Live Scores-Tendulkar ensures series victory

One-day international, Vadodara: India 341-3 beat West Indies 181 by 160 runs
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Sachin Tendulkar scored his 41st century in one-day internationals as India beat West Indies by 160 runs in Vadodara to clinch the series 3-1.

The hosts smashed 341-3 in the final match before bowling out the Windies for 181 in the 42nd over.

Tendulkar's century, brought up with the final ball of the innings, took him 76 balls as he hit 10 fours and a six.

West Indies, who won the toss, were unable to mount a challenge, though Marlon Samuels top-scored with 55.

The match was an excellent work out for India's World Cup ambitions.

Both Sourav Ganguly (68) and captain Rahul Dravid (78) filled their boots, while Mahendra Dhoni clubbed an unbeaten 40.

The experiment to move Tendulkar into the middle order from his normal opening berth will surely be the World Cup tactic now.

Ganguly, fluent in his stroke-play as he notched up his second half-century of the series, added 101 for the second wicket with Dravid.

The former captain was eventually stumped charging Chris Gayle, but Tendulkar, who scored a fifty in the previous match, displayed pristine form.

He was particularly severe on left-arm paceman Ian Bradshaw, hitting him for three boundaries in a row.

He survived two dropped catches late in his innings, but even if they had been taken, India's total would barely have been reduced.

Captain Dravid, also finding form at the right time, notched up his second consecutive half-century with seven fours before being caught on the mid-wicket boundary.

The West Indies made three changes to the squad that won last Saturday by three wickets.

Opener Shivnarine Chanderpaul, all-rounder Dwayne Smith and Bradshaw were included in the new line-up, replacing the injured Dwayne Bravo, who has a sore left shoulder, Runako Morton and Jerome Taylor.

India made five changes with Ganguly, pace bowlers Irfan Pathan and Zaheer Khan, wicket-keeper Mahendra Dhoni and off-spinner Harbhajan Singh included in the team.

Pathan, playing for the first time in the series, was India's most expensive bowler.

Courtesy of a winderful Yuvraj Singh catch, however, he took the wicket of Devon Smith which left the tourists on 65-3 in the 15th over.

The position looked hopeless and the twin run outs of Lara and Lendl Simmons - the first fortunate, the second following a direct hit from substiture Suresh Raina - ended the match as a contest.

A 65-run stand between Samuels and Denesh Ramdin (40) saved some face but India's victory was wrapped up when Daren Powell was caught off an ambitious swipe against Yuvraj.

Live Scores-4th ODI India Vs WestIndies

31-01-2007 at Vadodara
In Play
West Indies won the toss and decided to field
India Innings
341 for 3 (50.0 overs)
West Indies Innings
181 all out (41.4 overs)

India won the match. by 160 runs and series by 3-1



Umpires: B F Bowden, A M Saheba
India: A R Uthappa, S C Ganguly, S R Tendulkar, R Dravid, Yuvraj Singh, M S Dhoni, A B Agarkar, I K Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, A Kumble, Z Khan
West Indies: C H Gayle, D S Smith, S Chanderpaul, B C Lara, M N Samuels, D R Smith, L M P Simmons, R R Emrit, D Ramdin, D B Powell, I D R Bradshaw

Live Scores-Tendulkar stars in India run-fest

One-day international, Vadodara: India 341-3 v West Indies
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Sachin Tendulkar scored his 41st one-day century as India smashed 341-3 in their 50 overs in the final match against West Indies.

He brought up the ton with the final ball of the innings and it took him just 76 balls in all as he hit 10 fours and a six.

West Indies, needing to win in Baroda to level the series, won the toss and decided to field.

But Sourav Ganguly (68) and captain Rahul Dravid (78) filled their boots.

Young opener Robin Uthappa hit a quickfire 28 before medium-pacer Daren Powell had him edge to Chris Gayle after having been hit for two consecutive sixes.

But Ganguly, who was fluent in his stroke-play as he notched up his second half-century of the series, added 101 for the second wicket with Dravid.

The former captain was stumped by Denesh Ramdin in the 25th over when he gave off-spinner Gayle the charge in the bowler's first over.

Tendulkar, who scored a fifty in the previous match, displayed pristine form and was particularly severe on left-arm paceman Ian Bradshaw, hitting him for three boundaries in a row.

He had two reprieves, the first on 85 when Brian Lara missed a catch at covers off medium-pacer Rayad Emrit and the other on 91 when Lendl Simmons dropped him at the mid-wicket fence off off-spinner Marlon Samuels.

Dravid notched up his second consecutive half century with seven fours before being caught by Simmons at mid-wicket boundary off off-spinner Samuels.

The West Indies made three changes to the squad that won last Saturday by three wickets.

Opener Shivnarine Chanderpaul, all-rounder Dwayne Smith and paceman Ian Bradshaw were included in the new line-up, replacing the injured Dwayne Bravo, who has a sore left shoulder, Runako Morton and Jerome Taylor.

Samuels had been a doubt for this game after being struck on his left index finger during the last one-dayer, but a scan on Tuesday revealed no fracture and he was included in the line-up.

India made five changes with Ganguly, pace bowlers Irfan Pathan and Zaheer Khan, wicket-keeper Mahendra Dhoni and off-spinner Harbhajan Singh included in the team.

Pace ace Pathan was back a month after he was sent back from the tour of South Africa to regain his bowling rhythm by playing in domestic matches.

This was the last international fixture for the West Indies ahead of the World Cup, which starts on 13 March, while India will host Sri Lanka for four matches in February.

Hapless England hammered by Kiwis

CB Series, Perth: New Zealand 318-7 bt England 260-7 (50 overs) by 58 runs
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England produced another woeful display to slump to a 58-run defeat by New Zealand in their CB Series game.

Only Monty Panesar (2-35) bowled with real control as the Kiwis racked up 318-7 in Perth, aided by 22 wides and occasionally shambolic fielding.

Lou Vincent (76) and Ross Taylor (71) put on 137 before Jacob Oram smashed four sixes in his 54 off only 33 balls.

Ed Joyce (66) hit his maiden ODI fifty and Paul Nixon finished on 49 but England came up well short on 260-8.

They need to win their last two games - one of which is against the rampant Australians - and hope New Zealand lose both theirs to qualify for the best-of-three finals.

That looks unlikely after another miserable day for a team that has become used to losing and was again without captain Michael Vaughan (hamstring).

Liam Plunkett gave them a good start, after taking a while to realise fuller deliveries were the way to go on a good pitch, by trapping Stephen Fleming plumb lbw and having Peter Fulton caught behind.
Vincent was dropped by Ian Bell at short extra-cover when on 33 and Taylor had a reprieve on 30 when umpire Steve Davis refused to refer a stumping appeal from Nixon off Monty Panesar.

Apart from those scares the duo tore into some dreadful bowling, particularly from Jamie Dalrymple (0-43 off five overs), as the 100 partnership came up off 116 balls.

There were plenty of embarrassing moments in the field, with fielders letting the ball slip through hands and legs, poor backing up and wayward throwing.

But Panesar - who impressed with his fielding as well as his left-arm spin - deservedly had Craig McMillan stumped and Brendon McCullum caught in a spell which suggested the Kiwi score could be kept under 300.

That was until burly left-hander Oram scored 35 runs in 10 balls, hitting three maximums as 38 runs were shipped in the last two overs from Chris Tremlett (1-72) and Andrew Flintoff (0-66).

New Zealand, although far from flawless themselves, were nowhere near as generous in the field and had bowlers who could land the ball more consistently in the right areas.

Bell (31) and Joyce looked anything but convincing early on before launching some high-quality strokes.

