Monday, May 31, 1999
today's calendar
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S P O R T | Monday, May 31, 1999 |
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It's a total team effort:
Azhar Mohanty has been a revelation Consolation
win for Sri Lanka Run
rate crucial factor for Kiwis
Zimbabwe owe it to Neil Johnson India's
first tie on June 4
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India storm into super six EDGBASTON, May 30 (UNI) — Proving the prophets of doom and critics wrong, India humbled England by 63 runs in the rain-affected group "A" match of the World Cup cricket and cruise into the elite super six league here today. The defeat was a humiliation for the three-time finalists England as they made an exit from the World Cup, which they were hosting for the fourth time. It is also the first time that they had failed to make it to the last four stage of the World Cup. Resuming at the overnight score of 73 for three when rain and badlight stopped play, England, needing 161 runs more from 29.3 overs for a victory, were all out for 169 in 45.2 overs. India who had lost first two matches against South Africa and Zimbabwe were on the verge of making an early exit. But they staged a dramatic recovery to make it to the super league winning on a trot the subsequent three matches. Saurav Ganguly who scored 40 runs and took three wickets was adjudged Man of the Match. This is the second time he got the honour as he was declared Man of the Match against Sri Lanka also for his record breaking 183. Skipper Azharuddin described the victory as a team effort and said: "Everybody contributed in the win, I am proud of my boys." He said Mohanty bowled well in the given condition and Ganguly has a golden arm as he picked up wickets at crucial moments. "We will have to win the next three super league matches", he added. India struck very early, when Srinath provided them with a crucial breakthrough as he had dangerous man Graham Thorpe trapped leg before in the fourth over of the morning with England, with the overnight pair adding only eight runs to their team's tally. Thorpe was the man who could have made the difference. Even in the morning newspapers most of the writers had said that as long as he was there, there was no hope for the host. Former captain Michael Atherton said Thorpe holds key to England's survival and his early exit will mean end of the hosts hopes and he proved right. Thorpe was not happy with umpire Darrell Hair's decision as he walked out back to the pavilion. He scored 36 of 57 balls hitting seven boundaries. But after that England batsmen succumbed to the guiles of Kumble and Ganguly. In fact the exit of Thorpe had a very demoralising effect on the team. They looked a side without any strategy to counter the Indian bowlers. Although they needed 162 runs off 26.2 overs with six wickets in hand, they just could not make it. Fight simply had gone out of them and Indians realising the demoralised state of the rivals mounted the pressure. The bowlers took advantage of the overcast condition, but one was expecting that England players, who are used to such conditions, will put a good fight knowing fully well that it was a question of survival for them. If yesterday India could not dominate the English bowling, the same was the case with the hosts today. Their batsmen were in all sorts of trouble and tumbled like nine pins. Neil Fairbrother, described as a great finisher, along with Andrew Flintoff added 37 runs for the fifth wicket when Kumble trapped Flintoff and the tail just failed to wag although Darren Gough and Angus Fraser who scored 19 and 15, respectively, did make some effort to go against the Indian bowling. Ganguly took three wickets for 27 runs off eight overs, while Srinath, Mohanty and Kumble took two wickets each. And what was expected to be a cliff-hanger turned out to be an anti climax. SCOREBOARD |
McGrath destroys West Indies MANCHESTER, May 30 (PTI) — Struggling pace spearhead Glenn McGrath struck form in telling fashion as Australia bundled out West Indies for just 110 runs in a do-or-die group B clash to lift themselves back into World Cup contention here today. McGrath claimed career-best figures of five for 14 as Australia skittled out West Indies for a paltry 110 in 46.4 overs at Old Trafford here. McGrath, the pre-tournament favourite to top the wickets list had managed only 5 for 173 thus far, grabbed three wickets in 13 balls to destroy the top order after skipper Steve Waugh sent West Indies in under overcast conditions. The fiery paceman began the rout in his third over by removing Sherwin Campbell (2), caught by M. Waugh at second slip, and Jimmy Adams (0) in successive balls as Australia, needing a win to join West Indies at six points after two straight losses to New Zealand and Pakistan, raised hopes of scrapping into the super six on run rate. The lanky McGrath then claimed the prized scalp of West Indian captain Brian Lara (9), castling the dangerous left-hander for nine with a superb delivery. In between opener Ridley Jacobs, the leading batsman for West Indies in the tournament thus far, top scored with an unbeaten 49 and added 44 runs for the fourth wicket with Shivnarine Chanderpaul (16) before McGrath returned to claim two more wickets. With leg-spinner Shane Warne chipping in with three for 11, West Indies lost their last six wickets for just 46 runs save for some spirited play by the tailenders which helped them cross the 100-run mark. After the win, Australia finished with the best run rate of +0.73 and the West Indies were lying second (+0.50) with New Zealand (0.00) behind. In a given scenario, if the Kiwis make 230 batting first they will have to dismiss Scotland for 110, which may not prove that easy to accomplish. The West Indies went into the tie with a better net run rate than Australia and New Zealand, but having bowled out the Caribbeans for 110, Australia had the luxury of knocking off the run in 47 overs and still finish ahead of the West Indies on net run rate. Australia: WEST INDIES: |
