Ireland move up cricket rankings

Minnows Ireland have leapfrogged Zimbabwe in the one-day international rankings after their stunning World Cup win over England, the International Cricket Council said Monday.

The sensational victory in Bangalore last Wednesday earned Ireland, a second-tier, or associate member of the ICC, enough points to move into 10th position in the rankings. Zimbabwe are a full member of the ICC with Test and one-day international status but are currently inactive in Tests.

Australia remain the top-ranked side, with World Cup joint hosts India in second place. Sri Lanka are up to third place.

Source: http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/37810/ireland-move-up-cricket-rankings

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Pakistan on brink of quarter-finals

Pakistan came into the World Cup besieged by a corruption scandal and doubts over Shahid Afridi's captaincy but they now stand on the verge of the last eight with the tournament's only perfect record. Inspired by Afridi, who has led from the front with a tournament-high 14 wickets, Pakistan sit on top of Group A with six points after wins over Kenya, Sri Lanka and Canada. Now they face New Zealand in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, on Tuesday, who are in fourth place in the group with two wins.

Pakistan started their World Cup bid under a cloud after former Test captain Salman Butt and pacemen Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer received lengthy bans on charges of corruption relating to last year's Lord's Test against England. But they have regrouped and Afridi, who is also known for his devastating hitting, has turned the side into genuine contenders for their first World title since 1992.

Amid the focus on the 31-year-old, Test skipper Misbah-ul-Haq urged his team-mates to take the pressure off Afridi, who took 5-16 against Kenya and followed up with four wickets against Sri Lanka and five against Canada. "It's really very good for a team that its captain is doing well, but other players are also required to play well, take responsibility and ease pressure off the captain," said Misbah.

Misbah said Afridi has led from the front in the tournament. "I think in all conditions, especially here, Afridi is a difficult bowler to handle, he has got variation and doesn't give the batsmen time. With that kind of aggression he has led from the front," he added. Misbah said Pakistan's recent one-day series win over New Zealand would count for nothing. "We have done well against them in World Cups and in the recent series there but that win will count for nothing as it's a new game at a new place," said Misbah, of Pakistan's 3-2 win in New Zealand last month. Pakistan are set to bring in paceman Shoaib Akhtar after resting him for the previous match against Canada, while left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman is also available after missing that game due to a leg muscle injury.

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori said he was aware of how good Pakistan's bowling attack could be. "They can probably defend any score because of the nature of their bowlers. They bring a lot to the table," he said. New Zealand, who lost to Australia by seven wickets but eased past Kenya and Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in each game, have four points after three matches. "It's a matter of stepping up against the harder teams," said Vettori, whose country has lost six World Cup matches against Pakistan since winning their first in 1983. The hill town of Kandy has suffered from persistent rains and the only international match here, a Test between Sri Lanka and the West Indies in December, was drawn without a single innings completed in five days.

The warm-up matches before the World Cup were also moved because of bad weather. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has criticised Bangladeshi fans for stoning the West Indies team bus after the home side was humiliated against the Caribbean side, in an apparent case of mistaken identity. The attack on the West Indies bus was "undesirable" and such behaviour could affect Bangladesh's chances of hosting further major events, Hasina told a political rally late Monday. The Prime Minister urged fans to be patient after any home defeat, saying it was "not acceptable that you will garland the players if they win and pelt them with stones if they lose," she said.

Source: http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/37838/pakistan-on-brink-of-quarter-finals

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India captain Dhoni 'rages against the machine'

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni hit out at the controversial Umpire Decision Review System (URDS) after a key decision went against his side in their dramatic World Cup tie with England. England, replying to India's 338 all out after Sachin Tendulkar's record-breaking fifth hundred in World Cup cricket, finished on 338 for eight following a magnificent career-best 158 from captain Andrew Strauss. Left-handed opener Strauss shared a vital third-wicket partnership of 170 with Ian Bell (69).

But their stand was worth just 52 when left-arm spinner Yuvraj Singh thought he had Bell lbw on review for 17, with replays showing the ball would have hit the stumps. Bell had started to walk off but because New Zealand umpire Billy Bowden's verdict was not out, the decision was returned to him by Australian replay official

Rod Tucker and the Kiwi deemed Bell to be too far down the pitch. However, a capacity crowd of mainly passionate India fans were left bemused having seen Bell 'dismissed' on the Chinnaswamy Stadium's giant replay screens.

