Colombo, March 25 (AFP): Kumar Sangakkara refuses to believe Sri Lanka will be the only side under pressure before a packed home crowd in their quarter-final on Saturday, saying England will also feel the intensity.
The 1996 winners go into the last of four quarter-finals with huge expectations, but Sangakkara was confident his players were capable of handling the situation.

"What you lose is a semi-final berth, so I don't think any side is going to want to lose that. So wherever you play that incentive is going to be there and all sides feel that pressure equally," said Sangakkara.
"I think it will be there (pressure), but that kind of thinking goes out of the window when you cross the boundary rope. I am sure players will feel the crowd, they'll lift themselves and do well."
Sri Lanka, runners-up to Australia in the 2007 World Cup held in the West Indies, lost to Pakistan and had their game against Australia washed out on their way to the last eight stages.
And Sangakkara felt his players were ready to give their best against England who have endured a roller-coaster tournament, losing to Ireland and Bangladesh but beating South Africa and the West Indies.
They also tied their first match against India.
"It's a do-or-die so my guys are pretty much focussed, very well tuned into what's happening and they'll look to do everything they can to win," said Sangakkara.
The winners of Saturday's match will meet either South Africa or New Zealand - playing their quarter-final in Dhaka on Friday - in the semi-finals in Colombo on March 29.
"I think England are one of the best sides in this tournament," said Sangakkara of England, the current World Twenty20 champions but who have never won a 50-over World Cup.
"They have won close games so we know how tough they can be. We are expecting nothing less than the best from them," said Sangakkara of England who have beaten Sri Lanka in six of previous eight World Cup matches.
Off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has recovered from a hamstring injury sustained during the group match win over New Zealand last week and will play on Saturday.
"Murali is fine, he is 100 per cent which is great for us," said Sangakkara of the highest one-day wicket taker, with 530 victims, and Sri Lanka's only survivor of their quarter-final win over England in the 1996 World Cup.
"He's a guy who rises to occasion and does really well in big games."

Dhaka, March 26 (IANS): All keyed up after pulling off a surprise 49-run win over favourites South Africa, New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori gave the credit to his bowlers and fielders for leading the country to the World Cup semi-finals here on Friday.

"Every single bowler stepped up today (Friday), and probably it was the fielding that got us through. Martin Guptill was exceptional," said the Black Caps skipper.
New Zealand scored 221 for eight and then shut out South Africa for 172 in the quarterfinal match here at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. They would take on the winners of Saturday's quarterfinal match between Sri Lanka and England in Tuesday's semi-final clash.
"We wanted 250 on this pitch. We lost some wickets, and scraped through to 220. We knew it was a tricky wicket, and knew it was going to be an old-school one-day game. That's the sort of game we like to play."
"Once we got 220, we knew we had to be aggressive. We were hanging in there even when (Jacques) Kallis and AB (de Villiers) were going," he said.
Kallis and De Villiers were going strong at 108/2 and Kallis' departure triggered the South African collapse.
"Once we got de Villiers and Kallis, we were back in it. The run out of De Villiers was an amazing piece of work. We are pretty happy to be in the semis, and will be glued to the TV to see how the wicket in Colombo plays tomorrow (Saturday)," the bespectacled Vettori said.

Can Sri Lanka defeat England today to recreate the 1996 magic?

1996 world cup champions Sri Lanka take on England in a high octane fourth quarterfinal at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Will Sri Lanka sustain its dominance or is it England who will come out winners?

 

AFTER TWO big names and top contenders of World Cup 2011 viz Australia and South Africa were sent back from the tournament in two consecutive days, it's time to find out who is going to be the fourth team to qualify for semifinals. Is it going to be everyone’s favorite Sri Lanka or England, which is yet to show its reall mettle in the world cup 2011.

In the fourth quarterfinals at the R. Premadasa stadium in Colombo, one-time champion Sri Lanka will take on England, who till date has never won the coveted cup. Going by past records, Sri Lanka's performances in the league matches have been outstanding, which was followed by Australia and New Zealand.

England, on the other hand, has received much press and attention related to issues such as injuries, and a player opting out of the tournament due to depression.

 

Although they have played some exceptional cricket, losing to Bangladesh and Ireland was a dark patch for them in the tournament but their fight against India was truly commendable. Their win over South Africa was a stunner as at one time the Porteas were the clear favourites to win the match. With this fighting spirit England managed to make their way to quarter finals.

