Real Madrid and Juventus packing.

Liverpool went through in a canter, throughbreds Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres both on target - the England skipper netting a brace on his 100th European appearance - while Andrea Dossena added the coup de grace as nine-times champions Real were humbled 4-0 at Anfield.

The Merseysiders, five times winners, were wrapping up a 5-0 aggregate win following their opening gambit of a 1-0 win at the Bernabeu.

Torres, revelling as a former Atletico star in tormenting his old rivals from the other side of the Spanish capital, bagged the opener on 16 minutes and from then on the hosts toyed with a poor Real side on the latter's first visit to Anfield.

Gerrard then netted from the spot and added a fine half-volley for good measure after the restart before Dossena bagged a late fourth.

Chelsea had to dig a little deeper into their reserves of resilience in drawing 2-2 away to Juve, where Guus Hiddink's Londoners twice came from behind on the night, having edged the first game 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Michael Essien and Didier Drogba found the target to steady the ship after Vincenzo Jaquinta had opened the scoring for the Italians on 19 minutes, David Trezeguet flipping a perfectly weighted high pass into his stride.

Chelsea roared back and, after Guanluigi Buffon in the Juve goal had somehow clawed a Didier Drogba freekick off the line, Essien bundled in the crucial away goal equaliser on 43 minutes after Buffon had parried a deflected Frank Lampard shot.

In a frantic finale, Juve had Giorgio Chiellini dismissed to leave them a man down and chasing two goals to advance.

No sooner had the Londoners gained a numerical advantage than substitute Julien Belletti handled an Alessandro Del Piero freekick and Del Piero himself rolled a nonchalant penalty past Petr Cech.

However, Belletti made amends in style eight minutes from the end in taking a pass from Michael Ballack and threading the ball in for the lurking Drogba to fire home from close range.

The loss meant Juve manager Claudio Ranieri's bid to pull one over on his former club was thwarted.

In Tuesday's other encounters, Bayern Munich humiliated Sporting Lisbon by winning 7-1 in Bavaria for a 12-1 aggregate triumph - the first time a side has netted a round dozen over two legs as the Germans bettered Lyon's old mark of 10-2 against Werder Bremen in the 2004/05 season.

Germany striker Lukas Podolski struck twice as the hosts more than made up for the absence of Luca Toni and Franck Ribery, who had both netted twice in Portugal.

In Tuesday's other match Spain's Villarreal edged out Greek side Panathinaikos 2-1 away to advance 3-2 on aggregate, Argentine midfielder Ariel Ibagaza scoring one goal and then turning provider for Joseba Llorente's winner for the "yellow submarine."

Cricket: England to tackle first-Test jinx:

2009-03-11T21:23:00.000-07:00

Page last updated at 10:06 GMT, Wednesday, 11 March 2009

England to tackle first-Test jinx:

England were soundly beaten at Sabina Park in the first Test

England need to address their poor record in opening Tests, according to assistant coach Andy Flower.

They have not won an opening Test since beating Bangladesh at Lord's in May 2005, losing seven of 14 since.

"Losing the first Test can't go on - the facts and the stats don't lie," Flower told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"We're not exactly sure of the reason. We'll dig around and do some talking to find out why. Maybe we'll look at playing more matches before a series."

England capitulated in the first Test of the recent series against West Indies when they were bowled out for 51 in their second innings to lose by an innings and 23 runs.

I'd like to do it and I think I'd make a difference

Andy Flower on applying to be England coach

Andrew Strauss' men subsequently lost the series 1-0 after the next four matches were drawn.

The England captain believes that "freaky" demise affected his side for the rest of series.

"That has ultimately cost us the series," said the 32-year-old Strauss, who is favourite to lead England in this summer's Ashes series.

"That was a freaky situation where we played badly, we weren't switched on, we got put under pressure and didn't handle it properly.

"We have to understand it is in those small margins which Test matches are won and lost in, and series are won and lost.

"We can't afford to be on the receiving end of those sessions."

Meanwhile, Flower is waiting to see whether he will be handed the England coach's role on a full-time basis.

The England and Wales Cricket Board is expected to name a successor to Peter Moores, who was sacked in January following a rift with former captain Kevin Pietersen.

"I've got my application in," said 40-year-old Zimbabwean Flower.

"I'd like to do it and I think I'd make a difference but that's not my decision to make. The ECB will make the decision in about a month's time."

UEFA Champions League: Record-breaking Bayern

2009-03-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

Thursday, March 12, 2009

UEFA Champions League
Record-breaking Bayern

Bayern Munich striker Lukas Podolski (C) shoots past Sporting Lisbon defender Adrien Silva (L) to score one of his two goals during their Champions League round of 16 second-leg clash at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.Photo: AFPAfp, Munich

Germany striker Lukas Podolski struck twice on Tuesday as Bayern Munich hammered Sporting Lisbon 7-1 to set a new Champions League record on their way to the quarterfinals.

Tuesday night's rout at Munich's Allianz Arena means the tie finishes 12-1 on aggregate and sets a new record for a Champions League knock-out stage tie - bettering Olympique Lyonnais' old mark of 10-2 against Werder Bremen in the 2004/05 season.

"We wanted to show from the first second who was the boss," said delighted Bayern coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

"The team took this game very seriously.

"Sporting realised we weren't going to give them anything and we now have ten busy weeks ahead of us.

"We need players like Lukas Podolski to be at the top of their game and he showed a cast-iron will today."

Luca Toni and Franck Ribery had both scored two goals in Lisbon a fortnight ago in the first-leg Round of 16 tie virtually to ensure Bayern a last eight spot when Sporting were hammered 5-0 in Portugal.

Both Italy's Toni and France's Ribery were missing with injury for the second-leg, but their absence was barely felt.

Having totally dominated in Lisbon, Bayern carried on where they left off as Brazilian midfielder Ze Roberto flicked a pass to Podolski, who lobbed Sporting goalkeeper Rui Patricio after just seven minutes.

And having scored in the 5-1 hammering of Hanover in the German league last Saturday, Podolski made it three goals in two games with an opportunist bicycle kick after a Patricio error which he smashed into the net on 34 minutes.

And things went from bad to far worse for the guests when Sporting defender Polga knocked a cross into his own net on 39 minutes.

Lisbon captain Joao Moutinho hit a superb dipping effort into the top left-hand corner on 42 minutes to peg the arrears back to 3-1, but Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger scored less than two minutes later to make it 4-1 at the break.

Munich teenager Thomas Mueller took over from Schweinsteiger and the 19-year-old had played just two minutes of his Champions League debut when he set up Bayern's fifth goal after 74 minutes.

Mueller beat the Sporting defence on the right and put in a pin-point accurate cross which Miroslav Klose headed back for captain Mark van Bommel to drill home.

And Klose grabbed one of his own when he was brought down by Sporting defender Pedro Silva, but the Germany star picked himself up from the turf to drill home his penalty on 82 minutes.

And Mueller profited from a saved shot from Podolski on 90 minutes when he was presented with a simple tap-in as Bayern became the first team to score 12 goals over two legs in a Champions League knock-out tie.

Cricket Test: One of Ponting's highs- Aussies take winning lead against SA

2009-03-11T21:21:00.001-07:00

Thursday, March 12, 2009

One of Ponting's highs
Aussies take winning lead against SA

Members of Australia team celebrate the victory against South Africa in the second Test at Kingsmead in Durban on Tuesday.Photo: AFPAfp, Durban

Australia captain Ricky Ponting said Tuesday that clinching a series win in South Africa here on Tuesday was one of the highlights of his career.

Australia won the second Test by 175 runs at Kingsmead to take an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, bouncing straight back from losing at home against the same opponents in Australia earlier in the season.

"It's very satisfying with this group of players that we've been able to play at this same level over the last couple of weeks," said Ponting.

"We've played some amazing cricket, probably a level of cricket that everybody outside our dressing room thought we weren't capable of. This is almost as happy as I have been in my career as an Australian player."

Ponting said the team's week of preparation in the small town of Potchefstroom had been a key to their success.

He revealed he had always been confident that the team could win in South Africa despite the inexperience of many of the players.

"I absolutely felt we could win here and I made that very clear to a number of people in Australia," he said.

"We've got a very proud record against these guys over a long period of time and probably more so in the conditions here in South Africa.

"I just felt that with the good players we had here and the conditions we would have in Johannesburg and Durban that we could adapt and play some really good cricket."

Ponting said the series in Australia had been closer than the results indicated.

"We dominated certain parts of the first two Test matches without winning them. What we've done here is we've dominated the games but not let them back into them. We've played our best cricket for longer periods of time."

The series win ensured that Australia would retain the official world championship and earn 175 000 dollars in prize money and the International Cricket Council championship mace at the cut-off date of April 1.

But Ponting said the championship itself had not been a motivating factor.

"I haven't mentioned the trophy once around this group of players because it's not the reason why we play," he added.

"We play to win games of cricket for Australia and to do the best we can for each other as a group of players.

"Having said that, it is satisfying that the trophy will be staying in Australia."

South African skipper Graeme Smith said: It's been a very disappointing series especially after what we have achieved over the last 12 or 16 months. We just haven't been able to maintain the intensity and level of play we've got used to.

"Ricky and his team played very good, disciplined cricket and kept us under pressure for long periods of time which we haven't been able to sustain.

Smith admitted that his team's performance had been disappointing.

"They created pressure and have been sharper and more intense than us," he said.

"In particular they have bowled really well as a unit. They have created and sustained pressure on our batters.

"We haven't won a toss, we've bowled first throughout the series and we haven't started with that same level of intensity that we've had over the past 16 months and particularly in Australia to create that pressure."

South Africa were bowled out for 370 in their second innings with 37.4 overs to spare on the final day.

The victory was virtually sealed when the tourists dismissed overnight batsmen Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers inside the first hour.

South Africa lost another two wickets before lunch. Although Mark Boucher and Morne Morkel resisted for 79 minutes after the break, the end came quickly after Boucher gave a return catch to part-time spinner Marcus North.

Kallis and De Villiers made their third wicket stand worth 187 before Kallis was caught at second slip off Mitchell Johnson in the sixth over of the day for 93.

Kallis added just five runs after being dropped by Michael Clarke at point off Ben Hilfenhaus in the previous over.

Three overs later De Villiers was caught behind in Peter Siddle's first over of the day for 84.

With no chance of chasing down a target of 546, Duminy and Boucher resisted for an hour until Duminy was caught behind for 17, gloving a vicious lifter from Hilfenhaus.

Citycell Super Cup BD: Abahani Cruise and Ctg Mohammedan upset Russel

2009-03-11T21:18:00.000-07:00

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Citycell Super Cup
Abahani cruise
Ctg Mohammedan upset Russel

Abahani's national striker Emily (L) joins Emeka Christian (C) in celebration after the Nigerian's first goal against Rahmatganj in yesterday's Citycell Super Cup opener at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.Photo: STARSports Reporter

The inaugural Citycell Super Cup got off to an impressive start with B. League champions and title contenders Abahani crushing Rahmatganj 3-0 in the opening match yesterday.

However, there was drama in the end as Chittagong Mohammedan shocked B. League's third-placed side Sheikh Russel 2-0 in the night.

The 8,000-strong crowd at the Bangabandhu National Stadium was satisfactory in terms of the B. League turnout, which had been lower even during the big matches.

Abahani's Nigerian striker Emeka Christian began where he left off in the B. League, firing twice, while Shipon scored an own goal to extend miseries of the old-Dhaka outfit, featuring four foreign imports.

The 20-minute opening ceremony, including a show by the popular TV programme 'Khude Ganraj' songsters, was cancelled due to the National Mourning Day. A minute's silence was also observed after Bangladesh Football Federation president Kazi Salahuddin and sponsor Citycell's CEO Michael Seymour declared the Tk 2-crore meet open.