Joyce whipped Franklin through mid-wicket and cracked Oram twice through the cover-point region, while Bell's straight drive off Franklin was one of the best shots of the day.

Just when the partnership was blossoming and the Warwickshire man crashed a flat six off Jeetan Patel over long-off, he chipped straight to mid-wicket in the off-spinner's first over.

Joyce completed his fifty shortly after but it was pretty much all downhill from there.

Andrew Strauss' wretched run continued when Vettori deceived him with a quicker ball, while Joyce was run out by a sharp piece of fielding from Vincent at mid-on.

Part-time bowler McMillan, brought on after Oram injured his right ribs catching Joyce off a Patel no-ball, saw Collingwood meekly pick out short fine-leg and Dalrymple hole out to deep cover.

Flintoff also gave his wicket away, bowled shuffling across to the excellent Vettori (2-40).

New Zealand's fielding then deteriorated rapidly, with Nixon (twice) and Plunkett dropped as edges and shots flew all over the place.

The eighth-wicket pair added 76 and saw out the 50 overs but the game had long been up for England.

More delays for Kensington Oval

Builders are working day and night to get Barbados' Kensington Oval stadium ready in time for the World Cup.

A grand re-opening ceremony will still take place on 17 February although the projected date of completion has been put back to "early March".

The venue host seven World Cup matches from 11 April, including the final.

Venue director Don Lockerbie told The Nation newspaper: "There is no need to be fearful but we all appreciate there is still plenty to do."

He went on: "We have been told that Kensington will be substantially complete in time for the 17 February event."

Leading officials from the International Cricket Council have begun a final venue assessment tour ahead of the tournament.

The work at Kensington was originally slated to be finished on 31 December.

This was switched to the second week in February after it was found out that parts of the roofs were behind schedule.

Lockerbie said: "It's not just a matter of building a structure, but we have to ensure that all is in place to operate and all is fully functional.

"We will be working to have the roofs, the courtyard and all the decorative finishes done."

The ground is being redeveloped at a cost of US$135m (£67m) - more than doubling capacity to house 28,000 fans.

Live Scores-England Vs Newzealand-CWB series

30-01-2007 at Perth
New Zealand beat England by 58 runs
New Zealand won the toss and decided to bat
New Zealand Innings
318 for 7 (50.0 overs)
England Innings
260 for 8 (50.0 overs)





Umpires: Asad Rauf, S J Davis
England: E C Joyce, M B Loye, I R Bell, A J Strauss, P D Collingwood, A Flintoff, J W M Dalrymple, P A Nixon, L E Plunkett, C T Tremlett, M S Panesar
New Zealand: S P Fleming, L Vincent, R L Taylor, P G Fulton, C D McMillan, J D P Oram, B B McCullum, D L Vettori, J E C Franklin, J S Patel, S E Bond

Kiwis pubished English bowlers

New Zealand punished some poor bowling and fielding from England to make 318-7 in the one-day international in Perth.
Here are the Live Scores.

Liam Plunkett (3-54) removed Stephen Fleming and Peter Fulton early on but Lou Vincent (76) and Ross Taylor (71) played aggressively to put on 137.

Spinner Monty Panesar (2-35) slowed the scoring but Jacob Oram smashed 54 off only 33 balls, including four sixes and 22 runs off one Chris Tremlett over.

A staggering 22 wides were delivered, and three catching chances missed.

It all added up to another miserable day in Australia for a team that has become used to losing - heavily - and was again without captain Michael Vaughan (hamstring).

Plunkett and Tremlett (1-72) took a while to realise that fuller lengths would reap rewards on a pitch which saw more than 650 runs scored by Australia and New Zealand on Sunday.

Plunkett found some swing to trap Fleming plumb lbw and Fulton should have been caught mis-timing a drive to mid-off by Andrew Flintoff before edging another full delivery behind.

Even Flintoff failed to learn the lessons of those early successes, too often straying in length or line.

Vincent was fortunate when a firm drive was nearly grasped by the big all-rounder and Ian Bell spilled a sitter at short extra-cover when the opener was on 33.

Taylor also had a reprieve when umpire Steve Davis refused to refer a stumping appeal from Paul Nixon off Panesar which would have sent the youngster packing for 33.

But apart from those scares the batsmen tore into some dreadful bowling, particularly from Jamie Dalrymple (0-43 off five overs), as the 100 partnership came up off 116 balls.

Among the highlights were when Taylor carved Tremlett over cover point and battered him through mid-wicket, while Paul Collingwood was thrashed through the same region for a maximum.

Panesar was the lone bright spot - with his fielding as well as his left-arm spin - and he extracted sharp turn off a surface more worn than on Sunday.

He was rewarded when Craig McMillan was stumped charging down the track and Brendon McCullum was snaffled trying to repeat his slog-sweep for six earlier in the order.

There were plenty of embarrassing moments in the field, with feeble efforts conceding several boundaries, and the hapless Dalrymple was too slow to reach the ball when Oram spooned an easy opportunity off Plunkett on the off-side.

Oram cracked him down the ground for a big six to add to his misery and, just when England thought the score could be kept down under 300, launched a savage late assault.

Tremlett went for 20 runs in four balls, including massive sixes over mid-wicket and long-off, before Flintoff was straight driven for the fourth maximum as he leaked 16 in his final over.

Prospects of a win and potential finals place against the Aussies looked a long way off when the Lancastrian led his demoralised team off.

Sri Lanka in India ODI Series, 2006/07

Here is the schedule of the 4-ODI series between Srilanka Vs India.

Thu 8 1st ODI - Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Sun 11 2nd ODI - Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Ground, Rajkot
Wed 14 3rd ODI - Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Margao
Sat 17 4th ODI - ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam

It is to inform you that the Live Scores of all the India Vs Srilanka matches will be avaiable here.
Do comment;)

Asif the lone ranger

A tired host, Shaun Pollock rested for the decider and a strong pace attack meant that this was Pakistan's best chance to win a series in South Africa in recent memory. They didn't capitulate as they had in 2002-03 but despite a tough battle, they couldn't quite sneak through. Still provided enough gumption to warm the heart on occasion.

9
Mohammad Asif
For much of the series, he was Pakistan's sole threat but what a threat. The weaker batsmen were worked out with cruel efficiency and the better ones with a little more thought as he dismissed the entire South African top seven, Ashwell Prince apart, at least once. The pace was down but he was relentless, lion-hearted (most overs by any fast bowler in the series) and intelligent throughout. His Port Elizabeth five-for will be remembered as one of the best spells of the year, already. With due respect to the 31-year-old Stuart Clark, Asif is the most exciting young pace bowler in world cricket at the moment.

7
Danish Kaneria
Wheeled away admirably through the series for 15 wickets, including a match-turning spell in the first innings at Port Elizabeth. He even unveiled a flipper of sorts late in the series. Will not be thanking Kamran Akmal who shelled any number of chances off him. But as has become the norm, he bowled well, without luck, with little support and without ever threatening to run through a side. Given the bounce and turn in the surfaces, that will irk him.

7
Younis Khan
Remarkably similar to his 2004-05 series against Australia, where he was the leading run-scorer for his side and consistently its most solid player, but incapable of making starts count. In the first two Tests, he should have made three fifties and a hundred, instead of the two fifties he ended with. Loses marks for irresponsible wafts at Cape Town but makes up for it by being Pakistan's most reassuring presence at second slip since a young Inzamam.