Consolation win for Sri Lanka SOUTHAMPTON, May 30 (PTI) — Sri Lanka ended their unsuccessful title defence with a consolation win, beating minnows Kenya by 45 runs in an inconsequential World Cup group "A" match here today. The demoralised reigning champions, who failed to reach the Super Six round with only one win in four matches, piled up 275 for eight in 50 overs after being inserted by Kenya. But it were the Kenyans who returned home with some pride intact despite losing all their matches as Maurice Odumbe (82) and Alpesh Vadher, who struck an unbeaten 73, posted a World Cup record partnership of 161 runs for sixth wicket as they reached 230 for six in their allotted quota. Chasing a big target, Kenya lost their first five wickets for 52 runs as speedsters Chaminda Vaas (2/26) and Promodaya Wickremasinghe (1/27) struck vital blows before Odumbe and Vadher restored some sanity to their innings. But the repairing of the innings took two much time which left too much to do for the tail. Earlier, the 1996 champions, who lost to England, South Africa and India but defeated Zimbabwe in their four group "A" matches, batted with conviction to post a big total. Youngster Marvan Atapattu (52) and skipper Arjuna Ranatunga (50) cracked valuable half centuries while Sanath Jayasuriya contributed a sedate 39. Kenya: |
It's a total team effort : Azhar EDGBASTON, May 30 (PTI) — An ecstatic Indian skipper Mohd Azharuddin, said Zimbabwe’s victory over South Africa yesterday charged up the boys to go all out to notch up the thrilling win against England here today. "The boys were really upset after Zimbabwe beat South Africa, which meant we had to win against England. We made our calculations and everyone responded well today," an elated Azharuddin said at the presentation ceremony at Warwickshire ground. "We were charged up to win the match. It’s a total team effort," Azhar, who led his team from the front, said in response to criticism that India was helped by fickle English weather. On Debashish Mohanty, who gave India the breakthrough with two wickets to push England on to the backfoot yesterday, Azhar said he always knew the Orissa medium pacer would come good in such conditions. "That’s why I gave him the first bowl," he said and commended the all-round work of Saurav Ganguly, who was adjudged Man of the Match following his 40-run knock and three wickets for 27. "He (Ganguly) is responding well to the demands of the team as a bowler and I am confident it will do good to the team as a whole," Azhar said. On India’s chances of making it to the semi-finals as they go into super six with no points to their credit, Azhar said the team has to win all the matches (three). "We should aim to
win all and there will be no reason why we cannot reach
the next stage," Azhar said. |
Mohanty has been a revelation EDGBASTON, May 30 — The most heartening fact of India’s match-winning performance was a team playing well together and not depending heavily on an individual to make the difference. Good team work led by three men — Jadeja, Mohanty and, of course, Ganguly, the Man of the Match, India should look to rely on this method of winning matches more and more, for this is the more consistent approach, a more reliable approach. The Indians predictably reserved their best performance for the last. As has been the case over the years, Indians lived up to their reputation as slow starters — two bad games to start with against South Africa and Zimbabwe, and then like a dream, India win all three to follow and now pick up their bags, not to go back home as was thought a distinct possibility, but to go to their next venue and play their first game in the super six. Gaekwad, the Indian coach with some help from Bobby Simpson has to be congratulated on keeping the spirit of the Indian players alive after a shattering start. Most satisfying performance in this deciding game against the host, culminating in a brilliant recovery by the Indians in this World Cup and those two men, I am sure, have had a bit to do with it. Zimbabwe upset all calculations with their win over the impregnable South Africa and put great pressure on more than one team in their group. England were the most affected. Comfortable qualifiers before this game. The hosts now find themselves out of the tournament. The Indians, who were staring down the barrel not a few days back, go into the super six promising much. They came into this match against England at Edgbaston with high morale, after their brilliant performance against defending World Cup champions Sri Lanka and looked to pose a serious threat to the in-form England. England were the favourites though before the start of this crucial match and looked even more so when Alec Stewart won the important toss. Stewart and Azharuddin seemed to have switched roles when it came to winning tosses. Ganguly and Dravid continued their in-form march of the tournament into Edgbaston, but to me the man who really made the difference was Ajay Jadeja. Thirtynine off 30 balls at a stage when things were looking bad for India and the ball moving around, was really the innings that saw India score 232 and not under 200. Once India reached 232, they knew if they bowled well they had a good chance of winning the game. Debashish Mohanty has been a revelation in this World Cup. A simple man who transforms himself once he steps on the field with the ball in his hand, bowls the right kind of length that has instant success in England. Mohanty’s opening spell that saw him pick up Alec Stewart and Hick early was just the starting dose the Indians needed. England never recovered from that jerky start. They had a brief respite though with their weather lending them a helping hand and carrying the match on the reserve day. This was going to be tricky for the Indians. It was crucial that they did not let the advantage slip, after the abandonment of the first day. The key to India’s win was that they came into the reserve day looking the same fielding side that had piled pressure on England on the first day. The pressure was never relaxed. Ganguly and Kumble continued to weigh the English batsmen down with quality bowling and in the end all that proved too much for the England side and also went to prove why they are not a strong force in world cricket anymore. The dark horses of the tournament now make their exit. It was good to see Mohd Azharuddin smiling for a change on this trip. Spare a thought for what an Indian captain has to go through — head on the block a week back, a week later everybody wanting to worship him. He has seen all this before and he is seeing it yet again. What do the next three weeks hold for India’s most capped captain? That will be the last thing on his mind. I can promise you. At the moment top on his