The Sky Blues began in style with Emeka taking just 90 seconds to find the mark. Ghanaian forward Ibrahim played the ball across from the left for an unmarked Abul, who got inside the area and fired an angled drive that beat goalkeeper Ali for Emeka, raring at the far post, to stab home from handshaking distance.

Despite an early goal, Abahani did not look convincing throughout the rest of the half although Amalesh Sen's side created two chances.

However, Emeka's backvolley on a centre by Abul went over in the fourth minute and Abul, who got a free header after meeting a curling freekick by Mamun in the 20th minute, failed to keep his effort under the bar.

Rahmatganj, who had stunned Abahani 2-1 in the B. League opener also looked like losing their bite under new coach Mir Faruk, who took over from Golam Jilani, but came close in the fifth minute. A defensive lapse helped Nche Francis get possession 15 yards out of goal but Rahmatganj's Nigerian skipper fired over.

It could have been 1-1 three minutes before halftime when Abahani goalkeeper Biplab choked on a 30-yard pile driver from Kabir but B. League's prolific Ugandan striker Idris, who collected the rebound, placed the ball just over crossbar.

Rahmatganj dominated the first ten minutes after resumption and Francis beat Biplab with an angular shot that missed the far post after a move by Hanif and Idris.

However, Abahani took full control in the 58th minute when Rahmatganj defender Shipon headed the ball into his own post while trying to clear Abahani left fullback Waly Faisal's harmless chip.

There was no respite for Rahmatganj as their mighty rivals went on the full offensive. Ibrhaim set Emeka with a superb through but the Nigerian, who went round goalkeeper Ali, saw his weak placing shot kicked out from the goalline by Imrose on the hour.

An otherwise dull national striker Emily then fluffed his only chance of the day ten minutes later. He controlled a right-flank lob by overlapping skipper and makeshift fullback Nazrul but put the low drive just wide of Ali's far post.

Biplab then kept out a long-range effort by Felix at the other end for a corner before Abahani sealed the victory eight minutes from time. Emeka escaped down the right with Ibrahim's brilliant pass from the middle, went outside an onrushing Ali and coolly slotted home for his second goal.

In the second Group A match, Nasir put visiting Chittagong Mohammedan, who finished fifth in the B. League, ahead after 19 minutes. The guest striker from Bangladesh Army met a pass by fullback Khan Sharif to place home.

Like their opponents, Russel also had four foreigners but never looked a match for the port city side, who cemented three points in the 54th minute. This time, Guinean striker Raphael Sagno took the ball from captain Kaiser in the middle and drew two defenders and goalkeeper Azam to finish a sparkling solo.

All Sports News: at a Glance

2009-03-11T21:16:00.000-07:00

Citycell Super Cup

Abahani cruise

Ctg Mohammedan upset Russel

The inaugural Citycell Super Cup got off to an impressive start with B. League champions and title contenders Abahani crushing Rahmatganj 3-0 in the opening match yesterday.

Print Edition

One of Ponting's highs

Aussies take winning lead against SA

Afp, Durban

Australia captain Ricky Ponting said Tuesday that clinching a series win in South Africa here on Tuesday was one of the highlights of his career.

Print Edition

Champs Trophy may be held in SA

Afp, New Delhi

South Africa may replace Sri Lanka as the venue of the Champions Trophy one-day tournament later this year, the International Cricket Council said on Wednesday.

Print Edition

Army clinch Shaheed Smriti title

Sports Reporter

Bangladesh Army became champions in the Need for Speed Shaheed Smriti Hockey Tournament when they beat a star-studded Usha Krira Chakra 5-4 in tiebreaker in a keenly contested final at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium yesterday.

Print Edition

Napoli appoint Donadoni

Afp, Rome

Napoli sacked manager Edy Reja and replaced him with former Italy coach Roberto Donadoni on Tuesday in a move aimed at improving the club's fortunes after defeats in seven of their last nine Serie A games.

Print Edition

Del Piero surpasses Di Stefano

Afp, Paris

Juventus may have failed to overcome Chelsea in their Champions League last 16 return on Tuesday but evergreen Italian striker Alessandro Del Piero at least had the consolation of netting his 51st goal in the competition to overhaul Alfredo Di Stefano.

Print Edition

Villarreal advance

Afp, Athens

Argentine midfielder Ariel Ibagaza scored one goal and then turned provider for Joseba Llorente's winner to lift Spanish club Villarreal into the Champions League quarterfinals after a 2-1 victory Tuesday night at Greek side Panathinaikos.

Print Edition

Local Snippets

Sports Reporter

A 31-member cricket committee of Farashganj Sporting Club was formed yesterday with Asadur Rahman Khan Tipu as it's chairman and Babul Kumar Shaha as the member secretary.

Print Edition

Prince returns as captain

Afp, Durban

The South African selectors dropped opening batsman Neil McKenzie and fast bowler Morne Morkel in announcing three changes for their squad for the third and final Test against Australia, starting in Cape Town on March 19.

Print Edition

Rumi's death anniversary observed

Bss, Dhaka

The sixth death anniversary of Masud Ahmed Rumi, a valiant freedom fighter and renowned sports journalist, was observed yesterday with befitting manner at the office of Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association (BSJA).

Print Edition

Arambagh into semis

Unb, Dhaka

Dhaka Arambagh KS reached the semifinal of the Prime Minister Cup Invitational Football Tournament, as they finished group runners-up in Kathmandu yesterday.

Print Edition

Sehwag brings India's first series win in NZ

Afp, Hamilton

India sealed their first ever one-day international series in New Zealand on Wednesday after Virender Sehwag smashed a brutal quick-fire century in the rain-shortened fourth match.

Print Edition

Hassan Gazi's hero

Sports Reporter

Young all-rounder Mahmudul Hassan guided Gazi Tank to a comfortable 57-run victory over winless City Club in the Premier Division Cricket League at BKSP on Tuesday.

Print Edition

WI hold on for draw

England surrender Wisden Trophy

Afp, Port of Spain

England failed in their bid for a series-levelling victory, when West Indies held on stoutly for a hard-fought draw in the fifth and final Test here on Tuesday.

Print Edition

UEFA Champions League

Liverpool bury Real

Afp, Paris

Liverpool and Chelsea underlined the strength of the English Premiership on Tuesday, booking Champions League quarterfinal berths after sending Real Madrid and Juventus packing.

Print Edition

UEFA Champions League

Chelsea oust Juventus

Afp, Turin

Goals from African pair Didier Drogba and Michael Essien earned Chelsea a 2-2 draw at Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday to send last year's finalists through to the quarterfinals 3-2 on aggregate.

Print Edition

Riquelme walks out

Afp, Buenos Aires

Boca Juniors veteran playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme has insisted he will not don the colours of Argentina again as long as Diego Maradona is coach.

Print Edition

UEFA Champions League

Record-breaking Bayern

Afp, Munich

Germany striker Lukas Podolski struck twice on Tuesday as Bayern Munich hammered Sporting Lisbon 7-1 to set a new Champions League record on their way to the quarterfinals.

Print Edition

UEFA Champions League

Bring on MU: Rafa

Afp, Liverpool

Rafael Benitez believes Liverpool's Champions League humiliation of Real Madrid has set the stage perfectly for his side to cut Manchester United down to earth in Saturday's make-or-break Premier League clash.Benitez admits Liverpool must win at Old Trafford or forget about catching their rivals in the domestic title race, and a Fernando Torres-inspired 4-0 demolition of Real could hardly have been better preparation.

Print Edition

Div I cricket

Sports Reporter

Eskaton SS and Baridhara Dazzlers clinched identical two-wicket wins against Lalmatia and Dhaka Wanderers respectively in the First Division Cricket League on Tuesday.

Print Edition

Real to fire Mijatovic

Afp, Madrid

Real Madrid sports chief Pedja Mijatovic is close to being fired following the Spanish giants humiliating 4-0 Champions League defeat at Liverpool in Tuesday, sports daily Marca reported Wednesday.

Print Edition

Super League battle heats up Sanath back for MSC

Sports Reporter

Sri Lankan great Sanath Jayasuriya returned to the Mohammedan camp to give them a much-needed boost ahead of their crucial Premier Cricket League tie against table-toppers Bangladesh Biman today.

Print Edition

Journalist becomes BFF secretary

Sports Reporter

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) on Tuesday took a major step towards professionalism when it appointed a career-journalist as its first paid general secretary.

Print Edition

Bin Hammam due in Dhaka today

Sports Reporter

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Mohammad Bin Hammam will arrive in Dhaka tonight for a brief visit.

Print Edition

UEFA Champions League: Chelsea oust Juventus

2009-03-11T21:15:00.000-07:00

Thursday, March 12, 2009

UEFA Champions League
Chelsea oust Juventus

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring to make it 1-1 against Juventus during their Champions League round of 16 second-leg encounter at the Olympic Stadium in Turin on Tuesday.Photo: AFPAfp, Turin

In a pulsating match Juve finished with 10 men following the second half dismissal of Giorgio Chiellini but goals from Vincenzo Iaquinta and evergreen Alessandro Del Piero had briefly given them cause to hope.

Instead the first of three Anglo-Italian ties in the second round went the way of the powerful Premier League.

But Chelsea had to come back from a goal down on the night, something that had coach Guus Hiddink purring about their reaction.

"Playing here at Juventus's home is not the easiest task. We had a job to do, we started rather sloppily, we lost too many duels. They could give some easy passes into their front players and the defence was not marking well," he said.

"But the reaction of the team was ok, we knew that at 1-0 or even 2-0 we must not panic because we were able to score any moment.

"We reacted at 1-0, had good score on edge of half-time and in the second half we controlled the game a little more and didn't play stupid long balls."

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg and needing to score, Juve coach Claudio Ranieri picked an attacking line-up with Del Piero playing behind forwards David Trezeguet and Iaquinta.

It initially paid dividends and at the end of the game Ranieri rued what might have been.

"We lost this tie at Stamford Bridge because we didn't score and in this competition it's important to get an away goal, but we didn't manage it," he said.

"I think if we had gone through it wouldn't have been a scandal. They're a great team of course and if you think of what Chelsea did last year, reaching the final and the great economic investment which has made this team really strong."

Even so, they did not create much until the 19th minute when the hosts took the lead out of nothing.

Iaquinta played a one-two with Trezeguet, whose return ball flicked over his head was perfectly weighted, allowing his strike partner to outpace John Terry and finish past Petr Cech with aplomb.

Juve suddenly had a spring in their step and Del Piero tried his luck from distance, forcing Cech to tip the ball over.

The hosts were looking comfortable and having the better of things without looking like adding to their lead.

But the game turned on its head in a crazy spell at the end of the first period.

On 45 minutes Drogba lined up to take a freekick which he bent around the wall and just inside the post.

Gianluigi Buffon got across his line to clutch the ball at the post at the second attempt but television replays showed it had just sneaked over the line.

It wasn't given but Chelsea's frustration fired them up enough to equalise in first half stoppage time anyway.

Frank Lampard set his sights from distance and his shot took a deflection and looped up with Buffon arching back to tip it onto the bar.

It came down and may too have crossed the line but Essien charged in to bundle the ball home and leave no doubt this time that the Blues were on level terms.

It was his first goal in 11 months in his first start since September.

That changed the tone of the game and it took Juventus a full quarter of an hour of the second period to start looking dangerous.

When they did Del Piero was the architect of a move on 65 minutes that almost resulted in a score as he crossed for Trezeguet to head goalwards, only for Cech to produce a flying save.

Ranieri introduced young playmaker Sebastian Giovinco and he too almost created something but Del Piero couldn't quite get a flick on his teammate's freekick.

But 20 minutes from time any chance of a Juve revival seemingly died as Chiellini picked up a second booking for clattering into Drogba.

However, moments later Del Piero fired a freekick into the Chelsea wall that struck Michael Ballack's raised arms and the referee pointed to the spot, with Del Piero himself cooly slotting the ball home.

It was game on but seven minutes from time Chelsea sealed their passage into the last eight as substitute Juliano Belletti crossed for Drogba to poke home from close range for his fourth goal in five games.