Fifteen years back in the same month of 1996, it was Sri Lanka against England in the quarter finals. In the match, not only did Sri Lanka defeat England but also ended up taking home the coveted trophy.

 

Now, at what is being looked at as another 1996 kind of encounter, the larger part of the responsibility falls on English shoulders if they want to avenge the 1996 loss.

EVERY INDIA vs Pakistan cricket match is traditionally seen as a sort of ‘war’ amongst citizens of India and Pakistan. As such, it is indeed a wrong move to give too much importance on an official level to the World Cup semi-final that will be played at Mohali between India and Pakistan on March 30 2011.

 

Even Indian Prime Minister, who avoided his presence in the recently held 34th National Games at Ranchi, should have avoided going to see Mohali cricket-match to take the event as normal one.

Likewise, playing diplomatic by inviting President and Prime Minister of Pakistan by Dr Manmohan Singh was uncalled for. Although dignitaries like the then President Zia-ul-Haq and Pervez Musharraf had come over to India on the invitation of Rajiv Gandhi and Dr Manmohan Singh respectively, it did not bring any peace in their political agendas.

 

However, in President Musharraf's book, In The Line of Fire, he had clearly mentioned that the visit had begun on a very informal note but ended in a "very positive joint declaration".

Any likely defeat of Indian cricket team in presence of Pakistani dignitaries can be taken as a deliberate or sponsored one by people of India as part of diplomatic gesture-gift to Pakistani leaders if they accept invitation of Indian Prime Minister to be part of the ‘warring’ event of World Cup cricket semi-final.

 

It will be advisable that Dr Manmohan Singh cancels his visit to Mohali on 30th March 2011 in name of ‘urgent’ work like he did for not going to Ranchi for National Games.

INDIA AND Pakistan, the two cricket crazy nations where cricket is like a religion, will meet in the second semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali on Wednesday, March 30.

An India vs Pakistan semi-final match of the World Cup 2011 will be the fifth encounter in a Cricket World Cup between the neighbouring countries since 1992 Cricket World Cup.

 

However, neither team has met in the semi-final or final of any of the previous World Cup matches. India has never lost to Pakistan in the Cricket World Cup so far.

In their first meet at Sydney Cricket Ground on March 4, 1992, during the 16th match of the Benson & Hedges World Cup, India won by 43 runs. In that match Sachin Tendulkar was named man-of-the-match for his all-round performance. He scored 54 runs and got the wicket of the dangerous left-handed batsman Aamer Sohail.

Both teams met for the second time in the second quarter final match of the Wills World Cup 1996 played at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore. India won that match by 39 runs and reached the semi final. Indian opener Navjot Sidhu scored 96 runs and Ajay Jadeja scored quick 45 runs in 25 balls in the last overs of the inning. Venkatesh Prasad and Anil Kumble took three wickets each. Sidhu was announced man-of-the-match.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 semi finalist India and Pakistan met for the third time in the Super Sixes of the ICC World Cup 1999 at Old Trafford, Manchester. On that match India defeated Pakistan India by 47 runs. In that match Rahul Dravid and Mohammad Azharuddin played fifty-plus innings. Fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad was declared man-of-the-match because he ensured that five Pakistani batsmen went back to the pavilion.

For the fourth time, two arch rivals India and Pakistan met at SuperSport Park in Centurion, South Africa during the pool 'A' match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003. With a quick fire knock by Sachin Tendulkar and a brilliant 50 by Yuvraj Singh, India won the match by six wickets. Sachin Tendulkar, who scored 98 runs, was awarded with the man-of-the-match.

In all the four previous ICC Cricket World Cup matches between India and Pakistan, the team that has won the toss, has decided to bat first. Out of the four matches, Indian captains have won the toss three times.

There are still five days to go for the India vs Pakistan ICC World Cup 2011 semi final match, but already there's an air of nervous excitement in the air. Jai Ho! India... Dhak Dhak Go...

IN THE third quarter final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 at Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori won the toss and decided to bat first against South Africa.

 

The winner of the third quarter final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 will play against the winner of the fourth quarter final, between Sri Lanka and England, in the first semi-final at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on March 29.

 

South African captain Graeme Smith has replaced three players in the World Cup Cricket 2011 quarter final match against New Zealand from the last match against Bangladesh. AB de Villiers will play as wicket keeper in place of Morne van Wyk.

 

Fast bowlers Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel have come into the playing XI - replacing Wayne Parnell and Lonwabo Tsotsobe.

