Brendon McCullum and James Marshall scored maiden one-day international cricket centuries in style today as New Zealand smash Ireland by a record margin in Aberdeen.
McCullum made up for a few quiet ODIs against England with 166 off 135 balls and Marshall 161 off 141 as the Black Caps won by 290 runs in their first match of a triangular series involving Scotland as well.
Both had 11 fours and McCullum 10 sixes and Marshall four against a weakened Irish attack at Mannofield Park in Aberdeen.
New Zealand scored 402 for two in their 50 overs while Ireland managed just 112.
The opening stand of 274 between McCullum and Marshall was only 12 runs short of the world record set by Upul Tharanga and Sanath Jayasuriya of Sri Lanka against England two years ago and the fifth-highest ODI partnership.
Ireland, already depleted by players opting to stay with their counties and a host of others unavailable, were struck by another late injury blow when allrounder Alex Cusack withdrew with a broken finger.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Under-19 World Cup 2008,
Nepal u-19 beat Namibia u-19 by 3 runs
A patient half-century from Mahesh Chhetri, some tidy medium-pace bowling and a whole lot of nerve from young Gyanendra Malla snatched Nepal a three-run victory from a tricky situation in Penang. Defending a total of 164, Nepal had done well to chip away at Namibia's batting order but at 142 for 7 in the 42nd over it appeared they were running out of options. That is when left-arm medium-pacer Raj Shrestha dismissed top-scorer Louis van der Westhuizen for 65 and set into motion a tense next seven overs.
Taking a gamble on 17-year-old Malla, who had never bowled in his first-class career, Nepal's captain Paras Khadka got it spot on. In the 45th over Malla had Pikky Ya France edging behind, and then bowled Morne Engelbrecht for 7 with the last ball of the 49th over to finish a tense contest. Nepal's grip had been administered by a tight start with the ball, tightened through slow left-arm spinner Rahul Vishwakarma's economical 2 for 23 and finally it was Malla who stole the show.
Earlier Chhetri,Nepal's wicketkeeping-opener, played a lone hand in his side's total of 164 against a disciplined Namibian bowling attack. Having won the toss, Nepal's batsmen could only manage small partnerships as Namibia kept it tight. Chhetri held up one end sensibly but his team-mates, unsure as to what route to take, failed to offer anything substantial. Westhuizen, with his left-arm spin, bowled an economical 10-2-17-2 and was well backed up by his bowling partners. Unfortunately for Namibia, the same was not the case when Westhuizen was batting.
Taking a gamble on 17-year-old Malla, who had never bowled in his first-class career, Nepal's captain Paras Khadka got it spot on. In the 45th over Malla had Pikky Ya France edging behind, and then bowled Morne Engelbrecht for 7 with the last ball of the 49th over to finish a tense contest. Nepal's grip had been administered by a tight start with the ball, tightened through slow left-arm spinner Rahul Vishwakarma's economical 2 for 23 and finally it was Malla who stole the show.
Earlier Chhetri,Nepal's wicketkeeping-opener, played a lone hand in his side's total of 164 against a disciplined Namibian bowling attack. Having won the toss, Nepal's batsmen could only manage small partnerships as Namibia kept it tight. Chhetri held up one end sensibly but his team-mates, unsure as to what route to take, failed to offer anything substantial. Westhuizen, with his left-arm spin, bowled an economical 10-2-17-2 and was well backed up by his bowling partners. Unfortunately for Namibia, the same was not the case when Westhuizen was batting.
Southafrica u-19 beat papua new guinea u-19
Papua New Guinea elected to bat against South Africa at the Kinrara Oval and were dismissed for 125 in 45 overs, a total that was easily overhauled in 15.1 overs with seven wickets in hand.
PNG's was a better effort than their tournament opener against India, where they managed 85, but the top order's inability to bat out long periods of time continues to be a major issue. South Africa's captain, Wayne Parnell, continued his fine tournament with ten economical overs of left-arm seam that netted him 3 for 19 and his opening partner Matthew Arnold took 3 for 27. PNG struggled from the start and only Tanti Heni (35) and Colin Amini (31) got runs. Johnathan Vandiar was given his first bowl of the tournament and bagged 4 for 27 with his legbreaks.