Cricket: South Africa Proposed as Champions Trophy Host

2009-03-11T21:12:00.000-07:00

Page last updated at 13:55 GMT, Wednesday, 11 March 2009

S Africa proposed as Trophy host:

Australia were unable to defend the Champions Trophy in 2008

South Africa should host this year's Champions Trophy, originally set for Pakistan, an International Cricket Council committee has recommended.

The tournament had initially been set to take place in September 2008 but was postponed because of security concerns.

Cricket South Africa was put forward to hold the tournament when Sri Lanka said they could not stand in and a final decision will be made on 16 March.

A single city will host the 12-day eight-team competition in September.

The ICC chief executives' committee proposed South Africa and the decision is expected to be ratified at the ICC board meeting in March, subject to agreement over financing the tournament.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said: "The meeting agreed we had to do everything possible to ensure the ICC Champions Trophy is a successful event."

The event will take place between 24 September and 5 October and it was decided South Africa would be the most suitable venue as Sri Lanka could not guarantee there would be no rain.

Lorgat added: "On that basis it was felt that it would be too great a risk to stage the tournament in Colombo at a time of year when there was a distinct possibility of rain.

"This was especially relevant given the length of this year's ICC Champions Trophy has been reduced to 12 days - part of our desire to make it a short, sharp event - as on that basis there would be no room for reserve days.

"South Africa was a successful and excellent host of the ICC World Twenty20 at much the same time of year two years ago and the weather pattern in the area around Johannesburg in September and October is stable and ideal for cricket."

Pakistan will receive revenue from the tournament regardless of which country hosts it.

The committee also recommended the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 be staged between 30 April and 16 May in West Indies.

The 2009 tournament will be hosted by England between 5 and 21 June.

Cricket ODI: Sehwag brings India's first series win in NZ

2009-03-11T21:07:00.000-07:00

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Sehwag brings India's first series win in NZ

Star Indian batsman Virender Sehwag celebrates after scoring his century in the fourth one-day international against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton yesterday. He was unbeaten on 125.Photo: AFPAfp, Hamilton

India sealed their first ever one-day international series in New Zealand on Wednesday after Virender Sehwag smashed a brutal quick-fire century in the rain-shortened fourth match.

India won by 10 wickets to go 3-0 up in the five-match series as openers Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir treated the New Zealand bowling attack with disdain.

New Zealand scored 270 for five in 47 overs in their innings and more rain interruptions saw India declared the winners after reaching 201 for none from 23.3 overs.

Sehwag scored 125, reaching three figures off just 60 balls to record the seventh fastest one-day century ever and the fastest by an Indian player, ensuring India's first one-day series win in New Zealand in six attempts.

Sehwag's armoury of pull shots, drives and cuts saw the opener finish with 14 fours and six sixes from his 74 ball innings.

The squat 30-year-old now has 11 ODI centuries in a career known more for brute force than deft touches, and he said after his latest hundred he was loving the flat pitches and short boundaries in New Zealand.

Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni described Sehwag's batting as "amazing to see".

"That was the key, we wanted to play our natural cricket and that's what they were doing," he said of the opening pair.

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori described the result as "a good old-fashioned hiding".

"We didn't really get ourselves in the game, (were) a little bit short with the runs and then Sehwag and Gambhir played outstandingly to take the game away from us."

Gambhir was the perfect partner for Sehwag, turning over the strike with frequent singles while still finishing with 63 runs off 67 balls.

New Zealand's bowlers were grim-faced after a nightmare match, with nothing they tried working against the rampant opening pair.

They have had a series to forget against the star-laden Indian line-up, who hit 392-4 in the previous one-dayer in Christchurch at the weekend.

Debutant Ewen Thompson, Iain O'Brien and Jacob Oram were all hit for at least 10 runs an over in Hamilton.

Earlier, New Zealand battled to 270 for five, after openers Brendon McCullum and Jesse Ryder got the home side off to a flying start, putting on 102 for the first wicket.

McCullum anchored the top of the New Zealand innings, top-scoring with 77 from 95 balls in a carefully paced knock, including seven fours and two sixes.

Ryder followed his century in the third ODI in Christchurch with 46, and was the first out after skying an attempted sweep off part-time spinner Yuvraj Singh to Suresh Raina at square leg in the 20th over.

India's spinners put the brakes on the middle stages of New Zealand's innings, restricting the scoring as wickets fell at regular intervals.

As in Christchurch, where the opening pair put on 166 runs, the innings lost its way after Ryder and McCullum were prised apart, with five wickets falling in the space of 73 runs and 17 overs.

But a late surge by Peter McGlashan -- standing in as wicketkeeper while McCullum recovers from a thumb injury -- with an undefeated 56, and Grant Elliott (35 not out) added valuable runs in the last 11 overs.

McGlashan scored his first ODI half century in just his third one-day international to keep New Zealand's hopes alive with six fours and a six off 42 balls.

Irfan Pathan was the most economical of the Indian bowlers, finishing with one for 14 off five overs.

Ishant Sharma, returning from a shoulder injury, gradually found some rhythm after a wayward start to end with two for 57 from eight overs.

Athletics: Chambers storms to gold in Turin

2009-03-09T00:19:00.004-07:00

Page last updated at 16:40 GMT, Sunday, 8 March 2009

Chambers storms to gold in Turin

Chambers keen to move on after Euro win

Dwain Chambers was crowned 60m European Indoors champion after crushing the 60m field in a time of 6.46 seconds.

The 30-year-old could not match his semi-final record-breaking efforts and told the BBC: "I wanted to run quicker but I had to concentrate on winning."
After a false start, Simeon Williamson (6.57s) was edged out of the medals into fourth by Italian pair Fabio Cerutti and Emanuele Di Gregorio.
Craig Pickering, second two years ago, had to settle for fifth with 6.61s.
Chambers' autobiography is published on Monday and book extracts criticising Lord Sebastian Coe and questioning Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu's drug testing conduct have all reignited the debate over his continued participation in the sport, helping to overshadow the build-up to this Italian event.
But Chambers, banned in 2003 for a positive drug test, has expressed his determination for closure over his past and has looked determined to let his feet do the talking.
606: DEBATE
Dwain Chambers is looking magnificent. What could he have achieved without drugs?
here comes the three-peat
He added: "Despite what's been going on I've had to keep my head and keep my form. It's been a great privilege to come here.
"It's great to put on a British vest and have some fun. I've been in this situation before where I concentrated on time and I've lost it.
"This is a very important championship for me. I've done what I set out to do so that is what I am pleased about."
During the winter Chambers had already set a season-best mark of 6.51s, equalling the time of American Michael Rodgers, and he was a huge favourite for Sunday's final.
He smashed the British and European record in Saturday's semi-final with a phenomenal time of 6.42s - breaking Jason Gardener's 10-year-old British record by 0.04s and just 0.03s slower than Maurice Greene's world record.
The 23-year-old Williamson, impressive at February's Grand Prix in Birmingham, was the second quickest in the semis with an encouraging strong finish and he will be disappointed not to have clinched a medal.
The gold medal was never in any doubt for Chambers despite having two in-form Italians, cheered on by the local crowd, breathing down his neck, with one tenth of a second separating the Briton and second-placed Cerutti.
Referring to his two-year ban for testing positive for the steroid THG six years ago, Chambers said: "I just hope people let the past be the past now.
Van Commenee slams 'naive' Okoro
"It's gone on for far too long now. It's just great to be here with the team and celebrate in my national colours again. I haven't been able to do that for a while.
"It's good to get back on the medal rostrum again and start re-writing my name in the history books for the right reasons."

Speaking before Turin UKA chief Charles van Commenee said that Chambers' drug ban should be left in the past and that he should be welcomed in the team with open arms.

With much of the media attention continuing to focus on Chambers' past, Van Commenee told BBC 5 Live's Sportsweek ahead of the 60m final: "There is a long history and a big story about him - it's understandable people bring it up.

"But I focus on the performance and I hope one day it will be over. The man is highly motivated - he can only come out a few times a year. When you lock someone up and you open the door he's going to be more eager to run than anytime else.

"He must be drug free at the moment - he has tested almost every day so we know he's clean. If he's running faster than ever it's a positive story for how good someone can be without taking substances."

Cricket Test: Prior, Collingwood shine

2009-03-09T00:19:00.003-07:00

Monday, March 9, 2009

Prior, Collingwood shine

Afp, Port of Spain

Monty Panesar gave England a much-needed breakthrough in their bid for a series-levelling win over West Indies, after Paul Collingwood and Matt Prior hit hundreds to bat them into a formidable position in the fifth and final Test on Saturday.

Spinner Panesar removed Devon Smith for 28, as West Indies finished on 92 for one, replying to England's first innings total of 546 for six declared when stumps were drawn on the second day at Queen's Park Oval.

West Indies, 1-0 up in the series, will begin the third day 454 runs behind.
Collingwood hit his second hundred of the series with 161, while Prior's career-best, undefeated 131 allowed the pair to establish a new England record of 218 for the fifth wicket in Tests against West Indies.
Collingwood reached his ninth Test hundred from 206 balls in the over before lunch, when he paddled Brendan Nash to deep fine leg for a single, then Prior got to his second Test hundred from 156 balls in the last hour before tea, when he cut Ryan Hinds through backward point for two.
But England's hopes of wobbling West Indies with a few early breakthroughs hit a snag, when skipper Chris Gayle and Smith tucked into the visitors' fast bowlers to give the home team a rapid start.
Two languid drives from Gayle through mid-off - one off James Anderson, the other off Stuart Broad - were memorable, and he also twice deposited off-spin bowler Graeme Swann over the long-on boundary for sixes.
But Panesar, brought into the attack for the third-last over, struck a vital blow late in the day, when he spun past the probing bat of Smith, playing defensively forward, and bowled him.
Earlier, Collingwood and Prior carried the visitors to 372 for four at lunch after West Indies removed England captain Andrew Strauss, for a fine 142, and Owais Shah (33) in the first half-hour of the day.
Collingwood batted steadily, but it was Prior, playing his first innings after his week of paternity leave, that led the counter-attack, reaching his 50 from 52 balls, when he cut Hinds to deep cover for a single.
The pair were brought together with England on 268 for four, and West Indies felt justified about their decision to take the second new ball immediately.
Strauss was bowled around his legs for 142, when he moved too far inside the line to flick Fidel Edwards, following an innings that lasted close to 6-1/4 hours in which he struck 11 boundaries from 271 balls.
Shah, who had retired hurt on 29 with severe cramps in his hands the previous day, returned to continue his innings with a scintillating straight drive for four off Lionel Baker before he was run out for 33, failing to beat substitute fielder Dwayne Bravo's direct hit at the bowler's end.

Rugby Union: Wasps battle to win over Exiles

2009-03-09T00:19:00.002-07:00

Page last updated at 17:24 GMT, Sunday, 8 March 2009

ENGLISH
Wasps battle to win over Exiles

Wasps 21-16 London Irish
Wasps (13) 21Tries: penalty, Barnard Con: Cipriani Pens: Cipriani 3
London Irish (6) 16Try: Thompstone Con: Geraghty Pens: Geraghty 3

Sunday's match at Adams Park was a keenly-fought contest
Wasps kept their play-off hopes alive with a hard-fought victory over out-of-form London Irish at Adams Park.

The defending champions went behind to an early penalty but had a penalty try when Irish struggled at scrum time.
Fly-half Danny Cipriani increased the lead with two penalties but that was matched by Shane Geraghty.

A try for Pat Barnard and a Cipriani penalty put Wasps 21-9 ahead and although Adam Thompstone's try set up a tense finish, the home side hung on.
The victory is Wasps's fourth in five games as they recover from a dismal start to the season.
And although they are 14 points off the all-important play-offs, Ian McGeechan's men still believe they can repeat their traditional late-season charge.
In contrast, the Exiles are going the other way and have now not won in the league since 3 January.