 

New Zealand made couple of changes in the do-or-die match against South Africa. Captain Daniel Vettori is once again back in the playing XI along with the left-arm spinner Luke Woodcock. They replaced James Franklin and Hamish Bennett. In the last match Ross Taylor was the stand-in captain.

 

In the head-to-head record between these two countries in the Cricket World Cup since 1992, both South Africa and New Zealand have met at every World Cup and the record is in favour of New Zealand by 3-2. 

 

Here are the playing XI of New Zealand and South Africa in the third quarter final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011:

 

New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (wk), Martin Guptill, Jesse Ryder, Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Kane Williamson, Nathan McCullum, Daniel Vettori (capt), Jacob Oram, Luke Woodcock,Tim Southee.

 

South Africa: Graeme Smith (c), Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers (wk), JP Duminy, Francois du Plessis, Johan Botha, Robin Peterson, Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir.

Shabash Yuvraj! India vs Pakistan semi final match in Mohali

With the brilliant all-round performance of Yuvraj Singh, India won against Australia by five wickets. In the second semi final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, India will play against Pakistan in Mohali on March 30. 

IF THERE's a man with a midas touch in the Indian team it has to be Yuvraj Singh. The burly all-rounder, for that's his latest avatar, was in the thick of things in the high-voltage encounter against the mighty Aussies. He bowled brilliantly, caught every thing, fielded like a man possessed, and of course, literally swatted Australia back to Kangroo land.

When the Indian score was 187, captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni departed to the pavilion as the fifth Indian wicket fell. India still needed 74 runs to win against Australia in the second quarter final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 at Motera's Sardar Patel Stadium to secure their berth for the semi final against arch rival Pakistan.

It was at this crucial juncture that Yuvraj, already batting fluently, stood firm, and ensured that India crossed the finishing line. But while the battle ensued on the slow turning track at Motera, hearts of Indian fans were beating nervously.

 What will happen next? Will we be able to play against Pakistan in the semi final or not? All Indian cricket fans around the world were praying for an Indian victory. But they were also optimistic that the "Yuvraj of Indian team" was in the middle.

For the sixth wicket Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina played a sensible and matured cricket in the second quarter final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 against defending champion Australia. This pair added an unbeaten 74 runs and scripted the Indian victory.

Suresh Raina, who was playing in place of Yusuf Pathan, scored 34 runs in 28 deliveries with two fours and a six. Indian hero Yuvraj Singh scored his fourth fifty in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. During his 90-minute inning, he scored 57 runs in 65 balls with eight boundaries. He was declared the man-of-the-match for the fourth time in the ongoing Cricket World Cup 2011.

 

So its lots of shabash to Yuvraj, and the nation will pray that his golden form continues, and that he is able to shred the famed Pakistani bolwing attack in Mohali. Come on India! 

• 

Sri Lanka reach 100 for 2 after 25 overs against New Zealand – ICC World Cup 2011
Sri Lanka didn’t get off to an ideal start in their Group A match of the ICC World Cup 2011 against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday. At the end of 25 overs, they reached 100 runs for the loss of two wickets.
Kumar Sangakkara won the toss for his team and elected to bat first. The conditions looked good for batting, but the ball didn’t come onto the bat as easily as the Sri Lankan captain expected.
Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan put together a mammoth partnership of 282 runs in their match against Zimbabwe, but the Sri Lankan opening pair didn’t manage to trouble the Kiwi bowlers too much today.
Tharanga was run-out in the most unfortunate way after adding just three runs to the total. Dilshan drove the ball straight and it crashed into the stumps at the non-striker’s end, after taking a deflection off Tim Southee’s hand. The left-handed opener had to take a long walk back to the pavilion.
The flamboyant Sri Lankan opener Dilshan found it hard to strike the ball like he usually does. He was caught at third man after just managing three runs from 15 balls. It was certainly not his day today, as he failed to get going.
Two early wickets brought the most experienced Sri Lankan pair - Mahela Jayawardene and Sangakkara - together at the crease. They batted sensibly and kept on rotating the strike regularly.
Until half way through the innings, they took their team’s total to 100 with an unbeaten 81-run stand. The Sri Lankan captain was close to his fifty, as he was batting on 47 off 73 balls whereas; Jayawardene was not-out on 36 from 56 balls.
The pair will look to bat until the 40th over and lay a solid platform for the lower middle-order. There is plenty of batting to come for them, as they bat deep down the order. However, the third wicket partnership will be crucial in the context of the match.
Southee was the only successful bowler for the Kiwis until the end of 25 overs. The promising youngster took one wicket and also ran Tharanga out. He will be looking to get some support from the spinners in the middle overs.