priority list will be how to celebrate his team’s
great revival. We should leave him to sort that one out
in peace. Shouldn’t we? (PTI) |
Ball-tampering row rocks World Cup LONDON, May 30 (AFP) — The controversial issue of ball tampering was back in the headlines today as media reports pointed a finger of suspicion at leading World Cup contenders Pakistan. The Sunday Times reported that there were "suggestions" that Pakistan, unbeaten in the tournament and regarded as the most naturally gifted team in the event, might have resorted to illegal methods. Those claims, however, were rejected by the Pakistani officials. The newspaper article, under the headline "Spotlight shines on Shoaib", quoted an unnamed Australian player as saying: "They are great bowlers but other sides have great bowlers too. "They cannot swing it as prodigiously. When you play as players you can see what they are doing". Television commentator and former player Tony Greig told the newspaper that Pakistan's players appeared to be trying to tamper with the ball during their 10-run win over Australia in group 'B' at Headingley on May 23. "There is no doubt they gave the seam some work, though I wouldn't single out Shoaib", he said. At one stage during the game, Greig had said: "That's not acceptable, that's a bit naughty". But Pakistan manager Dr Zafar Altaf said the white balls being used for the tournament were prone to swing wildly and argued the seam was too hard to lift. "We never make much of these things. We never raise these issues or complain", Altaf said. "As far as I am concerned this is the most talented Pakistan side I have seen and they will go on to great things". When Australia played Pakistan last week they asked for the ball to be changed near the end of their innings, arguing that the white surface had become dirty and was hard to spot. Pakistani skipper Wasim Akram protested vociferously, saying the Australians were trying to gain an unfair advantage by getting a ball introduced which would swing less. The issue of ball tampering exploded into a major international controversy during Pakistan's 1992 tour of England. England star Ian Botham phoned the Press box to tell journalists of his suspicions while his team-mate Allan Lamb went public in a newspaper, accusing Pakistan of cheating. Pakistan's highly-talented pacemen Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram — who is the current captain — were the targets as they made the ball swing radically in the final stages of games. Pakistan said the accusations were based on sour grapes because their rivals were not good enough to swing the ball. Several players, including Pakistan's legendary Imran Khan, have since said that ball tampering has been rife in the sport. One England fast bowler
in recent years was accused of wearing a
vaseline-impregnated plaster which he used to shine the
ball to try and make it deviate. |
Cricket becomes incomprehensible LONDON, May 30 (AFP) — Cricket was difficult enough to understand before the World Cup. It has now become incomprehensible — and that’s official. Steve Waugh admitted earlier in the tournament he did not understand the scoring adjustments for rain-affected games, as worked out by the well-received but little understood Duckworth/Lewis system. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe captain Alistair Campbell announced he was delighted with his side’s shock victory over mighty South Africa. But he had no idea whether it meant his side had qualified for the second round (it had). He might have been able to work it out if he had received an official communique to help him — or perhaps not. With the South Africans already qualified, the communique explained, two teams out of Zimbabwe, England and India, who were all in action, would qualify. Put another way, it said, if South Africa were to lose to Zimbabwe by 32 runs or more and if India beat England, England would be eliminated. South Africa, India and Zimbabwe would go through. But if South Africa were to lose to Zimbabwe by 32 runs and India beat England, then qualifications would depend on the margin by which India beat England. Unless South Africa were to lose to Zimbabwe and England beat India, in which case the three qualifiers would be South Africa, England and Zimbabwe. What they forgot to explain was what would happen if the England game against India at Edgbaston, which resumed today after being interrupted, were to be rained off. But that’s another story. For those still determined to understand the tournament rules, they state: — That the top three out of six teams in each first-round groups go through to the second phase, taking with them the points they scored against fellow qualifiers. — That, should two teams finish on equal points, the team which won their first-round game qualify. — That, if three teams are equal on points, the two teams with the most points from the matches between them go through. If each has one win, however, the two teams with the best net run rate — the difference between runs scored and runs conceded per over — survive. And if Steve Waugh still
want to try and understand how scores are re-calculated