At that point, London Irish were topping the table but they are now in sixth and outside the top-four play-off places.

Irish were forced into a late change following the withdrawal of Topsy Ojo but they made the perfect start, going ahead in the second minute through Geraghty when Wasps infringed when collecting the kick-off.

But Wasps, who welcomed back flanker Tom Rees after two months out with a knee ligament injury, soon started dominating up front and with Irish scrums disintegrating in the 22, referee Romain Poite lost patience with the Exiles front row and awarded a penalty try.

Declan Danaher was sin-binned for taking out Josh Lewsey off the ball and Wasps increased their lead with a penalty after Geraghty's misplaced pass led to panic in the Irish defence.

Another ruck offence led to another Cipriani penalty, while Geraghty kicked his second before the break to make the score 13-6 to the hosts.

Cipriani's sloppy pass at the start of the second period led to another Geraghty penalty but Wasps took full advantage after Chris Hala'ufia was penalised for a late challenge on Eoin Reddan.
Three forward drives produced a scrum and the home side unleashed a wave of attacks which eventually saw Barnard just burrow his way over in the corner for a try awarded by the video referee.

Cipriani's 62nd-minute penalty made the score 21-9 but Irish gave themselves hope when wing Adam Thompstone showed an electric turn of pace on the wing to outstrip the Wasps defence.

The score led to the visitors piling on the pressure but the Wasps defensive line held firm.

Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan: "We've got to keep winning as many of the outstanding games as we can.

"We're on a decent run at the moment - two defeats since November, but there's some tough games to come.

"There's a lot of head-to-heads in the top eight or nine teams so there's still a lot to play for."
London Irish director of rugby: "I was very disappointed with some of our basics. You can't question the effort, but rugby's a simple game.
"You want a good platform to play-off, you want quick ball to give yourself scoring opportunities and for large parts of that game we had neither.

"We crafted our way back but made it far more difficult than it should be."

Wasps: Van Gisbergen; Mitchell, Waldouck, Lewsey, Voyce; Cipriani, Robinson; Payne, Webber, Barnard, Shaw, Skivington, Betsen, Rees, Hart.Replacements: Reddan for Robinson (44), Birkett for Barnard (64).Not Used: Ward, Holford, Leo, Walder, Hoadley.

London Irish: Geraghty; Thompstone, Seveali'i, Mapusua, Tagicakibau; Catt, Hodgson; Dermody, Buckland, Lea'aetoa, Hudson, Johnson, Danaher, S Armitage, Hala'ufia.Replacements: Richards for Hodgson (57), Coetzee for Buckland (54), Skuse for Lea'aetoa (48), Thorpe for Hala'ufia (57), Fisher for Skuse (64).Not Used: Gower, Homer.
Sin Bin: Danaher (11).
Att: 9,525
Referee: Romain Poite (France)

Citycell Super Cup: Russel, Ctg Abahani to correct mistakes

2009-03-09T00:19:00.001-07:00

Monday, March 9, 2009

Citycell Super Cup
Russel, Ctg Abahani to correct mistakes

Sheikh Russel coach Wajed Gazi (R) addresses a press briefing as captain Mahmudul Hasan looks on at the BFF Bhaban yesterday.

Foreign imports will have to shoulder Sheikh Russel's workload if Wajed Gazi's boys want to turn men in this week's mega tournament Super Cup.
The third-placed side in the B. League, despite raising hopes of a better finish, lost their way after the first half of the professional league mainly due to a management gaffe that saw the side change their entire foreign set.
The replacements, even before settling in, lost in a three-way battle as Russel lacked the bite to beat any of the remaining top four.
Still, the team management believes Russel have the strength to win this Tk two-crore competition, taking half the money home.
"With the foreign and local collection we have, we are strong contenders for the title. We have been training for more than two weeks now and we are ready to erase our recent failures," said manager Saleh Zaman Selim at a press briefing yesterday at the BFF House.
Veteran coach Gazi was upbeat about his latest foreign recruits, especially Serbian striker Vukodan Milunovic.
"Alfaz (Ahmed) had to work alone in the league but he will get a very good striking partner in Milunovic. I have seen the new Serbian in practice and very impressed (with him)," said Gazi.
"All the players have been serious from the start of our preparation, may be for the huge prize money, but it is a good sign. We have fallen short in previous times but now we are ready to prove that Russel are real giants of domestic football."
Dismissing 'rumours' that the club president interferes in team selection, Gazi informed that his side have better backups in all departments.
Russel, who will finally sign five of the half-dozen foreigners -- Morocco's Samir Omari, Ahmed Moujahid, Rachidi, Noori and Serbian duo Marco Maric and Milunovic, have also roped in Muktijoddha keeper Mushtaque and Arambagh defender Akram as guest players.
"The spirit at the camp is very high because the players are very sincere to bring result to the club. And I believe we have the ability to win this tournament," hoped captain Mahmudul Hasan.
"We missed the B League title losing valuable points in Chittagong at crucial moments and we will focus on not to repeat the same mistakes. The cup is a great inspiration for all players and I believe it will lay the foundation for the future."
Chittagong Abahani had no high hopes like their group contenders Russel but want to do better than an eighth place finishing in the B. League that earned them the last berth for the Super Cup.
"Our initial target was fourth or fifth place but our performance was not enough to take us that high. This time, we would fight for a place in the semifinals," promised the port city giants' manager Redwan Kabir.
He said that addition of a number of foreigners -- Muktijoddha's Nigerian goalie James Paul and forward Victor, Liberians Joseph Romeo Shermar and Joseph Fullo Samai apart from their old recruits Olombi and Doe, also from Liberia -- have strengthen the squad.
Arambagh's Ashraful Karim and Khulna Abahani's Shariful are the guest players for the Chittagong Sky Blues, who will be led by fullback Jahangir Alam Mintu.
"Our target is the semifinals and we want to make amends to our mistakes from the B League. We have rested just ten days after the B. League's conclusion and hope to give hard times to all the teams," said Mintu.

All Sports News: at a Glance

2009-03-09T00:19:00.000-07:00

09.03.2009

Citycell Super Cup
Russel, Ctg Abahani to correct mistakes
Sheikh Russel coach Wajed Gazi (R) addresses a press briefing as captain Mahmudul Hasan looks on at the BFF Bhaban yesterday.
Foreign imports will have to shoulder Sheikh Russel's workload if Wajed Gazi's boys want to turn men in this week's mega tournament Super Cup.Print Edition
Div I Cricket
Kalabagan win a thriller
Sports Reporter
Kalabagan defeated Dhanmondi by one wicket in a nail biting finish in the First Division Cricket League at the Dhanmondi Cricket Stadium yesterday.Print Edition
Local Snippets
Sports Reporter
Bangladesh Police recorded a straight 3-0 win over Wari Club in the National Bank Premier Division Volleyball League at the volleyball stadium yesterday.Print Edition
Forget draw, focus on L'pool
Sportinglife
Real Madrid defender Fabio Cannavaro has urged his teammates not to dwell on Saturday's disappointing draw against arch rivals Atletico and focus their efforts on Tuesday's crucial Champions League clash against Liverpool.Print Edition
Benzema doubt for Barca
Afp, Paris
Lyon's French international striker Karim Benzema is a doubt for Wednesday's Champions League clash at Barcelona after suffering a hip injury.Print Edition
Rio headache for Red Devils
Afp, London
Sir Alex Ferguson faces an anxious wait on the fitness of Rio Ferdinand ahead of Manchester United's Champions League clash with Inter Milan on Wednesday.Print Edition
Sachin should play 2011 WC: Ganguly
Pti, Patna
Master batsman Sachin Tendulkar, despite being dogged by injuries, should play in the 2011 World Cup, feels former India skipper Sourav Ganguly.Print Edition
Super Cup plans to attract fans
Sports Reporter
A caravan will tour the city today as part of the organiser's campaign plan to attract fans to the Super Cup, which begins in Dhaka on March 11.Print Edition
Army cruise in to final
Sports Reporter
Bangladesh Army blanked Bangladesh Navy 4-0 to reach the final of the Need for Speed Shaheed Smriti Hockey tournament at the Maulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium yesterday.Print Edition

Masterful Sachin
India win Christchurch crackerAfp, Christchurch
An unbeaten 163 by Sachin Tendulkar led India to a comprehensive 58-run win over New Zealand in the third one-day international here Sunday and ensured they cannot lose the series.Print Edition

Hughes hits second ton
Afp, Durban
Phil Hughes became the youngest player in Test history to hit two centuries in a match as Australia pressed home their advantage on the third day of the second Test against South Africa at Kingsmead here on Sunday.Print Edition
Prior, Collingwood shine
Afp, Port of Spain
Monty Panesar gave England a much-needed breakthrough in their bid for a series-levelling win over West Indies, after Paul Collingwood and Matt Prior hit hundreds to bat them into a formidable position in the fifth and final Test on Saturday.Print Edition
Real Held In Derby
Barca gain edge again
Afp, Madrid
Real Madrid's run of wins came to an end on Saturday when they were held to a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu by city rivals Atletico, allowing Barcelona to extend their lead at the top to six points.Print Edition
Inter click into gear
Afp, Turin
Inter Milan clicked ominously into gear ahead of their Champions League trip to Manchester United with an impressive 2-0 victory at Genoa on Saturday.Print Edition
'Dream' deal done
Afp, Los Angeles
David Beckham on Sunday confirmed a deal has been agreed between AC Milan and Los Angeles Galaxy that enables him to stay in Italy until the end of the season.Print Edition
Bayern Rout Hanover
Hertha go four clear
Afp, Berlin
Andrei Voronin's hattrick for Hertha Berlin in a 3-1 victory at Energie Cottbus shot them four points clear in the German League while Bayern Munich cruised up to joint second following a five-goal spree.Print Edition
TheFA Cup
Tevez propels Man Utd
Afp, London
Manchester United's imperious march towards five trophies in a season continued here Saturday as Carlos Tevez scored twice in a 4-0 win over Fulham that saw his side into the FA Cup semifinals.Print Edition
ICC Women's World Cup
Kiwis stun holders
Bbc Online, undated
World Cup favourites Australia suffered a miserable start to their 2009 campaign when they were beaten by New Zealand in Sydney.Print Edition
Momentum with a magical touch
CricInfo, undated
It generally comes with a stroll of a single to a safe area, say long-on or deep fine-leg. By the time Sachin Tendulkar reaches the non-striker's end, the crowd goes delirious. The helmet comes off, the head tilts up skywards, the back arches a little, the head comes down and looks at the crowd and team-mates in acknowledgment, the fists are pumped, bat in one hand and helmet in the other, and then the head tilts up again. And lo, Tendulkar has reached another hundred. His is a smooth, well-oiled, economical, calculated celebration. The same can easily be said of his centuries. Not the ones Tendulkar the wunderkind used to score, but the ones the master assessor does.Print Edition
Another draw for Arambagh
Sports Reporter
Arambagh pulled off another draw in the Prime Minister Cup football tournament when they held Pakistan national team 1-1 in their second match in Kathmandu yesterday.Print Edition

Football: Everton 2-1 Middlesbrough

2009-03-08T22:20:00.000-07:00

Page last updated at 17:58 GMT, Sunday, 8 March 2009
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Printable version
Everton 2-1 Middlesbrough
By Chris Bevan