Needing to beat PNG handsomely to boost their chances of progressing to the Super League quarter-finals, South Africa wasted wasted little time in getting the required runs. Pieter Malan put aside two consecutive ducks to score a breezy 56 from 46 balls, and put on 73 with JJ Smuts (36 from 29). Jacobus Pienaar was not as lucky, dancing down the track and being bowled for a third consecutive 0 in row. Though they scored at 8.43 an over South Africa are still behind West Indies by a net run-rate of 1.509.
PNG's was a better effort than their tournament opener against India, where they managed 85, but the top order's inability to bat out long periods of time continues to be a major issue. South Africa's captain, Wayne Parnell, continued his fine tournament with ten economical overs of left-arm seam that netted him 3 for 19 and his opening partner Matthew Arnold took 3 for 27. PNG struggled from the start and only Tanti Heni (35) and Colin Amini (31) got runs. Johnathan Vandiar was given his first bowl of the tournament and bagged 4 for 27 with his legbreaks.
Needing to beat PNG handsomely to boost their chances of progressing to the Super League quarter-finals, South Africa wasted wasted little time in getting the required runs. Pieter Malan put aside two consecutive ducks to score a breezy 56 from 46 balls, and put on 73 with JJ Smuts (36 from 29). Jacobus Pienaar was not as lucky, dancing down the track and being bowled for a third consecutive 0 in row. Though they scored at 8.43 an over South Africa are still behind West Indies by a net run-rate of 1.509.
Ponting fined for dissent
Australia tour of WestIndies
Ricky Ponting's 300th one-day international produced an Australian win but it ended on a slightly sour note for him personally after he was fined for showing dissent at an umpire's decision. Ponting pleaded not guilty to the charge but was docked 30% of his match fee after the match referee Roshan Mahanama found him guilty.
The incident took place during the 23rd over of West Indies' chase when the Australians believed they had Patrick Browne caught behind off the bowling of Michael Clarke. There was a noise as the ball went through to the wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi but replays appeared to suggest it came off the batsman's back leg.
Ponting and his team-mates were already celebrating before they finally looked around at the umpire Norman Malcolm, who turned down the appeal much to Australia's amazement. Ponting moved from his position and apeared to make a comment to Malcolm after the decision was made, leading to a charge being laid by the umpires.
"Although the player pleaded not guilty, after scrutinising the video footage and taking into consideration the evidence submitted by the umpires, I found that his actions were in breach of ICC's Code of Conduct and decided to fine him 30% of his match fee," Mahanama said.
Ricky Ponting's 300th one-day international produced an Australian win but it ended on a slightly sour note for him personally after he was fined for showing dissent at an umpire's decision. Ponting pleaded not guilty to the charge but was docked 30% of his match fee after the match referee Roshan Mahanama found him guilty.
The incident took place during the 23rd over of West Indies' chase when the Australians believed they had Patrick Browne caught behind off the bowling of Michael Clarke. There was a noise as the ball went through to the wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi but replays appeared to suggest it came off the batsman's back leg.
Ponting and his team-mates were already celebrating before they finally looked around at the umpire Norman Malcolm, who turned down the appeal much to Australia's amazement. Ponting moved from his position and apeared to make a comment to Malcolm after the decision was made, leading to a charge being laid by the umpires.
"Although the player pleaded not guilty, after scrutinising the video footage and taking into consideration the evidence submitted by the umpires, I found that his actions were in breach of ICC's Code of Conduct and decided to fine him 30% of his match fee," Mahanama said.
Smith sets out England challenge
South Africa in England 2008
The last time Graeme Smith toured England with the South African team, in 2003, he had only recently graduated from being a teenage star to the captain of the side. And despite an amazing start to the series in which he scored double centuries in the first two Tests, England still managed to fight back and secure a 2-2 series draw.
This time, Smith is a grizzled veteran of a captain, although still only 27, and is determined to play his cards right and ensure South Africa claim their first series win in England since 1965.