6
Inzamam-ul-Haq
Unusually, got off to starts and didn't make them count through the series, apart from once. His unbeaten 92, a lesson in batting with the tail, at Port Elizabeth was every bit as good as any of his 17 match-winning hundreds and equally as effective. Sadly, will end career without a hundred in South Africa. Captained astutely when he was a bowler short at PE and took two very good slip catches.

6
Mohammad Yousuf
Looked mostly untroubled in the four innings he batted, yet had only one score to show for it. His 83 was a stunning knock but as befits a batsman in his form, it twice required superb deliveries to dismiss him. Still searching for a first hundred against South Africa.

6
Mohammad Sami
At Port Elizabeth, gave his best Test bowling performance in a couple of years, combining pace, aggression and accuracy but no fortune. Threatened to revert to type at Cape Town, before injuring his finger though he batted with good sense and spirit. With injuries galore, has given Pakistan a glimmer of hope to cling to.

5
Imran Farhat
Scored nearly half his runs in second innings at Centurion, but apart from that never appeared comfortable at any stage. Continued to slash and burn in the slips and six years after his international debut, you have to wonder whether Pakistan aren't better served by trying out someone, anyone else. Dropped only one catch and held on to a rather good one.

5
Yasir Hameed
Announced his return with a pleasant, battling fifty at Centurion but threw away his wicket. It wasn't the last time either and at as crucial a position as one-down, it was criminal. Wasted both his starts and a chance to cement his spot in the team.

4
Mohammad Hafeez
Never failed to get to double figures but never went beyond 32. The pattern was repetitive: a couple of pleasant boundaries to begin, a few plays and misses and a dismissal. Impression that he is merely a short-term replacement for Shoaib Malik forever lingers. Given that Malik is not a specialist opener either, that is worrying.

4
Kamran Akmal
An awful, horrific series behind the stumps, the kind that you have nightmares about, and shelled so many chances you eventually lost count. Looked as lost with Kaneria's legspin as the English have against Warne's. Worryingly, it caps a poor year for him with gloves and bat, as calls for resting or replacing him continue to grow. But for a brave, bustling fifty at Port Elizabeth and a couple of useful lower-order hands, would have scored even less.

3
Shahid Nazir
Not just ineffective with the ball, apart from a beauty to Kallis at Cape Town when it didn't matter, but damaging as he continued to let up pressure at ever opportunity. Useful tailend biffing on occasion.

3
Rana Naved-ul-Hasan
Test matches continue to flummox him as a desperately poor stint with the new ball at Centurion confirmed. Leaked runs for fun and never looked like taking a wicket until the very end. Cheery, breezy run-bashing lower down, reinforcing the belief that he is a key ODI player.

3
Faisal Iqbal
Errr. Asim Kamal anyone?

Choose your own marks

Shoaib Akhtar
A five if for those who think he left his team in the lurch by getting injured when they needed him most, and picking a fight with Bob Woolmer to boot. A nine for those who think his 11 overs and four wickets set up and eventually won the Test for Pakistan.

Osman Samiuddin is Pakistan editor of Cricinfo

© Cricinfo

Pakistani fans facing visa problems for World Cup

If Australian and New Zealand fans thought they were facing problems in obtaining visas for the World Cup in the West Indies, then they should spare a thought for their Pakistani counterparts. Anyone from Pakistan will have to apply to an embassy in India, a country with which relations are notoriously fragile, for visas to travel to the Caribbean.

According to Caricom guidelines, fans from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan must send their passports to the Trinidad and Tobago embassy in New Delhi, the Indian capital, to obtain special visas for all nine countries hosting the games of the March 13 to April 28 event. The exercise, for obvious reasons, is fraught with risk.

But negotiations are underway between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Pakistani foreign office to get the visas issued in Pakistan instead. Ahsan Malik, PCB spokesman, told AFP, "There is a precedent that special visa arrangements were made for fans in the past."

Citizens from the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland and South Africa are exempt from the visa requirement but supporters from major cricketing countries like India, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka are not.

Malik said the PCB had received formal requests from organisations, travel agents and supporters to arrange a visa facility in Pakistan. "Previously the British High Commission used to issue Caribbean visas but now there is no such arrangement. The PCB is hopeful that very soon we have a temporary authority for issuing World Cup visas in Pakistan," he said.

The PCB was also seeking help from the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Malik added. "Nasim Ashraf, the PCB chairman, has talked to the WICB chairman Kenneth Gordon, who has promised to help as he knows Pakistan is a cricket-loving country and a lot of people would like to see the World Cup matches," he said.

Travel agencies called on the government to intervene. "The government needs to get involved in the World Cup visa scheme -- only then can travel agencies launch cup packages for the fans," said Tahir Rajput, spokesman for the Travel Agents' Association of Pakistan. "Whether travel is inbound or outbound it helps generating revenues. Cricket is a craze here and a lot of people want to travel to the Caribbean," said Rajput.

Preparations for the event have already been overshadowed by a number of problems fans from Australia and New Zealand are facing in obtaining visas for the Caribbean. The setting up of the visa offices was delayed, New Zealand fans had to apply for visas in Australia and passports had to be posted. Additionally, Caricom imposed a visa charge of US$100, a move widely condemned by fans.

© Cricinfo

Fletcher to decide his own future

England and Wales Cricket Board chairman David Morgan says Duncan Fletcher's job as coach is secure despite dismal results in Australia.

Following the Ashes series whitewash England have been bowled out for 120 and 110 in their last two defeats in the one-day series.

But Morgan told BBC Radio Five Live: "I don't anticipate him going. That is my assessment of the position."

Fletcher, 58, and the ECB will review matters at the end of the World Cup.
But asked whether Fletcher, who has been in charge since 1999, was likely to be coach for the first Test against West Indies in May, Morgan said: "I think that is likely to be the position, yes."

A day after Sri Lanka's highly-rated coach Tom Moody ruled himself out of the Australian job - effectively offering himself as a candidate to succeed Fletcher - Morgan added: "We've sounded out no other coach at all."

"Duncan is on a staff contract, he's rated very highly as an international cricket coach and I still believe he can bring some good out of this tour"

David Morgan

Bob Woolmer has openly declared his interest in the job after the World Cup, but Welshman Morgan suggested there would be no vacancy until Fletcher decided to walk himself.

Morgan, 69, has a close relationship with Fletcher since they were chairman and coach, respectively, of Glamorgan since the mid-1990s.

Zimbabwe-born Fletcher has faced mounting criticism since November, however, and Morgan admitted results had been "hugely disappointing" in Australia.

But he refused to lay the blame for England's failings on Fletcher's door.

"It's been open season since the end of the first Test in Brisbane," he said.

"Duncan is on a staff contract, he's rated very highly as an international cricket coach and I still believe he can bring some good - along with the team - out of this tour.

"Duncan has the same sort of future as any other senior executive employed by the ECB.

"He's not the subject of a fixed term contract, which is the case with most other international coaches.

"Duncan Fletcher is a thoroughly good, thoroughly professional cricket coach."

Morgan said he had not asked Fletcher directly whether he was keen to remain in his role long term.

But he added: "I've great confidence in him. He was applauded by the media for playing an important part in winning the Ashes in 2005.

"It's the same Duncan Fletcher, it's the same England coach, it's the same techniques and I believe that it can work."

Injuries stifle England ambitions

CB Series, Perth: England v New Zealand
Play starts Tuesday 0430 GMT
The Live Scores of the match will be available here.

England will leave a final decision on the fitness of skipper Michael Vaughan until just before the start of their game with New Zealand on Tuesday.

But it is highly unlikely he will play in the vital CB series fixture in Perth after aggravating his hamstring injury.

Seam bowlers James Anderson and Jon Lewis will not play as neither has recovered from niggles which forced them out of last Friday's match.