Everton celebrate substitute Louis Saha's second-half winner
Everton needed a second-half fightback to beat Middlesbrough and reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup for the first time since they won the trophy in 1995.
Boro took the lead at the end of a drab first half when David Wheater nodded in Matthew Bates' cross from close range.
But Marouane Fellaini quickly levelled after the interval, beating Brad Jones to Tim Cahill's cross and heading home.
And six minutes later, substitute Louis Saha rose unmarked to nod home the winner from Steven Pienaar's cross.
Toffees boss David Moyes has not enjoyed much luck in the Cup since taking charge at Goodison Park days after they lost their last quarter-final, also against Boro, in 2002.
Everton lost to Shrewsbury, who finished bottom of League Two, in 2003 and before this season Moyes had only taken them past the fourth round once; when they lost to Manchester United in 2005.
But he has a Wembley appearance in the semi-finals against Sir Alex Ferguson's quintuple-chasers - whom Everton beat in the final 14 years ago - to look forward to after his side put on a typically tenacious display to eventually overcome an awkward Boro side.
An Everton victory did not look the most likely outcome in the early stages, which saw the visitors adjust quickest to the blustery conditions and use the fierce wind to hold up balls over the top of the home defence.
606: DEBATE
Well played to the boys on their second half performance but without Arteta we struggled to create anything during the first half
evertonewan
Boro had the first effort on goal after 10 minutes, with Jeremie Aliadiere firing wastefully over following a clever move down the right that saw Justin Hoyte play in Bates.
Joseph Yobo's header forced an early save from Jones as Everton came forward but the first-half quickly degenerated into a turgid midfield battle.
The closest Moyes' men came to breaking the deadlock was when Pienaar's corner flew across the face of Middlesbrough's goal and deflected inches wide off Bates.
And for long stretches, the most entertaining aspect of the tie was the wrestling match that Boro defender Robert Huth had with Fellaini whenever the ball was in their vicinity.
Fellaini only escaped Huth's clutches once; when he found space at the back post but saw his header from Phil Jagielka's cross pushed away by Jones.
Without the artistry of the injured Mikel Arteta, Everton lacked a creative spark and the home fans were voicing their frustration even before Boro took the lead a minute before the break.
Bates had time to tee up an inviting cross after picking up Yobo's clearance and Wheater rose highest to power in a header that Tim Howard could not stop from going over the line despite getting a hand to the ball.
Things looked bleak for Everton but Moyes reacted by bringing Saha off the bench at the interval and the change brought almost instant rewards.

Fellaini has now scored five goals for Everton this seasonOnly a timely block by Joleon Lescott stopped Aliadiere's shot after he met Tuncay's low cross at the near post.
But on 50 minutes, Everton were level when Cahill crossed from deep and, with Jones stranded, Fellaini beat Huth to loop a header into the net.
Suddenly the Boro defence appeared vulnerable, and Jones looked shaky again when he got a weak punch to a Leighton Baines free-kick, with Saha's follow-up blocked by Bates.
The home side were now looking full of confidence and, roared on by their reinvigorated support, they were soon ahead, thanks to another dangerous cross.
This time it was Pienaar who swung the ball in from the left and Saha was completely on his own as he rose to nod past Jones.
Baines almost sealed Everton's win when his whipped free-kick hit the top of the crossbar with Jones again stationary.
But Boro, the lowest scorers in the top four English divisions and missing their top scorer Afonso Alves through illness, offered little in response.
It was Everton who looked more likely to score again before the end and Saha had another effort deflected wide before firing hopelessly over when in space in the area.
Boro did belatedly threaten when Lescott had to block Tuncay's shot and Gary O'Neil's swerving free-kick almost deceived Howard but the Toffees still held out easily enough.
Everton boss David Moyes:"After a talking to at half-time, the players showed what they were really about in the second half.
"Assistant boss Steve Round did a great job on them during the break. We just needed them livened up."
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate:"We've got to learn how to see matches off, especially when you get the lift of being a goal ahead.
"We knew we'd face a bombardment in the second half.
"We felt we had the players to deal with it - in actual fact for that five-minute spell we didn't.
"The Cup is always a bonus for you as a club. We had nothing to lose coming here today and had a great chance to go through. We haven't taken it."
Everton: Howard, Neville, Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott, Pienaar (Gosling 89), Rodwell (Saha 46), Osman, Baines, Fellaini, Cahill. Subs Not Used: Nash, Van der Meyde, Castillo, Jacobsen, Wallace.
Goals: Fellaini 50, Saha 56.
Middlesbrough: Jones, Hoyte, Huth, Wheater, Pogatetz, O'Neil, Arca, Bates (Adam Johnson 72), Downing, Sanli, Aliadiere (Emnes 68). Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Taylor, McMahon, Franks, Walker.
Goals: Wheater 44.
Att: 37,856
Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).

Cricket 2nd Test: Hughes hits second ton:

2009-03-08T22:16:00.000-07:00

Monday, March 9, 2009

Hughes hits second ton:

Australia batsman Phillip Hughes avoids a bouncer on the third day of the second Test against South Africa at Kingsmead in Durban yesterday. He was unbeaten on 136.Photo: AFPAfp, Durban
Phil Hughes became the youngest player in Test history to hit two centuries in a match as Australia pressed home their advantage on the third day of the second Test against South Africa at Kingsmead here on Sunday.
Australia were 292 for three in their second innings at the close, an overall lead of 506. Hughes was unbeaten on 136.
Hughes, at 20 years and 98 days, was 169 days younger than George Headley was when he made 114 and 112 for the West Indies against England at Georgetown in 1929/30.
The left-handed opening batsman was more circumspect than in the first innings when he reached his century with two successive sixes of left-arm spinner Paul Harris.
After hurrying to his half-century in 78 balls, he needed another 169 deliveries to advance to his hundred. He was particularly watchful against Harris, who bowled a defensive line into rough outside his off stump.
He spent 24 balls in the nineties before cutting a short ball from Morne Morkel to the third man boundary.
It was another day of dominance for Australia, who needed only three balls to take South Africa's last two first innings wickets before piling on the runs.
Hughes and Simon Katich (30) put on 55 for first wicket before Australian captain Ricky Ponting joined Hughes in a 164-run stand for the second wicket.
Ponting looked in superb form as he made 81 off 106 balls and it was a surprise when he pulled a short ball from Morkel straight to Neil McKenzie at deep midwicket.
It took Australia just three balls to take the last two South African wickets as the hosts were dismissed for 138 without adding a run to their overnight total.
Peter Siddle had Dale Steyn caught behind off the second ball of the morning and trapped Makhaya Ntini leg before wicket with his next delivery. It left JP Duminy stranded on 73 not out.
South African captain Graeme Smith, who suffered a broken bone in his right hand Saturday and had to retire hurt, did not resume his innings.
Wicketkeeper Mark Boucher led the South Africans onto the field for the second innings

Tennis: Korean Yang clinches first title

2009-03-08T22:11:00.000-07:00

Page last updated at 22:47 GMT, Sunday, 8 March 2009

Korean Yang clinches first title

FINAL LEADERBOARD:-9 YE Yang (Kor) -8 J Rollins (US) -6 B Crane (US) -5 J Klauk (US) -4 S Piercy (US), R Allenby (Aus), W MacKenzie (US), F Jacobson (Swe) Selected others:-2 G Owen (Eng), R McIlroy (NIre), S Garcia (Spa) +3 D Clarke (NIre)Yang's victory secures him a place at the Masters at AugustaSouth Korea's Y.E. Yang won the Honda Classic at Florida's PGA National by one stroke from American John Rollins.

Yang held his nerve to two-putt from 50 feet at the last for a final-round 68 that left him on nine under and gave him his first PGA Tour victory. England's Greg Owen sank six birdies as he closed with a 66 to finish alongside Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy and Spain's Sergio Garcia on two under par. Darren Clarke slipped back with a 74 to end on three over for the tournament. McIlroy - bidding to become the youngest winner in PGA Tour history - worked his way up the leaderboard before consecutive bogeys to end his round left him tied for 13th.

Wayne Fountain "I'm pretty disappointed the way I finished," he said. "I got myself into a great position this afternoon and just let it slip." Yang started the final round with a one-shot lead and was comfortably clear before bogeys on 15 and 17 left him looking nervously at the leaderboard with Rollins in the clubhouse and one shot adrift. But he managed to steady himself and par the par-five 18th to join KJ Choi as the only Koreans to win on the US men's tour. "From 50 feet, it's not easy to do that to win your first golf tournament," said Rollins. "My hat's off to him." As well as a trip to the Masters, Yang also booked his place at next week's World Golf Championships at Doral.

Cricket Fifth Test: West Indies duo Frustrate England

2009-03-08T22:09:00.000-07:00

Page last updated at 21:23 GMT, Sunday, 8 March 2009

West Indies v England 5th Test
Trinidad, 6-10 March 2009

Fifth Test, Trinidad (day three, close):England 546-6 v West Indies 349-4

The left-handers saved their side from the threat of the follow-on

A gritty unbroken stand of 146 between Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Brendan Nash took West Indies to 349-4, 197 behind after three days of the final Test.
Resuming 454 adrift at 92-1, they lost run machine Ramnaresh Sarwan (14) who was debutant Amjad Khan's maiden scalp.
Chris Gayle reached his 10th Test ton with a quick single but in doing so injured his hamstring and retired hurt.
The left-handers batted for 52 overs to avoid the follow-on and further dent England hopes of saving the series.
When the fourth West Indies wicket went down, which was perhaps effectively the fifth given Gayle's serious-looking injury, 144 runs were needed to save the follow-on.
Nash had his moments of fortune, and was dropped on 19, but recorded his fourth Test fifty and his partnership with Chanderpaul, who now has 53 half centuries, blunted England's day which began well with two wickets in the opening hour.
Daren Powell, the nightwatchman who defied them for more than two hours in the third Test at the Antigua Recreation Ground, lasted only 14 balls for his duck.
He could only fend a simple catch to gully after a hostile lifting ball from the impressive Stuart Broad, who intelligently varied his pace and grip throughout.
Sarwan, who began the innings with a series average of 149, having made two centuries and a 291, was dropped off Monty Panesar on 12.
Panesar's day began with the unusual occurrence of being asked to field in the key cover area, which was followed by the even more unusual occurrence of a stunning diving save there to prevent a boundary.
His bowling was also much improved, with an excellent line and flight and he should have been rewarded with the prize scalp of Sarwan, who had been worked over expertly, but when the edge came, the usually reliable hands of Paul Collingwood at slip failed to grasp the chance.
Anyone who saw Khan's erratic four overs for 27 late on Saturday would have struggled to believe it would be him to oust Sarwan in the next over but it was, and no-one was more delighted than Collingwood.
Khan's fourth delivery was full and fast, Sarwan's high backlift could not get down on the ball in time and he was trapped lbw in front of middle stump.

Gayle's innings came to a halt in unusual circumstances
The Kent seamer's unorthodox action appeared occasionally difficult for the batsmen to fathom, particularly when the ball was never put in the same place twice, with Gayle particularly surprised by a bouncer and a slower ball.
That apart Gayle, having resumed on 49, coasted in leisurely fashion to 99, but his exit was a bizarre blur.
Owais Shah misfielded in the covers and, sensing the chance of the all-important single, Gayle set off.
The throw might well have seen him short of his ground but missed the target, but once Gayle reached the opposite crease to confirm his century, his exertions left him in a crumpled heap with a damaged hamstring.
After a lengthy period of treatment he was helped off with exactly 100 to his name.
Debutant Lendl Simmons took 24 balls to get off the mark but looked in good fettle until trapped in front by Panesar.
It was Khan who was entrusted with the new ball but his radar malfunctioned spectacularly once again, and he erred on both sides of the wicket.
A wild short-pitched delivery gave Nash the opportunity to cut and he took full advantage, recording his fourth Test fifty and the West Indies 300 with a boundary over the slips.

With Khan wayward and Panesar sending the occasional arm ball at great pace often wide of the target, wicketkeeper Matt Prior could have recorded his own exercise video given the amount of diving around required.

The rather more reliable pace bowling of Broad was swiftly introduced and he induced an edge from Nash, but it fell inches short of Andrew Strauss at slip and the record of no catches being held in the slips in the match continued.

Captain Strauss put himself under the helmet at silly point but must have wished for a more expert fielder in the position when he spilled a sharp reflex chance low to him by Nash on 19.
In the penultimate over before tea Panesar's quicker ball looked to have pinned the Australian-born all-rounder in front of the stumps but umpire Russell Tiffin said not out, and that proved to be the last main hope of an England wicket.