Ireland defeat the Netherlands by six wickets - ICC World Cup 2011
Ireland overcame the Netherlands easily by six wickets in a Group B match of the ICC World Cup 2011 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday. Batting first, Holland scored 306 runs in their allotted 50 overs. However, the Irish batsmen chased the target down in 47.4 overs, losing just four wickets.
The wicket was very good for batting, but there was some movement for the fast bowlers in the early stages of the match. This gave an advantage to the Irish bowlers, as William Porterfield chose to field first after winning the toss.
After getting off to a poor start, the Dutch team batted well in the middle overs and scored more than 300 runs for the first time in the tournament. Ryan ten Doeschate was yet again brilliant for his team, as he scored his second century of the World Cup. He was the innings top scorer with 106 runs whereas; the Dutch captain also batted well for his 84 off 82 balls.
John Mooney and Paul Stirling were the pick of the bowlers for Ireland, as they took two wickets each for their team.
Ireland needed a good start to their innings in order to chase down the challenging total set by the Netherlands batsmen. Captain Porterfield and Stirling batted confidently and took the game away from their opponents with a superb century partnership.
The opening pair scored 177 runs before Porterfield was sent back to the pavilion after adding 68 runs off 93 balls to the total. He played sensible cricket, as he rotated the strike over to his partner, who was playing his strokes freely.
Stirling was dismissed just two runs later, but he had done his job before getting out. The flamboyant batsman scored 101 runs from just 72 balls. He struck 14 fours and two towering sixes in his blazing innings.
Ed Joyce and Gary Wilson threw their wickets away after scoring 28 and 27 runs respectively. However, Niall O’Brien played sensibly and guided his team to victory with an unbeaten 57 off 58 balls.
Tom Cooper bowled well for the Dutch, as he grabbed two wickets, but he got no support from the other bowlers.
Paul Stirling was named as player-of-the-match for his wonderful all-round performance in the match. He scored a brilliant ton and also grabbed two wickets in the match.

Bangladesh look to overcome the mighty South Africans – ICC World Cup 2011
Bangladesh are aiming to upset the mighty South Africans in order to advance into the knockout stage of the ICC World Cup 2011. They have the potential to do so, but it will be very hard considering the excellent form of the Proteas team. The match will be played at Dhaka, Bangladesh on Saturday 19^th March.
There is still a lot of uncertainty in Group B, as the quarterfinalists have not yet been confirmed. South Africa is the only team which is comfortably placed at the top of their group and they have reserved their quarter-final berth. However, if Bangladesh wins the match tomorrow, they will also be confirmed for the knockout round of the tournament.
The hosts are currently at number five in their group with six points. If they lose against South Africa, they will have to wait for the outcome of the match between West Indies and India.
The Caribbean Kings lost a closely fought match against England yesterday on Thursday 18^th March. If they lose their final match against the Men-in-Blue, they may be levelled at six points with Bangladesh. The run-rate will come into play at that stage, which may go in the favour of the Windies.
This leaves Bangladesh with one simple scenario; they will have to win their match against the Proteas.
However, the hosts will have to find a way to get rid of the South African openers early. Hashim Amla has been in terrific form in this tournament and he has scored runs consistently for the team. His opening partner and the Proteas captain, Graeme Smith, hasn’t been able to perform for his team until now and he will be looking forward to get some form ahead of the knockout stages.
Jacques Kallis bats as the first-drop for his team and the veteran cricketer has guided his team to a lot of success in the past. He has only managed one fifty in this tournament so far, but he will be eying a big one in his team’s next match.
AB de Villiers, JP Duminy and Morne van Wyk bat in the middle-order for their team. Wicketkeeper and batsman, van Wyk, seems to be the only weak link in the line-up, but he also scored some quick runs for his team in the previous game.
However, van Wyk may be replaced by promising youngster Colin Ingram, who showed his class in the match against Ireland. The 25-year-old batsman scored 46 runs off just 43 balls at a crucial stage for his team, and rescued them from trouble.
Other than these batsmen, the lower middle-order has also done a great job for South Africa. Johan Botha, Faf du Plessis and robin Peterson have scored quick runs for their team in the death overs.
Bowlers have also played a vital role in South Africa’s good run in the tournament until now. Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel have been too hot to handle for the opposition. They have also got good support from spinners Imran Tahir, Johan Botha and Robin Peterson.
It will be a very tough sell for Shakib-Al-Hasan and his men to overcome South Africa. However, some talented players like Imrul Keyes, Junaid Siddique, Tamim Iqbal and Abdur Razzak can prove to be match winners for the home team. In the end, they will have to play their best cricket in order to guide their team to a victory against the hot Proteas.