Vaughan was restricted to some light running during practice on Monday.
"Vaughanie is doubtful," acting captain Andrew Flintoff admitted.

"The final decision will be made tomorrow when we see how he rocks up."

Vaughan has missed the last three matches after suffering the injury during the win over the Kiwis in Hobart two weeks ago, England's sole success in the competition so far.

And he was in pain again after attempting to avoid a short delivery from pace bowler Sajid Mahmood at England's practice base at Fletcher Oval, home of Perth Cricket Club, on Sunday.
"I just felt a little bit of a twinge when I ducked a ball," he said.

"Every day we have tried to push it - there are always little obstacles you have to try to get over. I guess the odd twinges might be something I have to live with."

Whether he plays on Tuesday or not, Vaughan says a victory and morale-boosting finish to the series is essential.

England were hammered by Australia in Adelaide last Friday after being bowled out for only 110 - that came after New Zealand skittled them for 120 in their previous game.

"In eight years in the England team, that was as low as I have ever seen players feel," he said of the nine-wicket thrashing by the Aussies.

Defeat on Tuesday will almost certainly end England's hopes of reaching the tri-series finals to cap a disastrous tour.

A New Zealand win leave England needing to win their last two games - one of those being against unbeaten Australia - to make the finals.

"He's found his pace again and been swinging it at pace. He's bowled well with the new ball, especially in these one-day games"

Andrew Flintoff on the injured James Anderson

Interim captain Andrew Flintoff said it was not the time to be risking key players such as Anderson (back) and Lewis (ankle).

"They won't be available," he said.

"With the World Cup coming up it is a case of managing them well because we are going to need them further down the line."

Anderson has a history of back problems and is suffering from back soreness now, but Flintoff said he just needed a rest.

"He's been fantastic, I think he has got better and better on this trip," the skipper said.

"He's found his pace again and been swinging it at pace. He's bowled well with the new ball, especially in these one-day games."

Flintoff said England were considering shuffling their batting order on Tuesday, while wicket-keeper Paul Nixon is under pressure to retain his place ahead of Chris Read.

Paceman Sajid Mahmood has been lively in the nets and could also win a recall to spice up the England attack.
New Zealand are set to recall fast bowlers Shane Bond and James Franklin.

The pair missed Sunday's high-scoring clash with Australia to conserve their energy for Tuesday.

New Zealand's brave run-chase on Sunday has them brimming with confidence ahead of the match with England.

Jacob Oram played the starring role, scoring 101 not out off 72 balls, the fastest hundred ever made by a New Zealander in a one-day international.

The big all-rounder also bowled five overs in the searing heat but has recovered well and is hoping to continue his form against the English at the same ground on Tuesday.

"I haven't hit it that well for that duration," he said.

"There's been little cameos of 30-40 when I've hit it pretty well but five or six sixes, I was pretty happy with that."

The Kiwis expect another all-rounder, Scott Styris, to join them next week after recovering from a calf injury.

---

England (from): MP Vaughan (captain), A Flintoff, MB Loye, AJ Strauss, IR Bell, PD Collingwood, RS Bopara, JWM Dalrymple, PA Nixon (wicket-keeper), MS Panesar, CT Tremlett, EC Joyce, SI Mahmood, LE Plunkett, CMW Read.

New Zealand (from): SP Fleming (captain), SE Bond, JEC Franklin, PG Fulton, MR Gillespie, BB McCullum (wicket-keeper), CD McMillan, HJH Marshall, MJ Mason, JS Patel, RL Taylor, DL Vettori, L Vincent, KD Mills, JDP Oram.

Umpires: SJA Taufel & Asad Rauf (Pakistan), Match referee: RS Madugalle (Sri Lanka)

Ireland arrive for World League

Ireland coach Adrian Birrell has brought his team to Nairobi less than 48 hours before their World Cricket League opener against Scotland.

The 15-man Ireland squad touched down in the Kenyan capital on Sunday from Port Elizabeth, leaving them only one full day to acclimatise.

Birrell said: "It was deliberate. I knew the facilities would be world class in Port Elizabeth."

The tournament started with an easy win for the hosts over Bermuda on Sunday.

Ireland take on Scotland on Tuesday, with Canada and the Netherlands also featuring.

All six nations have qualified for the World Cup starting in mid-March.

The Scots have been away from home since early January.

They toured Bangladesh first, and have since had plenty of time in Kenya before the competition, playing in a tri-series against Kenya and Canada earlier this month.

Despite a food-poisoning outbreak having affected many of their team, they won both their matches against Canada.

Kenya beat them twice, but on the second occasion only by seven runs.

Coach Peter Drinnen said: "I am very, very happy with how we have prepared for this tournament."

India bring in revitalised Pathan

One-day international, Vadodara: India v West Indies
Match starts 0330 GMT Wednesday

India are set to continue their squad rotation policy for the final match of the one-day series against West Indies.

All-rounder Irfan Pathan is set to play his first game on Wednesday since being sent home from the tour to South Africa because of his poor form with the ball.

"Irfan seems to have got his bowling rhythm back," said Ian Fraser, a sports scientist working with the team.

West Indies have the momentum after winning in Madras on Saturday to cut India's lead in the series to 2-1.

A stand of 127 between Marlon Samuels (98) and skipper Brian Lara (83) was the key to a successful run chase, but Lara is looking for more from some of their other batsmen.

Chris Gayle, the star of last year's ICC Champions Trophy, has managed one half century but nothing else of note in the three games so far and Runako Morton has only scored nine runs in three innings.

They could recall all-rounder Dwayne Smith after an ineffective bowling performance by Rayad Emrit in his debut appearance.

"We have one game left and the World Cup coming up so I think this is a very crucial game for us," Lara commented.

India, meanwhile, have revealed that they plan to announce their squad for the World Cup in the Caribbean on 11 or 12 February. Before that, however, they have another four-match home series against Sri Lanka.

The selectors are still considering their options and fast bowler Munaf Patel has also been working with the squad after an undistinguished effort in the final Test in South Africa, which attracted plenty of criticism from the Board of Control.

He was watched closely in the nets by physio John Gloster, who is due to submit a report on the fitness of all World Cup hopefuls before the squad is confirmed.

"We wanted to have a look at Munaf's bowling ahead of the series against Sri Lanka," skipper Rahul Dravid explained.

Aussies top NZ in batting battle

One-day series, Perth: Australia 343-5 (50 overs) beat New Zealand 335-5 (50 overs) by eight runs.
Here is the Scorecard.
Australia just managed an eight-run win over New Zealand despite recording the highest one-day total ever in Perth.

Matthew Hayden (117) and Ricky Ponting (111) put on 200 in 34 overs.

Andrew Symonds (24), Michael Hussey (29no) and Cameron White (20no) helped add 101 runs in the last 10 overs to take the hosts to 343-5.

But Jacob Oram hit an unbeaten 101 from 72 balls, with six sixes, and Brendon McCullum smashed 46 from 39 to keep the Kiwis in it until the final over.

Only South Africa - against Australia in Johannesburg last January - have successfully chased a higher target.

The result keeps alive England's mathematical chances of reaching the best-of-three one-day series finals.

But England will struggle to match New Zealand's batting pyrotechnics when they meet the Black Caps at the same venue on Tuesday.
New Zealand began their chase aggressively, with Lou Vincent hitting an assured 67 after being recalled following Nathan Astle's sudden retirement.

His team-mates struggled to settle, though, with three batsmen passing 20 but failing to capitalise.

Vincent was trapped lbw trying to sweep spinner Michael Clarke and Craig McMillan was out 10 balls later - in the 28th over - leaving New Zealand 142-3.