Rather ironically, the follow-on was avoided with four byes, taking the innings total to 30 on a difficult day for Prior.

Once again England will be left with the difficult decision of when to declare when they bat again - but first they have to dislodge the left-handed limpets.

Cricket ODI: Masterful Sachin- India win Christchurch cracker

2009-03-08T22:05:00.000-07:00

Monday, March 9, 2009

Masterful Sachin
India win Christchurch cracker

India legend Sachin Tendulkar raises his bat after reaching his century during a sparkling knock of 163 against New Zealand in the third ODI at Christchurch on Sunday. Photo: AFPAfp, Christchurch
An unbeaten 163 by Sachin Tendulkar led India to a comprehensive 58-run win over New Zealand in the third one-day international here Sunday and ensured they cannot lose the series.
Tendulkar, utilising his full array of textbook and improvised shots, was the standout figure as India scored 392 for four after being sent into bat first.
It was the highest international ODI score against New Zealand, but the Black Caps were on target to overhaul it when they reached 166 without loss before the middle order self-destructed and they were all out for 334.
The win, completed in 45.1 overs, gave India an insurmountable 2-0 lead in the series with only two matches remaining.
New Zealand had reason to think luck was on their side when they won the toss and had an early success with the dismissal of Virender Sehwag, India's dangerman in their previous matches, for only three.
Gautam Gambhir followed for 15 and India were two for 65 in the 13th over when India stepped up to a level New Zealand had no answer for.
Yuvraj Singh joined the imperious Tendulkar and they piled on 138 in 16.4 overs for the third wicket.
During the batting power play they added 69 runs with overs of 13, 13, 12, 17 and 14, propelling India from 105 after 20 overs to 206 after 30.
Yuvraj kept his running to a minimum, with 10 boundaries and six sixes in his 87 which came off only 60 balls.
On a ground with short boundaries, the Indian innings produced 18 sixes in all, equalling the world record for an international innings, and New Zealand added 13 to set a record 31 sixes in a match.
Tendulkar contributed five of them and also clouted 16 fours with his 163 coming from 133 balls, before he retired hurt with a pulled stomach muscle in the 45th over, leaving the field to a standing ovation.
"It's a pleasure to watch Sachin," said Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni who also kept the kept the scorers busy as he cracked 68 from 58 deliveries to continue the destruction of the New Zealand bowlers.
"The kind of shots he can play, he's an amazing batsman. He hits the ball everywhere, all over the park."
New Zealand's stand-in captain Brendon McCullum echoed his admiration.
"The way Sachin played was outstanding," he said.
"It was obviously pretty tough trying to control such great players and in the end we didn't bowl well enough."
The 20-year-old New Zealand quick Tim Southee went for a humbling none for 105 off 10 overs.
The most successful of the New Zealand bowlers was Kyle Mills with two for 58, while Jacob Oram took none for 34 off eight.
Faced with a mammoth total and an asking rate of 7.86 per over, New Zealand had no choice but to attack from the start and Brendon McCullum and Jesse Ryder raced to 166 by the 22nd over before the innings fell apart.
Ryder pushed the ball to Suresh Raina, who had not been comfortable out in the field, but this time he fired a return straight back to wicketkeeper Dhoni and McCullum was run out for 71.
Ross Taylor made seven before stepping out of his crease seeking a possible leg bye, whereupon he was run out by a perfect shy at the stumps from Yuvraj.
The Indian fielding, which had seen Ryder dropped on 43 and McCullum let off on 38, was suddenly on song.
When Martin Guptill fell leg before wicket to Yuvraj, New Zealand were 182 for three with the wickets falling in 21 balls.
Ryder posted his first ODI century before playing a half-hearted shot and was caught by Zaheer Khan off Harbhajan Singh for 105, including 12 boundaries and four sixes.
But there was no other New Zealand innings of note until bowlers Mills and Southee came together at 251 for eight and restored a little pride after the pasting they took with the ball.
Mills cracked 54 and Southee 32 before they fell in successive balls to end the game.

All Sports News: at a Glance

2009-03-07T20:31:00.000-08:00

Abahani overcome Torun

Shafiul fires Partex

Abahani's young opener Rony Talukder works the ball on the on-side during his solid knock of 52 against Surjo Torun in a Premier League match at the Fatullah Cricket Stadium yesterday. SHAFIUL...104(inset).

Abahani overcame a hurdle in their attempt to retain the Premier Division Cricket League title when they handed a six-wicket defeat to Surjo Torun at the Fatullah Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Print Edition

The FA Cup

Blues march into semi

Afp, Coventry

Guus Hiddink's campaign to add silverware to Chelsea's so far unconvincing season gathered momentum with a 2-0 victory over Championship side Coventry City in their FA Cup sixth round tie at the Ricoh Arena here Saturday.

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The FA Cup

Walcott set for return

Afp, London

Arsene Wenger hopes Theo Walcott's return to action in Sunday's FA Cup fifth round clash against Burnley will give Arsenal the momentum to keep their season alive.

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Guus fires booze caution

Afp, Cobham

Guus Hiddink has warned Chelsea's stars to ensure they don't become victims of England's booze culture.

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Jose rules out exit

Afp, Milan

Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho on Friday dismissed speculation that he is set to walk out of the club.

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Laporta eyes up Cesc

Sportinglife

Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas would be a 'big player' for the club.

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Schalke edge out Cologne

Sportinglife

Schalke bounced back from their shock cup exit to second division Mainz with a 1-0 victory over Cologne on Friday night.

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Fluminense appoint Parreira

Afp, Rio de Janeiro

Former Brazil and South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has been appointed the new manager of Brazilian first division side Fluminense.

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Pep calls for more Messi protection

Afp, Barcelona

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola on Friday once again called for referees to do more to protect Argentine playmaker Lionel Messi from hefty tackles and fouls.

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Chelsea lose Ferreira

Soccernet

Chelsea full-back Paulo Ferreira has damaged his anterior cruciate ligament and will be sidelined for the rest of the season.

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Citycell Super Cup

MSC want title

Sports Reporter

Mohammedan coach Maruful Haq has vowed to put up a fine performance and wow the club faithful as the popular Old Town outfit look set to approach the money-spinning Super Cup with lofty targets.

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Johnson rattles SA

Injured Smith may miss the series

Afp, Durban

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson took two wickets in his first over and forced South African captain Graeme Smith and key batsman Jacques Kallis to retire hurt on a dramatic second day of the second Test at Kingsmead here on Saturday.

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Div I Cricket

Doleshwar outclass Orient

Sports Reporter

Prime Doleshwar defeated Orient SC by three wickets in the day's lone match of the First Division Cricket League at the Dhaka University Ground yesterday.

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Local Snippets

Sports Reporter

Water Development Board defeated Wari Club 3-1 (25-19, 21-25, 25-21 and 28-26) and Titas Club blanked Fire Service 3-0 (25-14, 25-18, 25-19) in the premier league matches of the National Bank Premier and First Division Volleyball League at the Dhaka Volleyball Stadium yesterday.

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Strauss puts Eng in charge

Afp, Port Of Spain

Andrew Strauss batted the entire day to reach his third hundred of the series, and lead another solid England batting performance in the fifth and final Test against West Indies on Friday.

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Kiwis up against Sehwag

Third ODI today

Afp, Christchurch

New Zealand go into the must-win third one-day cricket international against India here Sunday struggling to find an answer to the Virender Sehwag problem.

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BCF shocked at Shuvro's demise

Sports Reporter

Bangladesh Chess Federation (BCF) expressed deep shock over the untimely death of talented player Shuvro Ghosh and prayed for the salvation of his departed soul.

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Imran sniffs 'foreign element' in Lahore attack

Afp, Islamabad

Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan believes a "foreign element" could be involved in this week's attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team, according to an interview published Saturday.

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Women's World Cup

India, England sail

CricInfo, undated

India opened the World Cup with a convincing 10-wicket victory against an over-powered Pakistan that was completed in 39 overs. After winning the toss in Bowral, India quickly dismissed Pakistan for 57 and then Anagha Deshpande and Anjum Chopra knocked off the runs without any discomfort.

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Consultant OK, coach not

CricInfo, undated

John Buchanan has turned down an approach to take on the position of England head coach, but has held preliminary talks with senior ECB officials regarding the possibility of joining them in a consultancy capacity ahead of this year's Ashes series.

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Experts fear no sport for years

Afp, Karachi

A brazen commando attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team has wrecked Pakistan's chances of hosting another international sporting event for years, former players and officials fear.

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Rangs nat'l v'ball from March 17

Sports Reporter

The Rangs National Volleyball League will begin on March 17 across the country.

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Football: Man Utd Moves to Semi Final

2009-03-07T20:29:00.000-08:00

Page last updated at 19:13 GMT, Saturday, 7 March 2009

Fulham 0-4 Man Utd

By Phil McNulty

Manchester United players celebrate their third goal

Manchester United remain on course for an historic quintuple after easing past Fulham into the FA Cup semi-finals.

Carlos Tevez headed the opener after 20 minutes and added his second before half-time with a 25-yard power drive.

Fulham's Andrew Johnson saw an effort bundled off the line by Nemanja Vidic, but they ended outclassed as United sealed another Wembley appearance.

Wayne Rooney got the third with a low finish after 50 minutes and Ji-Sung Park's precise shot completed the win.

United had some anxious moments early on when Fulham threatened a shock, but Sir Alex Ferguson's side rode their luck to eventually show the quality that has brought an unprecedented haul of five trophies into their sights.

Rio Ferdinand went off at half-time with an ankle injury as a precaution, and a hamstring injury to John O'Shea provided the only other cloud on their horizon.

And with victory sealed long before the end, Ferguson could even afford the luxury of taking off Wayne Rooney to preserve his energy for bigger battles ahead.

Ferguson rested Cristiano Ronaldo and Dimitar Berbatov before crucial clashes with Inter Milan in the Champions League and the pivotal Premier League meeting with Liverpool.

But any hopes Fulham had that this would have weakened United's potency were swiftly swept away by the partnership of Tevez and Rooney.

Fulham's cause was not helped by their own failure to take a succession of presentable opportunities they created in the first half.

If you make chances against this United side you must take them - and the penalties for failure are heavy.

Tevez posted the warning signals for Fulham after two minutes when keeper Mark Schwarzer dived low to his right to save superbly from the Argentine.

Vidic came to United's rescue early on when Johnson toe-poked Simon Davies' long ball beyond the stranded Edwin van der Sar, racing back desperately to clear the ball off the line.

Van der Sar then saved well from Clint Dempsey, but United were soon on the march into the last four with the opener after 20 minutes.

Anderson's corner was flicked on by Rooney, and when Paul Konchesky misjudged the flight of the ball at the far post Tevez rose to head home.

Davies then wasted another opening when he fired over the top after Bobby Zamora chested John Pantsil's cross into his path.

Rooney was guilty of a glaring miss when he slid Park's cross against the post, but United did not have to wait long to double their advantage.

If Tevez's first goal owed something to poor Fulham defending, his second after 35 minutes was all his own work of brilliance.

He picked the ball up just in Fulham territory and left Dickson Etuhu on the floor before striking a rising 25-yard drive with his right foot that gave Schwarzer no chance.

It effectively ended Fulham's hopes, but Ferdinand was still forced into a saving tackle to stop Johnson with only Van der Sar to beat.

Ferdinand was subsequently troubled by an ankle knock and he was replaced by Jonny Evans at half-time.

Rooney made amends for his earlier miss after 50 minutes when he gathered possession after more slack work from the Fulham defence, curling a precise finish beyond Schwarzer into the bottom corner from outside the area.

Ferguson removed Rooney from the action just after the hour - and just after a robust exchange with Clint Dempsey - to protect him ahead of this vital forthcoming week in United's season.

It had turned into a procession after the early show of defiance from Fulham.