in rain-affected matches, an explanatory sheet on the
Lewis/Duckworth method shows that it is all about T = (S
x r2/r1) + 1. |
Pakistan may try out new faces NORTHAMPTON, May 30 (PTI) — Pakistan are keen to utilise their final league match against newcomers Bangladesh to try out their reserve players ahead of the second round as the two teams from the subcontinent clash in an inconsequential World Cup group ‘B’ tie here tomorrow. Determined to move into the super six stage with an all-win record, Pakistan plan to make a few changes in their line-up giving rest to superfast Shoaib Akhtar and off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq. But their likely replacements — speedster Waqar Younis and leg-spinning wizard Mushtaq Ahmed — could be equally dangerous for debutant Bangladesh, who will look forward to putting up a gallant fight as they did against other superior teams like Australia and West Indies. The Pakistani attack has been the most fearsome in the World Cup so far but tomorrow’s match will provide skipper Wasim Akram an opportunity to try out Younis and Mushtaq in search of more options when facing stronger opponents in the next round. Though the top order batsmen have not played up to their potential, Akram is not unduly worried. The poor form of Saeed Anwar, whose 194 against India in 1996 World Cup is the highest one-day score, is a blessing in disguise, he said as it implied the dashing opener would hit a purple patch in the super six matches. Despite his penchant for running out partners, flamboyant Inzamm-ul-Haq has emerged as the mainstay of Pakistan’s middle order notching up 81 against Australia and unbeaten 73 against New Zealand in the last two matches. But the man to watch out would be wicketkeeper Moin Khan whose pyrotechnics with the willow had provided improbable acceleration in the run rate in the later stages of the innings. Upbeat over their ego-boosting victory against fellow debutants Scotland, the Bangladeshis are determined to give a good account of themselves as they strive for the status of a Test-playing nation. While new ball operators Hasibul Hossain and Manjurul Islam have impressed with their ability to exploit the English conditions to trouble the batsmen, opener Mehrab Hossain and middle-order bat Minhazul Abedin were consistent contributors. Hossain followed up his 64 against West Indies with a gritty 42 against Australia, while Minhazul Abedin, a last minute inclusion to the World Cup squad, scored an unbeaten 53 against the Aussies after his match-winning knock of 68 not out against Scotland. Teams (probable): Pakistan: Wasim Akram (capt), Saeed Anwar, Shahid Afridi, Abdur Razzaq, Ijaz Ahmed, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Salim Malik, Moin Khan, Azhar Mahmood, Mushtaq Ahmed and Waqar Younis. Bangladesh: Aminul Islam (capt), Khaled Mahmud, Mehrab Hossain, Faruk Ahmed, Naimur Rahman, Minhazul Abedin, Akram Khan, Khaled Mashud, Enamul Haque, Hasibul Hussain and Manjurul Islam.
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Run rate crucial factor for Kiwis EDINBURGH, May 30 (PTI) — New Zealand are raring to go all out for an emphatic win against Scotland in their final World Cup league match here tomorrow to ensure a better run rate that could prove crucial in deciding the super six qualifiers from group ‘B’. The Kiwis are expected to beat the ‘Tartan amateurs’ without breaking a sweat, but it is the net run rate which is likely to make or break their fortunes in the tournament. With Pakistan already assured of a super six spot, today’s key match between Australia and West Indies will have a bearing on deciding the other two qualifiers from the group. The Caribbeans have six points from four games and a win today will propel them to the next round, while a victory for Australia will peg the two teams along with New Zealand, if they expectedly beat Scotland, at six points each. Net run rate will then decide who move in to the super six stage and only a massive win against the Scots will serve New Zealand’s cause as their run rate is lower than those of both Australia and West Indies. To give a boost to their run rate, the Kiwis would need to emulate West Indies who skittled out Scotland cheaply and then reached the target in less than 11 overs. New Zealand started their World Cup campaign with an easy six wicket win over Bangladesh and then upset their trans-Tasman rivals Australia to turn the group equations upside down. But their hopes of a smooth cruise to the next round went for a tailspin when they were outplayed by Pakistan and West Indies. Putting up a big total on batting first and then bundling out the Scots for a paltry score will do a world of good to New Zealand’s run rate and might bring them back into contention, a fact which will surely be in Fleming’s mind when he goes out for the toss tomorrow. Fleming, himself struggling for runs except his half-century against Pakistan, would pray for the Kiwi batsmen to rise to the occasion in totting up a huge score if batting first. The New Zealand skipper would hope in particular for openers Nathan Astle and Mathew Horne, who are yet to come up with good contributions, to rediscover their form against the modest Scotland attack. He would also look forward to his medium pace battery of Chris Cairns, Geoff Allott, Gavin Larsen and Chris Harris to dismiss the Scots cheaply. But it might not be an easy task as the Scots have only their pride to play for and the Tartan amateurs would also like to end the World Cup on a winning note after their deflating loss to fellow debutants Bangladesh in what the two teams dubbed as their "World Cup final". Tomorrow’s match will provide another opportunity to Yorkshire all-rounder Gavin Hamilton to remind England selectors of his worth after he was dropped from England’s provisional World Cup squad. Hamilton has single handedly kept the Scottish flaging with fighting knocks in all previous matches in the World Cup and tomorrow might not be any different.