"I have wonderful personal memories from that tour, but the team is a lot more settled now," he said hours before leaving Johannesburg for England. "I put on a very strong outward persona, but there were a lot of nerves inside my stomach. Hopefully I'm a lot more grown up now and we can go a step further."
One potential ace up their sleeve for South Africa will be the presence of Shaun Pollock in England, who will be commentating on TV for the series, having also turned out for Durham in the Twenty20 Cup. Coach Mickey Arthur confirmed that a phone call had already been made to Smith's predecessor as captain.
"We've already chatted to Polly and he said he will be free to give us advice. We will bring him in and maybe he can help at a few net sessions," Arthur said.
Smith believes South Africa's other ace is a bowling attack that will feature last season's phenomenon, fast bowler Dale Steyn. "I think our attack as a whole has huge potential, the most variety we've had and they can adapt to any situation, but I'm not going to put too much pressure on any individuals," Smith said.
Few touring captains have made as dramatic an entry into England as Smith, who scored 277 at Edgbaston in the first Test of the 2003 series before following it with 259 at Lord's, and he is confident he will have shaken off a hamstring tear by the time this series starts at Lord's on July 10
Smith picked up the injury in the semi-finals of the Indian Premier League, playing for the eventual winners Rajasthan Royals, but he said he had already begun fitness work to ensure he is not too much of a cart-horse in England.
The last time Graeme Smith toured England with the South African team, in 2003, he had only recently graduated from being a teenage star to the captain of the side. And despite an amazing start to the series in which he scored double centuries in the first two Tests, England still managed to fight back and secure a 2-2 series draw.
This time, Smith is a grizzled veteran of a captain, although still only 27, and is determined to play his cards right and ensure South Africa claim their first series win in England since 1965.
"I have wonderful personal memories from that tour, but the team is a lot more settled now," he said hours before leaving Johannesburg for England. "I put on a very strong outward persona, but there were a lot of nerves inside my stomach. Hopefully I'm a lot more grown up now and we can go a step further."
One potential ace up their sleeve for South Africa will be the presence of Shaun Pollock in England, who will be commentating on TV for the series, having also turned out for Durham in the Twenty20 Cup. Coach Mickey Arthur confirmed that a phone call had already been made to Smith's predecessor as captain.
"We've already chatted to Polly and he said he will be free to give us advice. We will bring him in and maybe he can help at a few net sessions," Arthur said.
Smith believes South Africa's other ace is a bowling attack that will feature last season's phenomenon, fast bowler Dale Steyn. "I think our attack as a whole has huge potential, the most variety we've had and they can adapt to any situation, but I'm not going to put too much pressure on any individuals," Smith said.
Few touring captains have made as dramatic an entry into England as Smith, who scored 277 at Edgbaston in the first Test of the 2003 series before following it with 259 at Lord's, and he is confident he will have shaken off a hamstring tear by the time this series starts at Lord's on July 10
Smith picked up the injury in the semi-finals of the Indian Premier League, playing for the eventual winners Rajasthan Royals, but he said he had already begun fitness work to ensure he is not too much of a cart-horse in England.
Pakistan's greatest victory over India
Pakistan had no business winning today and that too chasing 300-plus; perhaps this is precisely why they won. They have been poor in this tournament thus far, their bowling without sting, their batting uncertain. The future of at least one from captain and coach has been on the line.
The latter has been intent on making matters worse for himself. The former pulled out at the last minute, in typically tragi-comic circumstances after a rare public announcement yesterday had confirmed his place in the playing XI; not that he has been particularly inspirational. But it was in the air yesterday at Pakistan's practice, this vague feeling that something might happen, even with this depleted side. Nobody could really articulate it, but it hung in the air.
It is a well-worn cliché, but Imran Khan was on to something when he spoke of cornered tigers. This is not quite the same stage but Pakistan's position in the tournament is as perilous. Their progress is still in other hands: if India wins against Sri Lanka tomorrow, Pakistan are out. However, if India loses, Pakistan will go through to the final if they beat Bangladesh.