Pakistan vs. Australia: it is all about the top spot - ICC World Cup 2011
Defending Champions Australia will battle Pakistan today for the top spot in their Group A match to be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Both teams have already qualified for the quarter-finals, but will want to win to build on the momentum for the knock-out phase.
The Australians are the highest rated side of the ICC World Cup 2011, though this team may not be as invincible as its predecessors, they are still good enough to beat any side if they play their usual high intensity game.
Statistically, the Australians are the favourites, as they have remained undefeated in 34 World Cup games. The last game they lost at the mega event was back in 1999 and the team that defeated them was none other than their upcoming opponent Pakistan.
Australian skipper Ricky Ponting is eagerly waiting for this game, as so far in this tournament the Kangaroos have not been tested. They have won their matches quite comfortably and this will be their first big challenge.
Ponting said, “At this stage we're the only undefeated team in the tournament, which is nice for us, but I think we'll get a better feel tomorrow at the end of the game for just where we're at and how well we're placed in this World Cup.”
Pakistan will not give up easily, as they have been scrutinized about their approach to the game. However, Pakistani skipper Shahid Afridi promises that they will bring a new strategy and approach to the match. Afridi said, "We've made some plans against them and you will see tomorrow in the game we will do something new.”
The pitch at Colombo assists spin and the bowlers from both teams will play a big part. The conditions are overcast and rain may affect this crucial match.
Team form
The Australian cricket team needs no introduction when it comes to One Day International cricket. They are four time champions and are the number one ranked team in ODI’s. They have won four matches out of the five that they have played in the World Cup, as one was abandoned due to rain.
Pakistan is in good form, as they have lost just one match from the five that they have played in this tournament.
Key Players
Ponting has had a quite tournament, but players of his quality are just an innings away from regaining form. Mitchell Johnson has been the main bowler for the Aussies in this campaign and he will continue to bowl that way. Michael Hussey is the core of the middle-order and is someone who is capable of single handedly carrying the side to victory.
Shahid Afridi is the leading wicket taker of the tournament and he will be hoping to inspire his side once again. Abdur Razzaq has been silent so far, but when he gets going, he can light the roof on fire. Asad Shafiq is a new player in the Pakistan team and someone who will be pumped up to perform well against the Aussies.
Pakistan (possible XI)
1. Mohammad Hafeez, 2. Kamran Akmal (wk), 3. Asad Shafiq, 4. Younis Khan, 5. Misbah-ul-Haq, 6. Umar Akmal, 7. Shahid Afridi (captain), 8. Abdul Razzaq, 9. Umar Gul, 10. Abdur Rehman, 11. Wahab Riaz
Australia (probable XI)
1. Shane Watson, 2. Brad Haddin (wk), 3. Ricky Ponting (captain), 4. Michael Clarke, 5. Cameron White, 6. Michael Hussey, 7. Steven Smith, 8. Mitchell Johnson, 9. Brett Lee, 10. Jason Krejza, 11. Shaun Tait

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi vows to unleash surprise attack on Australia

Pakistan cricket team captain, Shahid Afridi on Friday vowed to unleash a surprise attack against the four-time reigning champions, Australia, in their much-anticipated final league clash of Group A in the ongoing ICC World Cup, 2011.

"We have made some plans against them because they are very strong mentally and physically, so you will see in the game we will do something new against these guys," said Afridi on Friday.

Pakistan have eight points from five games while the defending champions have nine from an equal number of group-stage matches.

Both sides have a chance to top the group by winning the game and enter the knockout stage high on confidence. The other advantage the winner of tomorrow’s game will get is that they will face a relatively weaker opposition from Group B in their quarter-final clash.

Depending on the final permutations of league stage of both groups, the Cornered Tigers could even end up facing arch-rivals India in the quarter-finals.

But the flamboyant Pakistan captain declined to be drawn in the possible placements saying that they will go into tomorrow’s game with a must-win approach. He further added that he has a definite plan to defeat the Kangaroos and break their 34-match winning streak in World Cup which started back in 1999.

"We know that this game is very important for us to end in a good position in the group. If we win, we will go into quarters with a win and a good, positive attitude, which is more important," said the 31-year-old.