And Park crowned his own industrious display nine minutes from time with another low finish past the besieged Schwarzer as United demonstrated the huge gulf in class that had emerged between the sides.

United have reached a record 26 FA Cup semi-finals and the question remains - who can halt their march towards history?

Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Konchesky, Davies, Etuhu, Murphy (Dacourt 57), Dempsey, Zamora (Gera 67), Johnson (Kamara 60).
Subs Not Used: Zuberbuhler, Nevland, Stoor, Kallio.

Booked: Pantsil, Dacourt.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea (Eckersley 52), Ferdinand (Evans 46), Vidic, Evra, Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson, Park, Rooney (Welbeck 64), Tevez.
Subs Not Used: Foster, Berbatov, Giggs, Scholes.

Goals: Tevez 20, 35, Rooney 50, Park 81.

Att: 24,662

Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).

Cricket Second Test: Australia Dominate as SA Crumble

2009-03-07T20:25:00.000-08:00

Page last updated at 16:28 GMT, Saturday, 7 March 2009

Australia dominate as SA crumble

Second Test, Durban (day two, close):
Australia 352 v South Africa 138-7
Dates: 6-10 March Start time: 0830 GMT
Coverage: Scorecard and reports on BBC Sport website. Live on Sky Sports

A bleeding Kallis leaves the field after being hurt by Johnson

South Africa trail Australia by 214 runs after a devastating spell of bowling reduced the hosts to 138-7 at the end of day two of the second Test.

Andrew McDonald took 3-25, while Mitchell Johnson ended the day on 3-37 and forced Graeme Smith to retire hurt.

JP Duminy remains unbeaten on 73 alongside Dale Steyn (8) with South Africa needing 15 more runs to avoid the follow-on in Durban.

Australia were dismissed for 352 having added just 49 to their overnight score.

Fast bowlers Steyn and Makhaya Ntini claimed two wickets each with Morne Morkel and Jacques Kallis taking one apiece to get South Africa back into the match after Australia had resumed on 303-4.

But the good work of the South African bowlers counted for little as the wickets quickly tumbled, with the hosts floundering after Johnson claimed two wickets in his first over.

The first to go was Neil McKenzie, caught behind, then Johnson swung the ball in to trap Hashim Amla lbw.

South Africa's innings was then thrown into disarray when Smith was forced to retire hurt after fracturing the little finger on his right hand.

The opener is not expected to bat again in the innings and could be out of action for two to three weeks, which would rule him out of the third and final Test.

AB de Villiers made only three before he was out leg before to Ben Hilfenhaus and Boucher soon followed after Johnson removed the wicketkeeper's off stump with a superb yorker.

Paul Harris (4) was the next out and his dismissal paved the way for the return of Kallis, who was earlier forced off hurt after a menacing Johnson delivery.

The all-rounder only lasted two balls at the crease after he chipped straight at Ricky Ponting at short midwicket from the bowling of McDonald.

Harris and Kallis (22) were McDonald's first two wickets, in three balls, and he also bowled Morne Morkel (2), to finish the day with 3-25.

Spinner Harris admitted South Africa would need to "bat for our lives" if they are to have any chance of winning the Test match.

He said: "We're going to have to play the best we have in either the home or away series to save the game but we enjoy a scrap and hopefully we can scrap our way through this Test."

Cricket Fifth Test: Centurions give England Advantage

2009-03-07T20:18:00.000-08:00

Page last updated at 21:23 GMT, Saturday, 7 March 2009

West Indies v England 5th Test

Trinidad, 6-10 March 2009

Fifth Test, Trinidad (day two, close):
England 546-6 v West Indies 92-1

By David Ornstein

Collingwood and Prior punished West Indies for their defensive approach

Paul Collingwood and Matt Prior notched centuries as England posted an imposing first innings total on day two of the fifth Test against West Indies.

Collingwood (161) and Prior (131no) put on 218, a record fifth-wicket stand for England against West Indies.

The tourists, who resumed on 258-2 and lost Andrew Strauss (142) and Owais Shah (33), posted 546-6 declared.

Monty Panesar then bowled Devon Smith for 28 to reduce West Indies to 92-1 at the close, a 454-run deficit.

Captain Chris Gayle (49no) will hope his side can occupy the crease for some time as they bid to earn at least a draw, which would see them take the five-match series 1-0.

England, on the other hand, must go in search of early wickets on day three to maintain their hopes of winning and so drawing in the series.

They will have to overcome a frustratingly slow pitch that is so far showing few signs of breaking up and a West Indies side who employed defensive, time-consuming tactics in the field for a second successive day.

In addition, England used up the two TV referrals available to them as third umpire Aleem Dar correctly rejected lbw shouts against both Gayle and Smith.

West Indies actually started the day positively, taking the new ball before the start of play and emerging from the pavilion with a spring in their step.

Skipper Gayle set an aggressive field and, with Fidel Edwards immediately finding a dangerous line and length, overnight pair Strauss and Collingwood were denied the chance to settle into any sort of rhythm.

Edwards had toiled with barely a hint of a breakthrough on day one but now looked an altogether different proposition and, with the fifth ball of his second over, bowled Strauss around his legs.

That paved the way for Shah to return after retiring with finger cramps the previous afternoon, and he began in determined fashion with a beautiful straight drive off Lionel Baker for four.

But the very next ball he attempted a risky single to midwicket that enabled substitute fielder Dwayne Bravo to pick up and connect with a direct hit that left the right-hander well short of his ground.

It was vital for the tourists that Collingwood and Prior restored some calm to proceedings and, having initially struggled for fluency, they soon obliged.

Prior dispatched Edwards for three classy fours in one fruitful over and continued to trade mostly in boundaries en route to his half-century, while Collingwood passed three figures for the second time in the series and the fourth in his last 12 innings.

Gayle had let England seize the initiative and he did little to redress the balance.

The profligate Daren Powell and slow left-armers Brendan Nash and Ryan Hinds were entrusted with the last 14 overs before lunch, which England would have been delighted to reach on 372-4.

To their credit, the all-spin combination of Gayle and Hinds entered into a disciplined spell after the re-start and the run rate began to slow.

Prior was fortunate to survive when, on 75, he edged Hinds to slip where Shivnarine Chanderpaul, struggling with a groin strain, put down a straightforward catch.

He responded by batting with greater watchfulness and it paid off as he worked Hinds through the off side to bring up a second Test hundred.

Collingwood and Prior looked set to ease England through to tea but Baker continued to plug away admirably and came up with the wicket of Collingwood.

Khan experienced a nervous start to his Test career

The Durham all-rounder was trapped on the back leg and although umpire Russell Tiffin rejected West Indies' appeal, the decision was put to a TV referral and overturned by third umpire Aleem Dar.

Dar was again called upon at the start of the evening session when Tiffin gave Prior out lbw off Baker, only for the call to be correctly reversed because the ball struck the batsman outside off stump.

Prior and Broad went in search of quick runs and led their side past the 500 mark before Broad hoisted Baker to Simmons at long-off and, 2.5 overs later, England declared.

West Indies began their response positively but faced an anxious wait as James Anderson called for a referral after striking Smith with a ball that pitched outside leg stump. Dar correctly upheld Daryl Harper's decision.

A nervous Amjad Khan sent down three no balls in his first over of Test cricket, and five overall, in returning figures of 4-0-27-0, but also induced an outside edge off Gayle that fell just short of Strauss at first slip.

Graeme Swann was unsuccessful with a second referral after trapping Gayle with a ball that was heading down leg, but the day ended on a bright note for England when Panesar beat Smith's outside edge and knocked back his off stump.

Cricket Bangladesh: Abahani overcome Torun

2009-03-07T20:17:00.000-08:00

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Abahani overcome Torun
Shafiul fires Partex

Abahani overcame a hurdle in their attempt to retain the Premier Division Cricket League title when they handed a six-wicket defeat to Surjo Torun at the Fatullah Cricket Stadium yesterday.

After Mashrafe Bin Mortaza's three wickets haul, Indian Venugopal took the charge with a run-a-ball 66 as Abahani secured a comfortable victory against Surjo Torun who upset Biman in the previous round.

With the seventh win, the Dhanmondi outfit secured the top spot by rattling up 14 points but Biman follows them with 12 points having played one match less. Biman have a good chance to share the lead as they meet BKSP in the eighth round match tomorrow but Surjo Torun slip to the second position with 12 points from eight matches.

Away at BKSP, Shafiul Alam slammed a hundred as Partex registered a six-wicket win against Cricket Coaching School (CCS). Partex improved their tally to six points with the third victory while CCS remained on six points from same number of outings.

ABAHANI-SURJO TORUN
Nazmul Hossain gave the early breakthrough by removing Indian Sandeep Sharma for four runs after Surjo Torun decided to bat first but an 83-run second wicket partnership between Zunaed Siddiqui and Hannan Sarker consolidated their position.

Nasir Hossain broke the partnership when he clean bowled Hannan for 45 runs but it was Mashrafe who claimed two quick wickets by sending back national-partners Zunaed and Rajin Saleh to the pavilion as Surjo Torun were reduced to 138 for five.

Surjo Torun finally managed 201 before being bundled out in 49.4 overs.

In reply, Tamim Iqbal and Rony Talukdar made a solid start before the former fell victim of run out for nine runs to put an end to the opening stand for 31 runs. Imran Ahmed then joined Rony to add 64-run in the second wicket to steady the ship. Imran scored 33 off 66 balls with three fours.

It was however Venugopal who made the chase easy for the holders as the former Indian batsman hit three fours and four sixes while Sahagir Hossain contributed an unbeaten 32 off 53 balls.

PARTEX-CCS
Uttam Sarker missed a deserved hundred as the opener was dismissed in the nervous nineties but his effort helped CCS to put up a decent total of 212 for nine after being sent into bat first.

But Shafiul Alam made no mistake to reach the three-digit mark and his 130-run opening stand with former national opener Mehrab Hossain guided Partex to secure a comfortable victory as they reached 215-4 in 47.3 overs.

The 24-year old right-hander from Khulna clobbered ten boundaries and two sixes during his 130-ball 104 knock while veteran Mehrab added 54 off 84 balls with the help of six fours and a six.

Pakistani Rashed Hanif was the other notable scorer with run-a-ball 35 that featured five boundaries.

Earlier Uttam was trapped leg-before by Hanif for 90 runs which came from 119 balls with six fours and two sixes. Shuvagoto Hom added 47 off 52 balls.

Iqbal Hossain claimed four wickets for 37 runs.

BRIEF SCORES
SURJO TORUN: 201 all out in 49.4 overs (Zunaed 55, Hannan 45, Rajin 22, Mashud 21, extras 13; Mashrafe 3-54, Zia 2-14).
ABAHANI: 203-4 in 46 overs (Rony 52, Imran 33, Venugopal 66, Sahagir 32 not out, extras 10; Shafiul 1-43, Saqlain 1-40, Sabbir 1-27).
Result: Abahani won by six wickets.

CCS: 212-9 in 50 overs (Uttam 90, Elias 21, Shuvagoto 47, extras 9; Iqbal 4-37, Hanif 2-27).
PARTEX: 215-4 in 47.3 overs (Shafiul 104, Mehrab 54, Hanif 35, extras 4; Shakil 2-47).
Result: Partex win by six wickets.

Tennis: Nadal storms to Davis Cup Victory

2009-03-07T20:15:00.000-08:00

Page last updated at 17:38 GMT, Saturday, 7 March 2009

Nadal storms to Davis Cup victory

Nadal was on top form in his first clay-court match of 2009

Rafael Nadal put his injury worries and the stormy weather behind him to thrash Janko Tipsarevic as Spain took a 2-1 lead over Serbia in the Davis Cup.

The first day of the World Group first-round tie had been postponed after gale-force winds in Benidorm, but the champions wasted no time on Saturday.

Nadal hammered Tipsarevic 6-1 6-0 6-2, after David Ferrer had a superb 6-3 6-3 7-6 (7-4) win over Novak Djokovic.