When rain hit, the Kiwis needed, with Jacob Oram blazing on 60 not out, but they were 23 runs down on the Duckworth/Lewis score.

Oram, in just his second match back from injury, found the going easier, though, sharing a stand of 48 with Ross Taylor before finding an ally in McCullum.

He reached 50 from 39 balls, after clubbing sixes off successive balls from Clarke then lofting Glenn McGrath over the boundary rope.

Rain hit with the tourists needing 88 to win from 48 balls and while Oram was not distracted, Australia's bowlers regrouped just enough, Nathan Bracken bowling two vital overs at the death.

On a baking hot day at the Waca, with temperatures touching 40C, Australia had a lucky start when Hayden was dropped at cover by Daniel Vettori on nought.

Hayden survived two more chances, put down by Ross Taylor at mid-on on four and on 79, by substitute fielder Hamish Marshall, also at mid-on.

But, with his World Cup place at the upcoming in the balance, he made the most of his good fortune, reaching his century from 104 balls, with 11 fours.

Ponting did not give a chance in notching his 21st one-day international century in 113 balls, with seven fours and one six.

In his 266th match moved him to fourth in the all-time list of ODI centurions, behind Sachin Tendulkar (40), Sanath Jayasuriya (23) and Sourav Ganguly (22).

Together, Hayden and Ponting reached their century partnership from 113 balls and their stand passed 200 from 203, setting a new second-wicket record at the Waca ground.

New Zealand were punished for resting opening duo Shane Bond and James Franklin with an eye to Tuesday's must-win match against England.

Vettori was the only effective bowler, his 10 overs costing 34 for the wicket of Hayden, who was bowled giving the spinner the charge.

Ponting was caught at deep midwicket after a wild pull at McMillan but the stage was set nicely for Australia's big-hitters

Symonds hit two sixes, White one and Hussey showing his adaptability on his home ground with three shots over the boundary rope.

The previous best score at this ground was the West Indies' 309-6 against Sri Lanka in 1985.

Australia made two changes to the side that beat England on Friday, recalling Bracken and McGrath at the expense of Brad Hogg and Stuart Clark.

Woolmer blasts Pakistan schedule

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer blamed a congested fixture schedule for his side's injuries after their 2-1 Test series defeat by South Africa.

Shoaib Akhtar and Umar Gul flew home before the Cape Town Test, leaving a tired Mohammad Asif to do most of the fast bowling in the five-wicket loss.

"Fatigue leads to injuries - it's a proven equation," Woolmer said.

"If you have too much fatigue, your back goes or you twinge a hamstring or get a stress fracture."

In the last six months Woolmer's men have had Test series against England, West Indies and South Africa, as well as 12 one-dayers including the Champions Trophy in India.

They now face a Twenty20 game and five ODIs against the Proteas before the World Cup in March.

He added: "The current schedules are ridiculous - cricket has to look at it. As a coach I have to manage these things.

"We've got Umar Gul, Shoaib Akhtar and Shabbir Ahmed sitting at home.

"Somewhere along the line the commercial aspects and the physical aspects of looking after players have to be revisited."

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq was off the field for much of day three with a back injury.
Seamer Mohammad Sami struggled to bowl his one over after the webbing of his bowling hand was split while fielding on Saturday.

Despite those handicaps, a brave display from Asif gave the visitors hope of victory when two early wickets reduced South Africa to 39-4 in their pursuit of 161.

The 24-year-old took 19 wickets in the series and bowled 126 overs in the three-match series - a workload second only to leg-spinner Danish Kaneria.

"Asif has been incredible. He's a top quality bowler," Woolmer enthused.

"He's still young in Test cricket and has got a long way to mature but he's very close to the top of his trade already.

"With fine tuning and greater fitness levels he'll be a real force in the future of Pakistan cricket."

South Africa seal series victory

Third Test, Cape Town, day three: South Africa 183 & 161-5 bt Pakistan 157 & 186 by five wickets
Here are the Live Scores.

Jacques Kallis and Ashwell Prince hit fifties as South Africa won the third Test against Pakistan in Cape Town by five wickets to clinch the series 2-1.

Mohammad Asif got Graeme Smith lbw and had Hashim Amla caught behind to make it 39-4 during a superb morning spell.

He continued to jag the ball around in the afternoon and leg-spinner Danish Kaneria turned the ball viciously, while Prince was dropped twice.

But though Kallis (51) fell with five needed, Prince (59) saw the hosts home.

A flurry of boundaries came near the end, with Pakistan's bowlers deflated but that was not the story of the morning.

The Newlands surface had come in for plenty of criticism and continued to offer assistance for pace and spin bowlers alike after the Proteas resumed on 36-2.

Skipper Smith, who had looked so assured on Saturday evening, played around a straight one from Asif and was plumb lbw, while Amla nicked behind.

Only 11 runs came in 15 overs in the first hour - seven of which were maidens - and the 14 needed to bring up the 50 were all garnered in singles.

With Asif bowling a probing line outside off-stump and Kaneria unfurling fizzing leg-breaks and well-disguised googlies, the batsmen were reluctant to take any risks.

It was only when Mohammad Sami came on for Asif that the pressure lifted, with Kallis driving through the covers and down the ground for the first two boundaries of the day in the 24th over.

Prince finally got his first four off his 77th ball when he drove Asif through mid-on in the second over after lunch.

But the attritional theme of the morning continued, with Asif producing another lion-hearted spell in which Kallis came close to edging behind and survived a strong lbw shout playing no shot.

Gradually, though, Asif and Kaneria's appeals became increasingly desperate and the umpires asked vice-captain Younis Khan to cool things down.

Asif had to tire eventually and both batsmen pulled him for fours before tucking into Nazir, who confirmed that the back-up bowling was nowhere near as threatening.

Prince should have gone for 31, however, when he pushed at Kaneria with the score on 116-4 and the ball came off inside edge and pad, but Imran Farhat could not hold on with his right hand at silly mid-off.

The left-hander was then lucky to see an inside edge off the leg-spinner miss the stumps and wicket-keeper Akmal's gloves as Pakistan's frustration grew.

Prince sliced Nazir over gully to the vacant third man boundary to bring up the century partnership off 262 balls before both reached their half centuries off 147 and 132 deliveries.

In a frenetic finish, Kallis was clean bowled by Nazir and Akmal dropped Prince off the same bowler before AB de Villiers drove Kaneria through mid-on for the winning two runs shortly before tea.

Live Scores-3rd Test Pakistan Vs Southafrica

26-01-2007 at Cape Town, Day 3 of 5
South Africa beat Pakistan by 5 wickets
South Africa won the toss and decided to field
Pakistan 1st Innings
157 all out (43.1 overs)
South Africa 1st Innings
183 all out (53.0 overs)
Pakistan 2nd Innings
186 all out (51.2 overs
South Africa 2nd Innings
161 for 5 (64.0 overs)








Umpires: S A Bucknor, P D Parker
South Africa: G C Smith, H H Dippenaar, H M Amla, J H Kallis, A G Prince, A B de Villiers, M V Boucher, A J Hall, P L Harris, M Ntini, D W Steyn
Pakistan: Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat, Yasir Hameed, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Kamran Akmal, Shahid Nazir, Mohammad Sami, Danish Kaneria, Mohammad Asif

Live Scores-3rd test Pakistan Vs SouthAfrica-Day 3

26-01-2007 at Cape Town, Day 3 of 5
In Play
South Africa won the toss and decided to field
Pakistan 1st Innings
157 all out (43.1 overs)
South Africa 1st Innings
183 all out (53.0 overs)
Pakistan 2nd Innings
186 all out (51.2 overs)
South Africa 2nd Innings
54 for 4 (33.4 overs)

Click here to see the previous Scorecard.