The latter has been intent on making matters worse for himself. The former pulled out at the last minute, in typically tragi-comic circumstances after a rare public announcement yesterday had confirmed his place in the playing XI; not that he has been particularly inspirational. But it was in the air yesterday at Pakistan's practice, this vague feeling that something might happen, even with this depleted side. Nobody could really articulate it, but it hung in the air.
It is a well-worn cliché, but Imran Khan was on to something when he spoke of cornered tigers. This is not quite the same stage but Pakistan's position in the tournament is as perilous. Their progress is still in other hands: if India wins against Sri Lanka tomorrow, Pakistan are out. However, if India loses, Pakistan will go through to the final if they beat Bangladesh.
Zimbabwe to dominate ICC's Dubai discussion
In the next few days, big-time cricket will run the gamut of emotions from A to Z. And then there is Zimbabwe.
There has always been Zimbabwe. It has haunted the game for the past five years, but this time it is different. This time it could split the game asunder, or perhaps just as bad, leave it as a laughing stock.
At the annual gathering of the International Cricket Council in one of Dubai's grand hotels this week, the country that has never been very good at cricket but has commanded a place at its high table for a quarter of a century will dominate proceedings.
There are other matters of gravity to attend to for a game apparently awash with cash yet paradoxically also in a state of crisis. But they will all be informed and affected by what - if anything - the ICC's board decide to do about Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe, the parlous state of test cricket everywhere but England, the vexed problem of players appearing in breakaway leagues, the concern about the takeover of Twenty20, are all to play for this week. The ICC is here to save the game, no less.
There is some wriggle room but not much and it may come down to who blinks first between England and India, and who the rest of the big 10 countries decide to support. At worst, there could be a schism in the world game.
A week ago, it had seemed straightforward. After a sudden rush of meetings and statements in a period of barely 48 hours, the ICC was destined to act decisively.
There has always been Zimbabwe. It has haunted the game for the past five years, but this time it is different. This time it could split the game asunder, or perhaps just as bad, leave it as a laughing stock.
At the annual gathering of the International Cricket Council in one of Dubai's grand hotels this week, the country that has never been very good at cricket but has commanded a place at its high table for a quarter of a century will dominate proceedings.
There are other matters of gravity to attend to for a game apparently awash with cash yet paradoxically also in a state of crisis. But they will all be informed and affected by what - if anything - the ICC's board decide to do about Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe, the parlous state of test cricket everywhere but England, the vexed problem of players appearing in breakaway leagues, the concern about the takeover of Twenty20, are all to play for this week. The ICC is here to save the game, no less.
There is some wriggle room but not much and it may come down to who blinks first between England and India, and who the rest of the big 10 countries decide to support. At worst, there could be a schism in the world game.
A week ago, it had seemed straightforward. After a sudden rush of meetings and statements in a period of barely 48 hours, the ICC was destined to act decisively.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Aussie Hayden fit to face India
Australia opener Matthew Hayden will be fit for the fourth and final Test against India, in Adelaide, after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Hayden scored centuries in each of the first two Tests, both won by Australia, but a hamstring injury forced him out of the third-Test defeat.
"Obviously Matt coming back into the side will make a big difference," said Hayden's opening partner Phil Jaques.
"He's got lots of experience and is a great guy to have in the team."
Hayden had not missed a Test since 2000 until he was forced to sit out the match in Perth.
His absence was sorely felt as India claimed a 72-run win to halt Australia's bid for a record 17th consecutive Test win.
His replacement, debutant Chris Rogers, made just four and 15, while Jaques, who has only played seven Tests, contributed just eight and 16.
"My mindset didn't change much not having Matt there but obviously having him there will give the whole side a boost," said Jaques.
"Every Test we play, we get a better understanding of running between the wickets and how each other plays. It's definitely good to have a regular guy there."
Australia struggled against India's seam bowlers during the first innings in Perth but Jaques insisted Australia would deal with them better at the Adelaide Oval.
"They bowled with some very good discipline and they batted pretty well, but I think if we're honest we didn't play the way that we can play, we all know that, particularly in the batting department," Jaques said.
"We'll be looking at our top order to fire and I'm sure we'll have a better effort this time."