Bell himself clearly thought he was out, walking off the pitch before his clearly unexpected reprieve and Dhoni too couldn't understand why he was allowed to continue his innings. India have stood alone amongst major nations in refusing to use UDRS in Tests after getting on the wrong side of the system during a series away to Sri Lanka in 2008 where several reviews went against them. "The adulteration of technology with human thinking meant we didn't get that (Bell) wicket," said Dhoni.

He was unhappy with the instruction to umpires at this World Cup that says if a batsman is more than 2.5 metres down the pitch he should be given not out, unless the ball would have hit middle stump. It was not certain if Bell's middle stump would have been knocked over but Dhoni said: "If Hawkeye says it's good and going to hit middle stump, I see no reason why the distance matters. "Simon (Taufel) once gave me out (like that) in the Champions Trophy. If I can be given out, why not any other batsman? It is pretty difficult for me, what I saw was ball hitting the stumps." Dhoni praised left-arm quick Zaheer Khan for a burst of three wickets for one run in six balls, including two in two to get rid of Bell and Strauss, that swung the match back India's way when England were on course for victory. "Well you know the way they were going, I think they got off to a very good start, I think Andrew (Strauss) batted really well.

There was a time I think where it seemed they were going to chase the score in 48, 49 overs," he said. He added: "We could not win the match, but England too could not finish the game, both teams were facing defeat or victory at some point." England needed 14 off the last over, from seamer Munaf Patel, but managed just 13 despite a third ball six from tailender Ajmal Shahzad. But Dhoni said it was India's fielding, long their Achilles heel, that had cost them a second victory of this tournament to set alongside their 87-run opening win over fellow co-hosts Bangladesh. "We could have fielded better. With this tie, everyone in the team will realise that even one run is important," said the captain.

Source: http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/37253/india-captain-dhoni-rages-against-the-machine

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Ervine, Taibu star as Zimbabwe score 298/9

Nagpur: Canada fought their way back into their World Cup tie against Zimbabwe by picking up wickets at regular intervals at Nagpur's Vidarbha stadium on Monday.

Earlier, steely counter-attack by Craig Ervine and Tatenda Taibu had put Zimbabwe in pole position to consolidate and move towards a competitive total.

Harvir Baidwan sent back Charles Coventry as Zimbabwe lost their second wicket.

Opening batsman Brendan Taylor was trapped leg before wicket for a golden duck by Khurram Chohan after Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura won the toss and elected to bat first.

Both teams will be desperate for a win after losing their opening fixtures to more fancied opponents.

While Canada received a sound thrashing at the hands of Sri Lanka by 210 runs at Hambantota, Zimbabwe went down by 91 runs in their match against four times World Champions Australia at Ahmedabad.

Teams:

Zimbabwe: BRM Taylor, CK Coventry, T Taibu, CR Ervine, E Chigumbura (capt), SC Williams, GA Lamb, P Utseya, AG Cremer, RW Price, CB Mpofu

Canada: NR Kumar, JM Davison, R Gunasekera, A Bagai (capt), AS Hansra, ZE Surkari, TG Gordon, Rizwan Cheema, Khurram Chohan, HS Baidwan, WD Balaji Rao

Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/zimbabwe-elect-to-bat-against-canada/54799-13.html

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Sri Lanka looms for struggling Kenya

Colombo: Sri Lanka have the chance to make a swift comeback from their dispiriting defeat by Pakistan with surely easy pickings against Kenya in a World Cup Group A match on Tuesday.
The co-hosts may have their troubles after losing to Pakistan on Saturday by 11 runs, a match they were widely tipped beforehand to win but nothing compared to the east Africans.

Not only have they crashed to 10-wicket and 205-run defeats to New Zealand and Pakistan respectively, but Cricket Kenya chief Samir Inamdar suggested that coach Eldine Baptiste had fallen out with his senior players.
Inamdar told Reuters that Baptiste had his own way of doing things which has not "gone down well" with some of the senior players.
Baptiste, meanwhile, has asked the players to go back to basics after their 205-run thrashing by Pakistan.
"We were not up to the mark in all three departments and in cricket whatever you do you have to stick to the basics, and when you play any international side you don't spurn your good starts," said Baptiste.
"It's about being persistent and at the moment we are just not doing that."
SHOT OUT
Of the four associate member teams participating in the World Cup, Kenya have been shown to be the weakest having being shot out for 69 in their opening game against New Zealand.
Sri Lanka have so far badly missed the services of fast bowler Lasith Malinga who is expected to play his first World Cup match to get some kind of rhythm against Australia on Saturday. He should cash in with some easy wickets.
"Lasith is improving. I think he is going to be back with us very shortly. We just didn't want to risk him over this match," Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara said after the Pakistan game.
Sri Lanka have one win over minnows Canada and another over Kenya will lift spirits again and give them a loosener at least for Saturday's match against holders and four-time winners Australia which should be another humdinger.
Kenya are the only associate side of this World Cup which have a win over Sri Lanka. That victory was achieved in the 2003 World Cup but since then Kenyan cricket has been on the slide as is all too evident here.

Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/sri-lanka-looms-for-struggling-kenya/54792-13.html

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Sri Lanka want World Cup win for Murali

Sri Lanka want to win the World Cup as a farewell trophy for legendary spinner and world record holder Muttiah Muralitharan who will retire from international cricket after the tournament.

The spinner, who holds the records for Test (800) and one-day wickets (521), is playing his fourth and final World Cup. He retired from Tests in July last year.

"He is a special person, a legend," teammate Chamara Kapugedera said of the wily 38-year-old on Thursday.

"Everyone in the team wants to give him (Murali) a good send off. We want to win the cup for Murali. It will be a great tribute," added Kapugedera, during team practice at Colombo's renovated R. Premadasa Stadium.

Sri Lanka, the 1996 World Cup winners and 2007 runners-up, are also keen to lift the trophy for the legions of home fans who treat the sport like a religion.

"The Sri Lankan crowd have been very supportive of us, even in bad times. So we are working hard to bring the Cup home again for our supporters too," the right-handed batsman said.

Knicknamed "Kapu", the middle-order batsman managed only two runs in Sri Lanka's first game in their opening Group A match against Canada on Sunday.

A tougher test awaits on Saturday when Sri Lanka meet South Asian rivals Pakistan in Colombo.

Pakistan, the 1992 winners, won Tuesday's opening game against Kenya comfortably and have never lost a World Cup match against Sri Lanka in six previous meetings.

Kapugedera said Sri Lanka are ready to meet the "fiery Pakistanis" on home soil in front of a supportive home crowd.

"I think our top order is prepared for the challenge," he said, referring to facing key bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Shahid Afridi.

"Our top-order has faced good fast bowlers before. We have had a very good stint in Australia too (last year). The guys are up for the challenge and we are looking forward to delivering the goods," Kapugedera said.

"Pakistan are a good team. A good combination of bowlers and batsmen. Yes the pressure is there when we play them. But then again, we are also a good team with a good combination. Saturday's game should be good," he said.

Source: http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/37007/sri-lanka-want-world-cup-win-for-murali

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Trans-Tasman rivals to meet in emotional clash

Allan Border has warned Australia to beware the threat of a New Zealand side riding a wave of emotion when the trans-Tasman rivals meet in a World Cup clash on Friday, overshadowed by the devastating Christchurch earthquake.

New Zealand's 15-man squad Tuesday desperately scrambled for news of loved ones caught up in the 6.3 magnitude quake which has left at least 98 dead, with the team admitting to being left shocked and numbed.

Former Australia captain Border, a World Cup winner in 1987, said the tragedy would give the Black Caps additional motivation.

"They're a side that tend to lift against Australia and given the recent events in Christchurch, they've got the added incentive to do well," Border told foxsports.com.au.

"Not that that should make that much difference, but you've got that incentive in the back of your mind to lift for the sake of your countrymen. They're a dangerous opponent, there's no doubt about that."

The Black Caps have seen physio Dayle Shackel return home for a week to leave then relying on Australian support staff here Friday.

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori said a win for his side over Australia could lift national spirits.

"The greatest thing we can do for a lot of people is to win the game against Australia. I think that will bring a bit of light relief to some people going through tough times," he said.

The fixture has been given an added edge by being designated this year's Chappell-Hadlee Trophy match as it is the only chance Australia and New Zealand have to play each other in 2010/11.

The trophy, named for the contributions of Australia's Chappell family and New Zealand's Hadlee clan to their respective national teams, is currently held by Australia after a 3-2 series win last year in New Zealand.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting goes into the match having been reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after smashing a television set in a fit of fury after being run out during the champions' 91-run tournament opening win over Zimbabwe in Ahmedabad on Monday.

Australia, bidding for an unprecedented fourth successive title and fifth in all, looked awkward against Zimbabwe left-arm spinner Ray Price in an otherwise convincing victory that stretched their unbeaten run in World Cup matches to 24 straight games dating back to 1999.

"We know that spin factor will be a big one in this tournament. We know these conditions and know how to play in India or Sri Lanka," Ponting said.

But Australia are without Michael Hussey, one of their best batsmen against spin, after doubts over his fitness following a hamstring injury saw the left-hander left at home.