Umpires: S A Bucknor, P D Parker
South Africa: G C Smith, H H Dippenaar, H M Amla, J H Kallis, A G Prince, A B de Villiers, M V Boucher, A J Hall, P L Harris, M Ntini, D W Steyn
Pakistan: Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat, Yasir Hameed, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Kamran Akmal, Shahid Nazir, Mohammad Sami, Danish Kaneria, Mohammad Asif

Live Scores-S Africa set sights on series win

Third Test, Cape Town, day two (stumps): South Africa 183 & 36-2 v Pakistan 157 & 186
Here are the Live Scores.
South Africa need 125 more to win the series against Pakistan after ending day two of the third Test on 36-2.

Mark Boucher's fine unbeaten 40 lifted their first innings score to 183 after they slumped from 131-5 to 140-8.

Pakistan were then reeling on 121-7 after Dale Steyn took three wickets but Mohammad Sami (31) and Shahid Nazir (27) added 55 to help them make 186.

Danish Kaneria got Boeta Dippenaar and Paul Harris late on as the wickets kept tumbling but the hosts have the edge.

It did not look that way when the tourists struck three early blows in the first session.

Ashwell Prince was unlucky to be adjudged caught at silly mid-off when he appeared to get no touch to a Danish Kaneria googly and the ball deflected off wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal's gloves.

But Harris and Andrew Hall were the first in a long line of players to perish driving loosely outside off-stump.

Boucher showed batting was far from impossible when he thrashed three fours and a massive six over long-on in a Mohammad Asif over costing 22 runs.

Pakistan's top order failed dismally, however, and Steyn profited to have Mohammad Hafeez caught at backward point and trap Imran Farhat lbw with one that nipped back into the left-hander.

Younis Khan should have been run out by yards when Yasir Hameed sent him back but was soon back in the pavilion anyway when he chased a Makhaya Ntini delivery.

Hameed and Mohammad Yousuf produced some blistering shots to take the lead past 50 but Andrew Hall sparked another flurry of wickets which left them in danger of a two-day defeat.

He jagged the ball back in sharply to bowl Yousuf through the gate and saw Hameed push leaden-footedly to Prince before Kamran Akmal was stumped milimetres outside his ground lunging forward to spinner Harris.

Captain Inzamam-ul-Haq survived a tough stumping chance off Harris and a dropped catch from Kallis off Hall before Steyn had him caught behind after tea.

South Africa lost their edge in the field for a while and Nazir was dropped twice, by Kallis at slip off Harris and by Hall at gully off Steyn, before playing some of the best shots of the day.

There were two straight drives off Kallis and one off Ntini but Kallis ended the fun when he induced an edge and Sami mis-timed a pull off the same bowler as the innings ended in a hurry.

Smith was immediately into his stride, particularly straight down the ground and through mid-wicket, and picked up six boundaries in his unbeaten 33 courtesy of some handsome drives off Asif and Nazir.

Dippenaar did not offer much, however, and was caught by Boucher off the back of his bat attempting to sweep Kaneria, who had night-watchman Harris leg-before in the last over of the day.

It was just the boost Pakistan needed but if the home side show a level of caution yet to be demonstrated in this game, they should complete a second succesive 2-1 series triumph after beating India earlier in their summer.

Windies hold off battling India

One-day international, Madras (Chennai): West Indies 270-7 (43.4 overs) v India 268 (48 overs)
Here is the Scorecard of the Match.
West Indies overcame a blazing start by India to secure a three-wicket win in the third one-day game in Madras.

Opener Robin Uthappa smashed 70 from 41 balls to take India to 95-2 in the 11th over but they were bowled out for 268.

Sachin Tendulkar (60) and Rahul Dravid (57) put on 106 but Dwayne Bravo took 4-39 as the last five wickets fell for 13 runs in the space of just six overs.

Marlon Samuels hit 98 and captain Brian Lara 83 as the tourists cruised home with six overs to spare.

The result leaves the series at 2-1 to India with the final match in Baroda on Wednesday.

The touring team's chase got off to the worst possible start when Chris Gayle was lbw first ball to Ajit Agarkar.

But Agarkar's opening partner Shanthakumaran Sreesanth was inconsistent and the decision to pick only two pace bowlers was made to look foolish.

Runako Morton, hit on the back of the head by a throw from the field, managed just a single but Samuels shared stands of 65 with Devon Smith (33) and 127 with Lara.

Samuels, who scored heavily on the off side with 12 boundaries, was stopped short of his third ODI century when caught behind flashing at a ball from Agarkar that kept low to edge behind.

But Lara carried his side to within 12 runs of victory with a stylish innings, ended as he looked for a second six off portly spinner Ramesh Powar.

That was the first of three wickets as Bravo and Lendl Simmons both departed before Denesh Ramdin hit the winning runs.

Had a further wicket fallen, Caribbean fans may have questioned the decision to rest in-form batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

Lara, back in the side after a match off to rest a knee problem, appeared to have made the wrong decision when he put the home side in to bat.

Uthappa replaced veteran Sourav Ganguly in an experimental line-up to play just his fourth international and made the most of the opportunity.

Bravo's first over was a chastening experience as he was hit for 19 by Uthappa, including a huge six over long-off.

For a good while the ground record of 327 looked in danger but the wickets of Dravid and Tendulkar in the space of three overs finally calmed the pace.

Gayle's beguiling off-spin finally saw Dravid caught at the long-on fence, while Tendulkar was undone by a leaping catch by Morton at mid-on.

And, after Yuvraj Singh and Dinesh Karthik fell to Bravo's extra bounce in the 42nd over, the tail was unable to see out the full 50 overs.

Yuvraj, who returned to the side after three months out with a knee injury, was caught and bowled off a misjudged pull for 10 and Karthik was caught behind for eight.

Live Scores-Pakistan toil as SA bowlers shine

Third Test, Cape Town, day two (tea): South Africa 183 v Pakistan 157 & 117-6
Here are the Live Scores.
South Africa gained the upper hand on day two of the deciding third Test by reducing Pakistan to 117-6 at tea, giving the tourists a lead of only 91.

Dale Steyn got both openers and Makhaya Ntini removed Younis Khan for a duck to leave the tourists reeling on 44-3.

Yasir Hameed (35) hit seven fours and Mohammad Yousuf (18) also tried to attack but Andrew Hall dismissed both.

Paul Harris had Kamran Akmal stumped, and skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq was dropped and survived a stumping opportunity.

It continued a frenetic and absorbing battle of wits which began on Friday on a pitch continuing to help seamers but losing a bit of the pace it had on day one.

The hosts, 131-5 overnight, had spoken of claiming a lead of 100 but that looked a remote possibility as soon as Pakistan struck three early blows.

Ashwell Prince appeared to get no touch to a Danish Kaneria googly but umpire Steve Bucknor raised his finger when the ball deflected off keeper Akmal's gloves to silly mid-off.

Harris drove flat-footedly at Asif to edge to slip and Hall nicked leg-spinner Kaneria behind before Boucher thrashed three fours and a massive six over long-on in an Asif over costing 22 runs.

Kaneria was then biffed over mid-wicket for another maximum before Younis brilliantly ran out Steyn and Ntini trapped Sami lbw first ball to end the mayhem.

Steyn was rewarded for some fine bowling at the start of Pakistan's second innings when Mohammad Hafeez thrashed a full delivery to Prince at backward point and Imran Farhat was pinned lbw by one that nipped back into the left-hander.