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Occasional mistakes do occur Chandigarh: Did Pakistani umpire Javad Akhtar have a role in hastening the fall of England in the crucial Group "A" league match of the World Cup at Edgbaston? Chasing an Indian total of 232 for eight in 50 overs, England, overnight 73 for three when rain stopped play on Saturday afternoon, succumbed to a 63-run defeat on Sunday when the match resumed. The television cameras have brought the work of the umpires under sharp focus. While the umpire has to make a decision in split seconds, television replays from various angles often prove that the umpire has made a wrong decision. But then umpiring mistakes are all part of the game and must be taken in the right spirit. And the role of umpires was under sharp focus on Sunday when Pakistanis umpire Javed Akhtar adjudged overnight not out batsman Grahm Thorpe, who was shaping very well and on whom much of England's hopes rested, out leg before to Javagal Srinath shortly after play resumed in what was a do-or-die battle for both teams. With Zimbabwe upsetting the applecart of firm favourites South Africa on Saturday both India and England knew that whoever won the match would go to the "super six" of the tournament. And it is in such circumstances that one "mistake" by an umpire can upset all calculations. The Srinath delivery which consumed the wicket of Thorpe, pitches outside the off stump and as the batsman played well forward he was struck on the pads. The batsman did shuffle across exposing the stumps but by then Javed Akhtar had already raised his finger. Computer simulation later showed that the angled delivery would have gone past the leg stump of the batsman but the damage had been done. Thorpe waited at the wicket for a second and two before walking back to the dressing room. England captain Alec Stewart did say during the prize giving ceremony that the leg before decision did hurt England but he could not say anything beyond that as in that case he would have had to face the wrath of the International Cricket Council as per rules. Javed Akhtar again went on to make yet another mistake when he did not give Neil Fairbrother out caught behind by Nayan Mongia off Anil Kumble. The sharp delivery took a thick edge of the bat and landed straight into the gloves of the wicketkeeper. In fact, there was no controversy about the catch but the umpire did not uphold the appeal of the Indians . Was he trying to make up for the previous mistake ? The England innings saw as many as three leg before decisions but the way Anil Kumble was bowling such decisions were but natural. Therefore, Stewart should not have cribbed when India had beaten them comprehensively. The standard of umpiring
in the ongoing World Cup has been of excellent class with
the world's best umpires assembled in England for the
tournament and all teams must be willing to take the
occasional mistake in their strides. |
Zimbabwe owe it to Neil Johnson BIRMINGHAM, May 30 — Zimbabwe delivered the sucker punch. And the South Africans who were hit by the sudden rise in the level of intensity in an opposing side were unable to come back into a contest in which one team was keener than the other. The South Africans, who themselves thrive on intensity, were rocked by a side that proved it could also win through sheer vigour. If there is one problem for South Africa from here it is the points system. They will carry just two points into the super six for their win over India or England since only points earned against other qualifiers will count in the next stage. That would mean starting the tournament all over again. The points system was so devised that no team can afford to relax. The South Africans may have been guilty of letting their guard down a shade. Having beaten them on each occasion when they met in the past, they assumed a win against Zimbabwe would be achieved without encountering too many problems. It took just one player to make all the difference. Neil Johnson was the star of the day. They did not think he was good enough to play for South Africa when he was down in Natal and desperately trying to prove his potential. And yesterday Johnson displayed his allround talent as the favourite took a beating. And how splendidly Zimbabwe fielded. From day one in international cricket when they beat Australia at Trent Bridge in 1983, fielding has been their greatest strength. Some of the catches they took yesterday at Chelmsford were