Hayden scored centuries in each of the first two Tests, both won by Australia, but a hamstring injury forced him out of the third-Test defeat.
"Obviously Matt coming back into the side will make a big difference," said Hayden's opening partner Phil Jaques.
"He's got lots of experience and is a great guy to have in the team."
Hayden had not missed a Test since 2000 until he was forced to sit out the match in Perth.
His absence was sorely felt as India claimed a 72-run win to halt Australia's bid for a record 17th consecutive Test win.
His replacement, debutant Chris Rogers, made just four and 15, while Jaques, who has only played seven Tests, contributed just eight and 16.
"My mindset didn't change much not having Matt there but obviously having him there will give the whole side a boost," said Jaques.
"Every Test we play, we get a better understanding of running between the wickets and how each other plays. It's definitely good to have a regular guy there."
Australia struggled against India's seam bowlers during the first innings in Perth but Jaques insisted Australia would deal with them better at the Adelaide Oval.
"They bowled with some very good discipline and they batted pretty well, but I think if we're honest we didn't play the way that we can play, we all know that, particularly in the batting department," Jaques said.
"We'll be looking at our top order to fire and I'm sure we'll have a better effort this time."
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
McKenzie set for S Africa return
Second Test, Cape Town: South Africa v West Indies
South Africa's Neil McKenzie
looks set to play his first Test
in three and a half years after
being called into the squad to face
West Indies in Cape Town.
Batsman McKenzie, 32, is expected to replace Herschelle Gibbs, whose poor form continued in the surprise defeat in Port Elizabeth.
Either McKenzie or AB de Villiers could open alongside captain Graeme Smith.
"There is no panic but we have decided to strengthen our top order batting," said coach Mickey Arthur.
West Indies won their first Test since May 2005 and their first ever in South Africa with a landmark 128-run victory in Port Elizabeth on Sunday.
They face a tough task if they are to mount a comeback in the three-Test series.
Gibbs, who bagged a pair in the opening match, has not scored a Test century since January 2005, although he hit a one-day ton against New Zealand earlier this month.
McKenzie played in 41 Tests between 2000 and 2004 but scored only two centuries and compiled a mediocre average of 33.24.
He has been one of the top scorers in domestic cricket and played a starring role in South Africa A wins over the New Zealand and West Indian touring teams this season.
Either McKenzie or AB de Villiers could open alongside captain Graeme Smith.
"There is no panic but we have decided to strengthen our top order batting," said coach Mickey Arthur.
West Indies won their first Test since May 2005 and their first ever in South Africa with a landmark 128-run victory in Port Elizabeth on Sunday.
They face a tough task if they are to mount a comeback in the three-Test series.
Gibbs, who bagged a pair in the opening match, has not scored a Test century since January 2005, although he hit a one-day ton against New Zealand earlier this month.
McKenzie played in 41 Tests between 2000 and 2004 but scored only two centuries and compiled a mediocre average of 33.24.
He has been one of the top scorers in domestic cricket and played a starring role in South Africa A wins over the New Zealand and West Indian touring teams this season.
Australia Vs India
Australia aim to tie Test record
Australia captain Ricky Ponting
has fired his
side up for the second Test against India
by talking about the prospect of a
record-equalling win.
Victory in Sydney would see the hosts match Steve Waugh's side of 1999-2001 in winning 16 successive Tests.
"I did mention it to the team this morning," Ponting admitted on the eve of the clash.
"I'm sure there will be a bit more excitement if we happen to win this Test," the batsman added.
Australia go into the second match of the four-Test series as overwhelming favourites after crushing India by 337 runs in Melbourne last week.
An Aussie attack with just 98 Test caps between them, bowled India - whose top order boast a combined 472 Test appearances - out for under 200 twice.
"I did mention it to the team this morning," Ponting admitted on the eve of the clash.
"I'm sure there will be a bit more excitement if we happen to win this Test," the batsman added.
Australia go into the second match of the four-Test series as overwhelming favourites after crushing India by 337 runs in Melbourne last week.
An Aussie attack with just 98 Test caps between them, bowled India - whose top order boast a combined 472 Test appearances - out for under 200 twice.
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