Younis should have been run out by yards when Hameed sent him back but was soon back in the pavilion anyway when he drove loosely outside off-stump.

Hameed and Yousuf were determined to get after the bowlers and amid some powerful drives, particular from the former, both came close to giving their wickets away with ambitious strokes.

With the lead creeping past 50 and things quietening down for almost the first time in the game, Hall sparked another flurry of wickets.

He jagged the ball back in sharply to bowl Yousuf through the gate and saw Hameed push leaden-footedly to Prince.

Inzamam could have joined the procession but Boucher missed a tough chance to stump and Kallis nearly held on to a stunner at second slip off Hall.

Akmal had no such luck and was a matter of milimetres outside his ground when he lunged forward to Harris and Boucher disturbed the bails.

Live Scores-India fade after brilliant start

One-day international, Madras (Chennai): India 268 (48 overs) v West Indies
Here are the Live Scores
India made a blazing start to the third one-day international against West Indies but were bowled out for 268 with two overs left in Madras (Chennai).

On a wicket with good pace and bounce, opener Robin Uthappa smashed 70 from 41 balls in just his fourth international.

And there were half centuries from veterans Sachin Tendulkar (60) and Rahul Dravid (57).

But Dwayne Bravo took 4-39 as the last five wickets fell for 13 runs in the space of just six overs.

For a good while the ground record of 327 looked in danger but the wickets of Dravid and Tendulkar in the space of three overs finally calmed the pace.

And, after Yuvraj Singh and Dinesh Karthik fell to Bravo's extra bounce in the 42nd over, the tail was unable to see out the full 50 overs.

Already 2-0 up in the series with two to play, India fielded an experimental line-up, making four changes.

Uthappa, in for veteran Sourav Ganguly, made the most of the opportunity and when he was caught in the deep in the 11th over, 95 runs were already on the board.

Opening partner Gautam Gambhir had no such fortune, though, slashing the sixth delivery he faced to third man.

Bravo's first over was a chastening experience as he was hit for 19 by Uthappa, including a huge six over long-off.

Promoted to three, Suresh Raina made a cameo 23 before Tendulkar joined Dravid to keep the pace high through the middle of the innings.

They scored at similar pace but Tendulkar found the boundary just twice during his 66-ball stay while Dravid hit six fours.

Chris Gayle's beguiling off-spin finally saw Dravid caught at the long-on fence, while Tendulkar was undone by a leaping catch by Runako Morton at mid-on.

Yuvraj returned to the side after three months out with a serious knee injury.

West Indies captain Brian Lara passed a fitness test on his own troublesome knee but in-form batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul was rested.

Pakistan recall Shabbir after ban-ODI squad

Seamer Shabbir Ahmed is to return to Pakistan's one-day squad in South Africa, a year after he was banned for having an illegal bowling action.

Shabbir, who has taken 33 wickets in 32 one-day internationals, was banned after being reported twice in 2005.

Abdul Razzaq has overcome a calf injury to rejoin the squad, currently playing the deciding Test of the series, and Shahid Afridi will also fly out.

Spinner Danish Kaneria and paceman Shahid Nazir are among those left out.

The International Cricket Council has said Shabbir's action will remain under scrutiny and his clearance does not mean he cannot be reported again.

Pakistan one-day squad: Inzamam-ul-Haq (capt), Younis Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Yasir Hameed, Imran Nazir, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Yousuf, Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Zulqarnain Haider, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, Mohammad Asif, Abdul Rehman, Shabbir Ahmed, Imran Farhat, Mohammad Sami.

Live Scores-3rd test Pakistan Vs Southafrica-Day 2-Stumps

Close
South Africa won the toss and decided to field
Pakistan 1st Innings
157 all out (43.1 overs)
South Africa 1st Innings
183 all out (53.0 overs)
Pakistan 2nd Innings
186 all out (51.2 overs)
South Africa 2nd Innings
36 for 2 (11.1 overs)










Click here to see Previous Scores.
Umpires: S A Bucknor, P D Parker
South Africa: G C Smith, H H Dippenaar, H M Amla, J H Kallis, A G Prince, A B de Villiers, M V Boucher, A J Hall, P L Harris, M Ntini, D W Steyn
Pakistan: Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat, Yasir Hameed, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Kamran Akmal, Shahid Nazir, Mohammad Sami, Danish Kaneria, Mohammad Asif

Live Scores-South Africa gain edge in decider

Third Test, Cape Town, day two (lunch): South Africa 183 v Pakistan 157 & 22-1
Here are the Live Scores.

South Africa held a slight advantage at lunch on day two of the deciding third Test with Pakistan four behind on 22-1.

The Proteas slumped from 131-5 to 140-8 in quick time but Mark Boucher's unbeaten 40 off 36 balls smashed them past Pakistan's 157 in Cape Town.

Mohammad Asif conceded 22 in one over before Dale Steyn and Makhaya Ntini fell off successive balls on 183.

With the pitch still offering bounce and seam movement, Mohammad Hafeez was caught off Steyn just before lunch.

It continued the absorbing battle of wits which began on Friday.

Pakistan struck three early blows, the first of which owed more to fortune than assistance from the surface.

Ashwell Prince appeared to get no touch to a Danish Kaneria googly but umpire Steve Bucknor raised his finger when the ball deflected off wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal's gloves to silly mid-off.

Paul Harris then drove flat-footedly at Asif to edge to slip and there was no doubt when Andrew Hall edged leg-spinner Kaneria behind.

With the hosts in danger of falling short, Boucher launched a devastating sequence of big-hitting off Asif.

He crashed two fours through mid-wicket, top-edged another to fine-leg and straight-drove for four more before heaving the ball well over long-on for six.

Kaneria was then biffed a long way back into the crowd at mid-wicket, while Mohammad Sami was carved over cover for four.

The mayhem ended thanks to a brilliant piece of fielding from Younis Khan, who threw down the stumps from gully to run out Steyn, and a full delivery from Sami to trap Ntini lbw first ball.

Ntini and Steyn then continued to extract steepling bounce, although Imran Farhat and Hafeez had several loose deliveries to tuck into.

But Hafeez's attempt to thrash a full and wide one resulted in Prince taking a smart catch at backward point to provide another twist in a fascinating encounter.

Live Scores-3rd Odi India vs WestIndies

27-01-2007 at Chennai
Close
West Indies won the toss and decided to field
India Innings
268 all out (48.0 overs)
West Indies Innings
270 for 7 (43.4 overs)






The Live Scores will be updated frequently.

Umpires: B F Bowden, S L Shastri
India: G Gambhir, A R Uthappa, R Dravid, S R Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, S K Raina, K D Karthik, A Kumble, A B Agarkar, R R Powar, S Sreesanth
West Indies: C H Gayle, R S Morton, B C Lara, M N Samuels, D J Bravo, D S Smith, R R Emrit, LMP Simmons, D Ramdin, J E Taylor, D B Powell

Yuvraj returns for Windies clash

One-day international, Madras (Chennai): India v West Indies
Match starts 0900 GMT or 0230IST
The Live Scores of the match will be available here

India have shaken up their team for the third game of their series against West Indies in Madras (Chennai).

Yuvraj Singh returns after recovering from a knee injury along with Anil Kumble, Robin Uthappa and Suresh Raina.

"Positive results matter a lot. But we must also give a chance to more players to get on the flight for the World Cup," explained captain Rahul Dravid.

Former skipper Sourav Ganguly is among the players rested by India, who lead 2-0 with two games to play.