With New Zealand boasting two fine slow bowlers in Vettori and Nathan McCullum, he would have been a valuable asset against the Black Caps.

"Hopefully it won't come back and hurt us at all," Ponting said of Hussey's controversial omission.

"We've got what we've got now. We understand that Mike was disappointed not to be in this squad in the first place.... The medicos and our selectors felt he wasn't fit enough to come away on the tour."

For New Zealand, who thrashed Kenya in their opener, the match promises to be a stern test of their World Cup ambitions but Vettori is confident his inconsistent side can raise their game.

"If we are going to do well over here, we are going to have to beat the likes of Australia," said Vettori, who backed the Black Caps top order, which includes powerful hitters such as Brendon McCullum and Jesse Ryder, to propel New Zealand to what would be a first World Cup crown.

"I really believe our top four, top five can win this tournament for us and I think they will find Australia's pace attack to their liking."

Source: http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/37045/trans-tasman-rivals-to-meet-in-emotional-clash

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Sammy aims to revive pride of Windies past

New Delhi, Feb 23 (PTI): West Indies skipper Darren Sammy on Wednesday said his team would look to revive the pride and passion of the two-time former champions during their World Cup campaign which kicks off against South Africa from Thursday.

Sammy said his team received some useful tips from the former players of West Indies and they would look to implement them in their game and deliver with the "passion and fight of the 1980s".

"We received tips from a few former players. Clive Lloyd got in touch with me. Our manager (Richie Richardson) was also a part of the 1996 World Cup. So we would look to implement their advice in our game and deliver with the passion and fight of the 1980s to give something to our fans," Sammy told reporters ahead of their World Cup opener against South Africa.

Once the most dreaded team, West Indies have lost their aura and struggled to deliver as team. The 1975 and 1979 Champions have suffered a 5-0 whitewash at home against the South Africans, before losing 0-2 to Sri Lanka.

But Sammy said past records won't matter much in the World Cup and execution of plans and performance on that particular day will decide their fate.

"We have been in the sub-continent for more than a month and before that we played South Africa at home. We didn't do well recently but it is a prestigious tournament and we have a lot to play for," Sammy said.

"We have to play to our potential. Every game is a big match and cricket is played on a day and it doesn't matter if you are number one or number nine team. We have to go and execute our plans."

"We have self belief and we have to be consistent."

"Consistency is important in the World Cup to make it to the knock out stage. We have some potential match-winners in our side and we have to put them on the field and play 100 overs with confidence to get the best result," he added.

Sammy said some of his players have the experience of playing at the Feroze Shah Kotla ground during the IPL and Champions league and it would help on Thursday.
"Few of our guys played here during the IPL and Champions League and there inputs have been helpful. We have an idea about how the pitch will behave but we will have to wait and watch how it reacts tomorrow," he said.

Sammy said spin will play a crucial role in the matches here and exuded confidence that his team has two quality left-arm spinners.

"Spin has played an important part in the tournament so far. We have two quality left-arm spinner and also Chris (Gayle) bowls off-spin, so we have to consider all these options and choose the best team and perform," he said.

"The challenge would be to go out there and perform to the best of our ability. We are confident and we would look to take one game at a time. The objective is to reach the knock out stage and then focus on the game at hand," he added.

Sammy will have an unenviable task of leading an unheralded bunch of players to World Cup glory and the talented all-rounder said it is an honour to captain the side and join the legacy of the former greats.

"I didn't bring it (captaincy) on myself but it has been a massive honour to lead the side. West Indies has a greater legacy and to be part of that is an honourable job for me. Cricket is a uniting force for the Caribbean people. We would look to deliver with passion and fight of the 1980s to give something to our fans," he said.

Sammy said he handled the pressure of captaincy well and it didn't affect his game.
"I have been playing under pressure even before in my career and so the captaincy has not really changed my game. I have been handling pressure quite well. My idea is to just keep playing."

"I would be playing in the second half of the batting line up and would look to build long partnerships and also bowl economically. On the field, my job would be to inspire the players and also take important decisions when required," he said.
Sammy would be leading a side with four former captains,Chris Gayle, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Dwayne Bravo, - and he said it would help him in decision making during the World Cup.

"It is a good thing to have so many senior players around. They bring in a lot of experience and it would help me. The young can look upto them," he said.

Source: http://cricket.yahoo.com/cricket/news/article?id=item/2.0/-/story/cricket.yahoonews.com/sammy-aims-revive-pride-windies-past-20110223/

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