unbelievable. There was one team out there that was playing desperately to win while the other had already started believing in the growing myth of their own invincibility. Had the same result been obtained in a match between two Asian teams, they may even have appointed a commission of enquiry, hauled up the captains and leaked details already to the media about their alleged links. The fact of the matter is two of three teams from the African continent are in the elite group of six long before India or England could make it there from what became a desperate knockout game at Edgbaston which also became the first match in the World Cup of '99 to spill over into a second day. It is a stark lesson for South Africa to have go to the supper six behind Pakistan which will carry four points into the second stage provided, of course, that Wasim Akram's men do not come a cropper against the Bangladeshis. If there is one team
that has always demonstrated the veracity of the dictum
that ‘catches win matches’, it is Zimbabwe. As
their skipper Alistar Campbell explained, "we went
out to enjoy the game. We were the second favourites and
we came out winners." This is how sporting upsets
are created by the underdogs whose enthusiasm alone can
be a greater force than all the technical help at their
command. — UNI |
Kiwis versus Scotland: head to head EDINBURGH, May 30 (AFP) — New Zealand versus Scotland form guide: Group B: World Cup results to date: Scot- land — lost to Australia by six wickets, lost to Pakistan by 94 runs, lost to Bangladesh by 22 runs, lost to West Indies by eight wickets. New Zealand — beat Bangladesh by six wickets, beat Australia by five wickets, lost to West Indies by seven wickets, lost to Pakistan by 62 runs. Head to head: Scotland are not recognised at either Test or one-day level. This is also their World Cup debut. Players to watch: New Zealand — Geoff Allott. One of the finds of the tournament, he came here with a reputation for being fast but wild and better suited to Tests than one-dayers. But he has been consistently successful, taking 12 wickets for 170. His four for 64 off 10 overs was a shade expensive — the price for the wicket-taking threat he provides. Scotland — Gavin Hamilton. As his captain George Salmond admits, Hamilton has turned Scotland into a one-man team. The allrounder from English county side Yorkshire has made 197 runs in four games at an average of 65.6. His bowling, however, while economical, has only earned him two wickets, during a spell of 10 overs costing 36 runs against Pakistan. One for the future — probably in English colours. Venue: Edinburgh. The ground, created in the middle of the last century, has been renovated to the tune of half a million pounds (around Rs 3.15 crore) for the World Cup. Capacity: 5,000.
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B’desh versus Pak: form guide NORTHAMPTON, May 30 (AFP) — Bangladesh vs Pakistan form guide: Group B: World Cup results to date: Bangladesh — lost to New Zealand by six wickets, lost to West Indies by seven wickets, beat Scotland by 22 runs, lost to Australia by seven wickets. Pakistan — beat West Indies by 27 runs, beat Scotland by 94 runs, beat Australia by 10 runs, beat New Zealand by 62 runs. Head to head: Bangladesh are not yet recognised at Test level and are also making their World Cup debut here. Their last one-day encounter came in Dhaka in March this year when Pakistan won a one-off match by 152 runs. Bangladesh, chasing 293-7, were dismissed for 141 despite Pakistan using part-time bowlers. Players to watch: Bangladesh — Minhazul Abedin. An all-rounder, he has succeeded with the bat in particular after being left out of the first game against New Zealand. He made 68 not out against Scotland and 53 against Australia and has taken a wicket in each of his three matches — including the scalp of Brian Lara. Not included in the original World Cup squad but reinstated by public demand. Pakistan — Waqar Younis. The 27-year-old right-arm fast bowler has something to prove. He once terrorised the world’s batsmen with his vicious late inswinger, now he sits on the bench as Shoaib Akhtar takes all the glory. Will want to show he is still a force following recent injuries. Missed six months with an elbow problem last year. Venue: Northampton. This is one of several grounds, like The Oval and Trent Bridge, with a football connection. Northampton town once played first division football here in the 1960s. Capacity: 7,000.