The others given a break are pace bowler Zaheer Khan, spinner Harbhajan Singh and wicket-keeper Mahendra Dhoni, who will be replaced behind the stumps by Dinesh Karthik.

"We're playing good cricket, we've won a couple of close games and the mood in the team is good," Dravid commented.

"There's no magic formula for victory. It's just that key players are doing well in crucial situations."

The selectors are looking closely at the performances of the batsmen ahead of the World Cup and Dravid said having Yuvraj available again was very important.

"Yuvraj has been declared medically fit, now it's just a matter of him playing a couple of games. He's too important a player not to be given a chance."

West Indies, meanwhile, will make a late decision on the fitness of skipper Brian Lara, who missed Wednesday's 20-run defeat at Cuttack because of a persistent knee problem.

They want to finish the tour on a high note so they will go into the World Cup, which they are hosting for the first time, in a positive frame of mind.

"It's very important for us not to lose confidence after a couple of defeats," said Lara.

"Encountering different types of pitches at Indian venues has made for some good experience.

"We're not just looking at the results, but at the bigger picture as this is our build-up series for the World Cup," he added.

Live Scores-Honours even as Pakistan hit back

Third Test, Cape Town, day one (stumps): South Africa 131-5 v Pakistan 157
Here are the Live scores


South Africa ended a wicket-laden first day of the deciding third Test on 131-5 after skittling Pakistan for only 157.

Makhaya Ntini and Jacques Kallis took four wickets each on a greenish pitch and the tourists would have fared even worse but for Mohammad Yousuf's 83.

He hit 10 fours and a six in a 90-ball knock before Mohammad Asif took two wickets as the Proteas also struggled.

Skipper Graeme Smith hit a fluent 64 but was well caught off Shahid Nazir by opposite number Inzamam-ul-Haq.

Yousuf and Smith deserved the most plaudits for surviving where plenty of others failed on a surface offering plenty of bounce and movement off the seam.

Mohammad Hafeez and Yasir Hameed soon edged Ntini to slip, while Imran Farhat was dropped by AB de Villiers off Ntini before fending Kallis to the same region.
When Younis Khan chased a wide one from Kallis to de Villiers to make it 54-4, Yousuf decided he had seen enough and launched a succession of glorious drives.

The prolific right-hander also cracked Kallis over fine-leg for six but, with wickets tumbling at the other end, he was forced into desperate strokes in the afternoon and was last man out trying to heave Ntini away on the off-side.

South Africa's reply also got off to a poor start when Asif jagged his third ball in to trap Boeta Dippenaar lbw before Hashim Amla nicked behind in his next over.

Smith, like Yousuf, realised attack was the best way out and crashed a succession of boundaries off Mohammad Sami and Nazir.

He had put on 80 with Kallis when the latter drove lazily at Mohammad Sami to inside-edge behind and Smith was also on his way when Inzamam stuck out his left hand to pluck a stunner at slip.

That looked to be the end of the day's drama until leg-spinner Danish Kaneria produced a fantastic googly to comprehensively bowl de Villiers.

Confident India rest key players

Favourite is a position the Indian cricket team does not like being in, but by resting four key players for the third ODI against West Indies at Chennai tomorrow, the management has sent the message across that they're confident of clinching the series. Sourav Ganguly, Zaheer Khan, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Harbhajan Singh will not play - Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa will open - and there is the likelihood that Yuvraj Singh will return after a lengthy injury lay-off.
Note:Live Cricket Scores of the match will be as usuall Available here.
Early last year, India were nearing the point where their World cup aspirations seemed quite grounded. As it stands now, matters have changed a little. Both Greg Chappell and Rahul Dravid have clearly identified batting as the area of concern.

Tomorrow's match holds plenty for India's young guns, namely Gambhir, Uthappa, and Suresh Raina, back in the side after a disastrous past few months that have yielded just 183 runs at 15.25 from 15 games. In recent times, Gambhir has shown few signs of being 25 and saddled with the pressure of filling Sachin Tendulkar's shoes, and his innings at Nagpur was one to derive positives from. With Virender Sehwag struggling, India needs a leadoff man with unmistakable aggressive intent, and Gambhir and Uthappa - riding on a successful Ranji Trophy season - must prove that they can do the job. Dinesh Karthik gets the chance to impress behind the stumps, and his batting performances recently have shown he's got the stomach for a fight. Yuvraj had a lengthy stint in the nets, and looked good. He's been analysed by the medical staff, and Dravid sounded confident when talking of his chances. His form is crucial to India's World Cup chances, and flexibility in the field here will be a boon.

Every team has its flaws - just ask the English - but India's bowling, for so long the flaw, has been its biggest success recently. Though it took a hiding at Nagpur, the bowling came up trumps defending a low total at Cuttack, and the composition at Chennai will include the spin combo of the wily veteran, Anil Kumble, and Ramesh Powar, who marked his return to the side with three wickets in the last game. Ajit Agarkar seems to have found himself a nice groove in which to bowl, but to say that he is the leader of the pack is premature. That leaves Sreesanth as the potential front man, but he will first need to up his tally in the shorter version of the game before assuming that responsibility. Though he was not present today, Irfan Pathan, in the wickets during Baroda's Ranji Trophy semi-final loss to Mumbai, may join the side in time for the match. If he plays, Pathan will fill the vital allrounder slot and add balance to the team.

Brian Lara didn't offer any hint of a change to the West Indies composition, but if he does return, then Devon Smith will be the man to make room at No.3. Smith looked uneasy at Cuttack, and its not all that hard to envision Lendl Simmons, who impressed with a responsible 70 against Pakistan late last year, getting a game in his place. Jerome Taylor, so deadly in the ICC Champions Trophy and at home against India in the summer, has yet to hit his straps on this tour but will retain his place.

The pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium looks a batting paradise. It's hard, baked, and there is but a smattering of green on the edges. As Dravid himself put it, with a smile, "It's a good wicket for batting. I wouldn't want to bowl too much spin out there, it's that kind of track. We should have a good-scoring game." Both India and West Indies have had to adjust to two very contrasting pitches in the series. Where Nagpur hosted a record-breaking run feast, Cuttack was a low-scoring affair on a dust bowl with variable bounce. To Lara, however, this was not a deterrent. "Its tough, but it's what you want. You don't want to be able to walk out there, close your eyes, and just bat, or go out and see a minefield," he said.

Moreover, Lara saw an opportunity to employ spin in the middle overs. "We have the likes of Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels, two guys who've done a very good job over the years for us in the middle overs. We are going to be depending on them a lot. We also have a few medium pacers, guys who get the ball to move about, roll their fingers over the seam, so I think we have what's necessary to perform well and we have what's necessary to ensure we get back into the series," he said.

Will inexperience matter? That remains to be seen, but given the confident nature exuded by Dravid and Lara when assessing their respective sides, you can be certain of one heck of a fight tomorrow.

Teams(likely):
India 1 Robin Uthappa, 2 Gautam Gambhir, 3 Sachin Tendulkar, 4 Rahul Dravid, 5 Yuvraj Singh, 6 Dinesh Karthik, 7 Suresh Raina, 8 Ajit Agarkar, 9 Ramesh Powar, 10 Anil Kumble, 11 Sreesanth.

West Indies 1 Chris Gayle, 2 Shivnarine Chanderpaul, 3 Brian Lara (if fit), 4 Marlon Samuels, 5 Dwayne Bravo, 6 Runako Morton, 7 Dwayne Smith, 8 Dinesh Ramdin (wk), 9 Ian Bradshaw, 10 Daren Powell, 11 Jerome Taylor.

Jamie Alter is editorial assistant of Cricinfo

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