Serbia kept the clay-court tie alive with victory in the doubles rubber.

It was an impressive 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 7-6 (9-7) win for Viktor Troicki and Nenad Zimjic over Feliciano Lopez and Tommy Robredo.

Nadal was playing for the first time since losing to Andy Murray in the Rotterdam final on 15 February because of a knee injury.

"It was a very solid performance," he said. "We are right in the middle of the hard-court season and it's not easy playing the first match in a while on clay."

Tipsarevic said: "I don't want to sound arrogant or look for excuses but it seemed more like a beach than a clay tennis court."

Djokovic also found conditions difficult having not played on clay since the French Open last June.

"So I basically just felt like I was in foreign territory today and made a lot of unforced errors," he said. "David played very solidly and he deserved to win."

WORLD GROUP 1st round latest

Argentina 3-0 Netherlands

Czech Rep 2-1 France

USA 2-1 Switzerland

Croatia 3-0 Chile

Sweden 2-1 Israel

Romania 1-2 Russia

Germany 2-1 Austria

Spain 2-1 Serbia

The Czech Republic moved into a 2-1 lead over the highly-fancied France as Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek beat Richard Gasquet and Michael Llodra 6-3 1-6 6-4 6-2.

"We have to talk with the players," said France captain Guy Forget. "We are down by one but there are still two games to go. There is still hope and we have to do what we can."

Argentina eased to an unassailable 3-0 lead over the Netherlands in Buenos Aires, with Lucas Arnold Ker and Martin Vassallo Arguello defeating Jesse Huta Galung and Rogier Wassen 6-4 7-5 6-3.

Mario Ancic and Marin Cilic beat Paul Capdeville and Nicolas Massu 6-3 6-3 3-6 6-4 to give Croatia a decisive 3-0 lead over Chile in Porec.

Romania kept their hopes alive with a superb comeback, Marius Copil and Horia Tecau beating Marat Safin and Dmitry Tursunov 4-6 6-7 (2-7) 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 to trail Russia 2-1 in Sibiu.

"This is a great win," said Tecau. "Just unbelievable. I hope our guys will be all fired up for tomorrow and will win both their matches."

Germany moved 2-1 ahead of Austria in Garmisch-Partenkirchen after Nicolas Kiefer and Philipp Kohlschreiber saw off Julian Knowle and Alexander Peya 6-3 7-6 (8-6) 3-6 6-4.

Swedish riot police face a demonstration outside the Baltic Hall

Sweden's tie against Israel was marred as around 100 demonstrators clashed with police in Malmo.

Malmo city council had ordered the tie be played behind closed doors for security reasons as up to 10,000 people protested against Israel's recent offensive in Gaza.

Inside the Baltic Hall, Sweden took a 2-1 lead with victory in the doubles.

In Birmingham, Alabama, the Bryan brothers put the USA 2-1 in front against Switzerland with a 6-3 6-4 3-6 7-6 (7-2) win over Yves Allegro and Stanislas Wawrinka.

Sri Lankans recover after attacks

2009-03-05T03:15:00.000-08:00

Page last updated at 09:39 GMT, Thursday, 5 March 2009

Paranavitana had surgery to remove a bullet lodged in his chest

Sri Lankan cricketers Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Paranavitana have undergone surgery after being hurt in the attacks in Pakistan.

Samaraweera had shrapnel removed from his right leg, while Paranavitana had a bullet lodged in his chest.

Seven players were injured in the ambush in Lahore and six police officers and two civilians were killed.

Spinner Ajantha Mendis will remain in hospital after he had two operations to remove shrapnel from his back and head.

He is not expected to play for between four-to-six weeks.

"I am feeling better, and happy to be with my wife," Samaraweera said.

The 32-year-old was among the most seriously wounded of the seven Sri Lanka players and has set his sights on a return to cricket in July.

"Realistically, I will rest and recuperate for a few weeks and the surgeon says I should be able to resume training towards the end of April or early May," said Samaraweera, who on Monday became only the sixth batsman in history to score back-to-back double Test hundreds.

Doctors removed shrapnel from the shoulder of vice-captain Kumar Sangakkara and from the arm of British assistant coach Paul Farbrace.

"Sangakkara will be discharged Thursday and the others in due course. None of them had grave injuries," said Geethanjana Mendis, director general of the Sports Ministry medical unit.

"They will be back in action in a few weeks time."

Skipper Mahela Jayawardene was discharged from hospital after treatment for a minor leg injury, while Thilan Thushara and Sampath Lakmal also underwent hospital treatment.

The entire 25-member squad was checked out by medical staff on their return to Sri Lanka and only six were kept in hospital.

Police stepped up security at the Nawaloka hospital where the players were being treated with plain-clothed officers placed outside their hospital rooms along with regular police.

No cricket fans were allowed to visit the players, with only immediate family members given access.

Cricket: Pakistan's tour of Bangladesh off

2009-03-05T03:04:00.000-08:00

Page last updated at 09:30 GMT, Thursday, 5 March 2009

Pakistan captain Younus Khan inspects the bullet-ridden Sri Lankan bus

Bangladesh have postponed Pakistan's forthcoming tour of the country following government advice about security concerns.

The decision comes two days after seven people were killed following an armed attack on the Sri Lanka team in Lahore.

The tour was set to begin on 10 March and encompass two Twenty20 matches and five one-day internationals.

"A fresh itinerary will be announced later," read a Bangladesh Cricket Board statement.

The Bangladesh capital Dhaka was the scene of a bloody mutiny last week involving the country's border guards that left 74 people dead.

The BCB's decision is a fresh blow for Pakistan, who had announced a 16-man squad for the tour on Wednesday.

However, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief executive Salim Altaf told BBC Radio 5 Live he is expecting a revised itinerary from the Bangladesh cricket authorities in the near future.

"If beefed-up security measures are to be put into place, and that's going to take a little bit of extra time, the postponement is fine with us," he said.

The PCB is already suffering financial losses following a 14-month hiatus of Test cricket.

Captain Younus Khan, recently appointed to succeed Shoaib Malik for the two-Test Sri Lanka series, has urged the International Cricket Council to ensure Pakistan does not become a pariah destination.

606: DEBATE

Pakistan would probably need to move to Dubai for the next few years

The one true gooner (formerly PFG)

"It is up to the ICC and the bosses from around the world to make sure that cricket is not lost in Pakistan because of a couple of mad people," Younus told Cricinfo.

"They must think about all the factors, including what will become of the youngsters of Pakistan. It would be very easy right now for the ICC and the bosses to say there will be no cricket in Pakistan.

"But the future will not be good if cricket is taken away from my country."

Pakistan had been scheduled to hold the Champions Trophy in September 2008, but the tournament was postponed because of security fears.

And the ICC announced in February it was seeking a new host country for the competition, a further setback for the beleaguered PCB.

New Zealand are considering whether to cancel a tour of Pakistan in December.

Motor Sports: McLaren face hard work - Hamilton

2009-03-05T03:01:00.000-08:00

Page last updated at 18:48 GMT, Wednesday, 4 March 2009

McLaren face hard work - Hamilton

Hamilton has been testing McLaren's MP4-24 in Spain

Lewis Hamilton admits McLaren have a great deal of work to do if they are to be ready for the Australian Grand Prix.

The reigning Formula One world champion is currently testing McLaren's new MP4-24 in Spain, ahead of the season-opening race in Melbourne on 29 March.

"I haven't arrived here thinking I'm world champion, I've arrived thinking I've got a great team I need to push as hard as I can," said the 24-year-old.

"We've got a lot of work to do to make sure we're ready for Australia."

Hamilton admitted in January he was facing a race against time to get to grips with the technical changes Formula One will embrace this season.

The Renault doesn't look bad, the BMW doesn't look bad, so there's quite a lot of teams looking pretty impressive at the moment

Lewis Hamilton

McLaren is one of the teams using kinetic energy recovery systems (kers) - one of the many changes that are being introduced for 2009 - in its two cars.

Hamilton and former world champions Fernando Alonso of Renault and Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen were among those testing on Wednesday, the fourth of five development days.

Alonso headed the standings on a windy day, clocking one minute 19.945 seconds - the third best time of the week and 1.357secs quicker than Hamilton, who could only finish seventh of eight overall on his return to the track.

"I'm very happy with the result from this test as we had two trouble-free days, a very consistent car and the work we have done has been very useful," said Alonso.

Raikkonen was second quickest, just over three tenths of a second down, followed by Nick Heidfeld for BMW Sauber and Toyota's Jarno Trulli.

Red Bull's Mark Webber and the Williams of Kazuki Nakajima also finished ahead of Hamilton, who only managed 70 laps.

On Sunday, Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel outpaced last year's championship runner-up Felipe Massa with his fastest lap of one minute 19.055 seconds, nearly 1.3 seconds ahead of the Ferrari driver's best effort.

Massa was followed by Toyota test driver Kumui Kobayashi, Williams' Nico Rosberg and BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica.

"Just from looking at the times it seems like they (Toyota) are doing quite a good job but I think a lot of the teams are doing quite good jobs," said Hamilton.

"The Renault doesn't look bad, the BMW doesn't look bad, so there's quite a lot of teams looking pretty impressive at the moment.

"This is my first day of McLaren and Ferrari being at the same track but for me it looks very similar to every other year. Everyone's times are looking good - some consistent, some not."

Hamilton added that the MP4-24 felt pretty similar to last year's car.

"We have less down force and the tyres have slightly different characteristics but otherwise it's all very similar, he said.

Heikki Kovalainen, Hamilton's team-mate, said he was "99% confident" McLaren would be using kers in Melbourne.

The system provides drivers with a short burst of power on each lap from energy stored under braking.

Despite teething problems, McLaren appear in an advanced stage of development compared to a number of their rivals who have made it clear they will not be using kers at the Albert Park circuit.

"Hopefully it should be an advantage for us. Certainly it's going to potentially give you a big benefit from the start to the first corner," said Kovalainen.

"My feeling comes from how well we're operating it at the track, and that's why I'm 99% confident we should be using it.

"We are now hitting a stage where we can run it all day, reliably, without any problems, at the maximum power. So unless something goes dramatically wrong, I don't see a reason why we shouldn't run it.

"Hopefully other people don't get it and we get it, but there are other good teams around and I wouldn't under-estimate anyone. I wouldn't be surprised if many of the other teams had it as well."

Ferrari, BMW Sauber and Renault are also hoping to use kers in Melbourne.

Cycling: Hoy to miss World Championships

2009-03-05T00:14:00.000-08:00

Page last updated at 18:08 GMT, Tuesday, 3 March 2009

Hoy to miss World Championships

Hoy suffered the injury after crashing in Denmark in February

Sir Chris Hoy has withdrawn from this month's cycling World Championships in Poland because of a hip injury.

The Scot picked up the problem in a crash during the keirin final at the World Cup event in Denmark in February.

He had been receiving treatment and had also modified his training programme, but has now been advised to stop riding to allow the hip enough time to heal.

He said: "I'm hugely disappointed. This is the first time I've had to miss a major championship due to injury."

The 32-year-old had avoided crashing and won all but one of the races he entered since 2006 before last month's accident.

"These things happen and it was a racing incident," he added.

"It is a miracle I have had around 30 races without a crash since I started riding the keirin.

"I'm glad it didn't happen this time last year and I'm still totally focused on being in the best shape possible for London 2012.

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"This doesn't affect my long-term aim of defending my titles and I'll hopefully be back in training and competition in the near future.

"I wish the team the best of luck in Poland."

Hoy was competing competitively for the first time since the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and had only returned to serious training in January when the British squad spent four weeks in Australia.

He had been favourite to defend his two world titles in Poznan at the end of the month.

The five-time Olympic medallist had already won gold in the team sprint before his high-speed accident, which smashed his custom-made carbon fibre bike into pieces.

He was also forced to pull out of the Revolution event at the Manchester Velodrome against long-time rival Arnaud Tournant in the Frenchman's farewell race.