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Marshall recovering after surgery MANCHESTER, May 30 (Reuters) — West Indies coach Malcolm Marshall is recovering in hospital after having a tumour removed from his colon, the team doctor said yesterday. Doctor Rudi Webster said in a statement that Marshall, who had been replaced temporarily as coach by former Test batsman Viv Richards, faced a period of convalescence before starting chemotherapy treatment. Marshall was operated on one week ago, when surgeons removed part of his colon. "He is making excellent progress. Marshall has taken the events of the last fortnight with courage, fortitude and exceptional inner strength," Dr Webster said. He said Marshall had been in contact with Richards to discuss tactics and strategy for West Indies’ World Cup campaign, which continues today when they face Australia. "Marshall has expressed the wish that if his treatment goes well he will resume his duties as coach later in the summer," Dr Webster said. Dr Webster said Marshall
had complained of abdominal pains for several months and
had consulted doctors in South Africa, Britain and
Barbados. Marshall was in such pain during a World Cup
warm-up match against Warwickshire on May 10 that he was
immediately admitted to hospital. |
Excited fans lift Prasad NEW DELHI, May 30 (UNI) — Fan invading the ground after a match has become a routine event in the World Cup cricket championship. But Indian medium pacer Venkatesh Prasad had a harrowing time today after the team's triumph against England when he was caught in the midst of the spectators, who invaded the ground, the moment Javagal Srinath uprooted the middle stump of Allan Mulaly to fashion India's stupendous 63 runs win over England. Fearing the fans invasion the players ran towards the pavilion. But Prasad, who was fielding at the other side, had to cover the long distance could not beat a milling Indian spectator who with full gusto lifted him in the air. The yellow clothed securitymen who rushed cordon off the players, however, missed him out as many Indians were wearing their country's colours. Such was Prasad's
situation that he could not stop the fans from their act
and cry for help. Only after he neared the pavilion, the
security personnel identified him after he forced his way
out of the crowd. |
Imran blames Stewart EDGBASTON, May 30 (PTI) — Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan today blamed Alec Stewart for choosing to put India in to bat in the crucial World Cup group ‘A’ match, which England lost by 63 runs. "What a terrible risk it was for Alec Stewart to put India in to bat yesterday in such a vital match. I couldn’t believe my eyes when he did it," said Imran. "Unless there is compelling reason to bowl first, if the pitch is juicy or the overhead conditions are likely to be extremely helpful, it somehow doesn’t make sense in one-day cricket. "That is especially true against a team like India whose great strength lies in its batting. As they showed against Sri Lanka last week, the Indians are capable of putting a monumental score on the board, and when you do that, you don’t lose," Imran Khan said. "Batting first must
have been pleasing for the Indians as they had sun on
their backs. It is also an advantage because you can bat
with much more freedom," the legendary all-rounder
said. |
India's first tie on June 4 EDGBASTON, May 30 (PTI) — India, who pulled off an exhilarating victory over England to march into the super six stage of the World Cup today, qualified as the second team from group ‘A’ and will meet the second place team in group ‘B’ next, on June 4 at the Oval. India made it to the second stage on better net run rate after forcing a three-way tie on points (six each) with Zimbabwe and England, the hosts knocked out on that count. There was some confusion over whether India finished second or third, but the administrative manager Brijesh Patel clarified that the 1983 champions had been placed behind group toppers South Africa, but ahead of Zimbabwe. The confusion arose because fellow qualifiers Zimbabwe had beaten India. India will have no points going into the super six and will have to win all three matches to be certain of a semifinal berth. South Africa carry two points while Zimbabwe are the biggest gainers with four points — points gained from beating fellow qualifiers will be carried forward to the next round. In their first group six tie on June 4, India meet either New Zealand, Australia or the West Indies, whoever finishes second behind holders Pakistan in group ‘B’. India meet Pakistan on
June 8 at Old Trafford and will take on the third placed
team from group ‘B’ at Trent Bridge on June 12. |
2 cricket fans drown CALCUTTA, May 30 (PTI) — An altercation between two youngsters over the ongoing cricket World Cup led to tragedy with both drowning in the Ganges in neighbouring Howrah district last night. District Superintendent of Police Surajit Kar Purakayastha told PTI today that the two cricket-crazy fans in their early 20s — Sunil Agarwal and Dilip Singh — sitting on the edge of a jetty at Telkolghat with their friends, suddenly picked up a quarrel over India’s performance in the tournament. In the ensuing scuffle, Agarwal, a chartered accountancy student, trying to keep his balance clutched at Dilip Singh, a budding cricketer, but both tumbled into the waters and drowned. Agarwal’s body was fished out today. Divers have been pressed into service to locate Dilip Singh’s body, Purakayastha said.
|
Rafter eyeing top spot PARIS, May 30 (Reuters) — The French Open remains a distant dream but the number one world ranking continues to hang tantalisingly close for Australia's Pat Rafter despite his third round exit from Roland Garros yesterday. Rafter's bid to add a French Crown to his two US Open titles ended in the Parsian dusk with a 6-4 6-2 3-6 6-3 loss to Brazilian Fernando Melogeni, also snuffing out his chance of taking over top spot in the rankings currently held by Yevgeny Kafelnikov. The third seed began the tournament needing to reach the quarter finals to become the first Australian since John Newcombe in 1974 to top the rankings. "I don't look at it like it's my destiny," said Rafter. A French semifinalist in 1997. "It may be a jinx. "If it's going to happen, it's going to happen in the next few weeks. If it doesn't happen, then it doesn't happen. For me it's like a bonus. "I just want to play good Tennis again and now I'm playing good tennis so maybe it might come." The loss to Meligeni marked the second time in a month that Rafter's path to the top had been blocked by a Brazilian. Gustavo Kuerten, the 1997 French Open champion and still on track for a secondtitle, denied Rafter his place in Australian tennis history when he beat him in the final of the Italian open. But Rafter has got used to the wait, having been flirting with the top spot since the end of last season. "It's part of the game, Rafter said of being so close but not quite reaching his goal."It would have been lovely. But you know, it's been a very good three weeks and I'm happy with the way I've played." Rafter, whose serve-and -volley game is better suited to hard court, had demonstrated in the build-up to this year's French Open that his attacking style could also be effective on clay. Rafter a slow start to the season, Rafter suddenly found his form on his lest-favourite surface, reaching the final of the Italian Open and leading Australia to victory at the World Team Cup in Duesseldorf. The 26-year-old Australian had some awkward moments in his two opening matches in Paris against 17-year-old Swiss Roger Federer and French escape artist Nicolas Escude but was brimming with confidence when he stepped on court against Meligeni. But his confidence and strength were quickly zapped when the Brazilian ranked 55th in the world, jumped in to a 2-0 lead. "It was just a case
of too much tennis coming into this slam," Rafter
said, "I usually play well when I play a lot of
tennis. But during clay-court season you have to be
careful, it can be very draining." |
Spanish juggernaut rolls on PARIS, May 30 (AFP) — They haven’t been getting the attention reserved for the likes of American stars Andre Agassi and Venus Williams, or even Anna Kournikova, but the Spanish armada have docked in the fourth round of the French Open in force. After Carlos Moya and Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario made it a double Spanish triumph at Roland Garros 12 months ago, four Spanish men and three Spanish women have advanced to the last 16 this time around. Moya, seeded four this year, is joined by sixth seed Alex Corretja — the man he beat in last year’s final — as well as 14th seed Felix Mantilla and Alberto Berasategui. Sanchez-Vicario’s bid for her fourth women’s title here sees her joined by compatriots Conchita Martinez and Gala Leon-Garcia. Moya has a tough but attractive fourth-round meeting with 13th-seeded Andre Agassi of the USA. And he says it’s just the sort of match he needs as the competition moves into top gear. "There are the kinds of matches I like, you know. I’m going to be focused, very motivated. But he’s playing really well. He’s a very good player and I have a lot of respect for him," says Moya. The Spanish clay king revealed after ousting Armenia’s Sargis Sargsian in the last round that he is not entirely happy with his form — but that on his day he is unbeatable on clay. "You can expect anything — the best and the worst. I can beat anyone, but I can lose to anyone, too." Corretja will take on Austrian Stefan Koubek as he bids to give new impetus to a lacklustre season. He had the chance to take over the number one ranking at the start of the year but has struggled, although he did reach the last four in Rome. "Physically I was in better shape last year — but this year I’m playing better tennis here and I’m more confident." Mantilla, meanwhile, has posted a series of good results on European clay this season. After winning in his native Barcelona — beating Moya on the way — he made it to the semi-finals at Monte Carlo and Rome. "No one thinks I can win here and that’s a good thing. I’ve just been able to get on with my job — which is winning matches," said Mantilla. "I made the semi-finals last year when I didn’t expect to, but this time I hope to hang around for the two weeks," said the 24-year-old who dyed his hair blond last year after losing a bet with his coach. Mantilla saw off German youngster Tommy Haas in yesterday’s third round to book a date with Fernando Meligeni of Brazil, a shock winner over third-seeded Pat Rafter of Australia. Berasategui, who started the year with six straight first-round losses and has seen his ranking slip to 97, has the tough task of playing Chilean ninth seed Marcelo Rios. Berasategui came from
two sets to love down to beat Britain’s seventh seed
Tim Henman in the third round and said: "Although
I’ve dropped in the rankings I think I’m on the
way back." |
Paes-Bhupathi in quarters PARIS, May 30 (PTI) — Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi confidently marched into the quarter-finals of the French Open men’s doubles tennis tournament here today. The world number two
Indian pair were stretched to three sets by South
Africa-Zimbabwe duo of Piet Norval and Kevin Ullyett
before prevailing 7-5 3-6 6-4 in just over two hours. The top seeds, who reached semifinals here last year, now run into a last eight tie against doubles specialists Elis Ferreira (South Africa) and Rick Leach (USA). Ferreira-Leach tandem
defeated Czech duo of Jiri Novak and Rikl 7-5 6-3 in
other match at Roland Garros here. |
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