The Men in Green under Wasim Akram’s were the last to beat mighty Aussies in a World Cup game in 1999 edition at Leeds; Afridi vowed they will repeat the fiesta on Saturday.

The Pakistan skipper however admitted that the Kangaroos were a strong all-round team. Afridi further added that the Aussies know well how to use the conditions but he was confident of his team’s strengths as well.

The swashbuckling all-rounder confirmed that Umar Akmal is completely fit and hinted that he might make the playing XI against Australia.

Aamer Sohail feels Pakistan team management wasted Shoaib Akhtar’s talent

Former Pakistan captain Aamer Sohail believes that the Pakistan cricket team management have failed to get the best out of retiring fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar.

"If he (Shoaib Akhtar) was selected to play in the World Cup, then our team management should have devised a plan to use him but it seems like they did not have anything like that. Pakistan failed to get the best out of him," Sohail was quoted as saying by a leading newspaper of Pakistan.

Shoaib Akhtar, the fastest bowler in the history of international cricket, started the mega cricket event with high hopes but failed to give the performance he is known for. He was apparently so disappointed with his individual performance in the 14-nation tournament that he has decided to bid adieu to the International cricket after the World Cup.

But the former opening batsman of Pakistan reckoned that it was not really the bowler’s fault; instead he blamed Pakistan team management for its failure to utilise the pacer in the best possible way.

Sohail gave the example of the Australia team management and how they have aptly used their frontline pacers. Recalling the 2007 World Cup, Sohail– who is also a former chief selector of Pakistan Cricket Board – praised Australia’s strategy of using Glenn McGrath as a first change bowler. He also hailed the Aussie management for capitalising on speedster Brett Lee in the ongoing World Cup.

Shoaib Akhtar, who holds the record of bowling the fastest delivery in international cricket, has picked 247 one-day and 178 Test wickets. Sohail feels that the stats could have been much better had the fast bowler been used in the best way.

Reminiscing his first encounter with the explosive pace bowler, he said that the first thing he noticed was his confidence and passion for the game.

“It was obvious that he was a fighter,” said the 44-year-old. “He was just like a wild and untamed horse. Had he been tamed to do the job properly, he could have achieved much more,” he added further.

Tagged in: cricket, Australia, Brett Lee, Shoaib Akhtar, World Cup, Pakistan, Bowling, ODIs, Glenn McGrath, 2007 world cup, Aamer Sohail, Pace Bowling

Australia eager to finish on top says skipper Ricky Ponting, ahead of match against Pakistan

Australia cricket team skipper Ricky Ponting is more concerned about defeating the unpredictable Pakistan and finishing at the top of Group A, than protecting their unbeaten 34-match World Cup streak as they take on Afridi’s men at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday.

"That's what we are setting out to do," said Ponting while talking to the media persons on the eve of the game. "We are setting out to play our best game of the tournament tomorrow — that means we finish on top," he stressed.

The mighty Aussies, with nine points from five games, will face their first real test in the 14-nation tournament tomorrow when they face the confident Men in Green, who have eight points from five matches. The winner of the game will top the Group A table and will face a relatively weaker Group B side in the quarter-final game.

Ponting’s men have had an easy going World Cup so far as they scripted cakewalks over Zimbabwe, New Zealand, Kenya and Canada while their match with co-hosts Sri Lanka was washed out due to heavy rainfall halfway through the first innings and the teams shared a point each.

"If we don't win the game (against Pakistan), we will finish somewhere else, I'm not concerned about that either," said the Tasmania batsman. "To win a World Cup, you have to beat the best team; it's as simple as that," added confident Ponting.

The Premadasa strip is expected to offer more turn to the spinners and this is the only department, the defending champions lack in. Pakistan have three spinners including Shahid Afridi, Abdur Rehman and Mohammad Hafeez. Afridi has been sensational with the ball in the show piece event so far and is leading the wickets table with 16 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls.

Australia, on the other hand, have only one genuine slow bowler, Jason Krejza, who is yet to prove himself at the international level. Steven Smith and Michael Clarke, their part-time spinners, have failed to make an impact in the tournament so far.

Ponting has his hopes attached with his opening duo of Brad Haddin and Shane Watson. He said that both are aggressive batsmen and score runs quite quickly. The captain is confident that the Haddin-Watson combo would make best use of the field restrictions in the start  and would get them off to a good start again. Ponting vowed that the Aussies would set a big total at the Premadasa wicket.

Pakistan vs. Australia: Ricky Ponting regards Pakistan as dangerous – ICC World Cup 2011
The Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has said that Pakistan was a dangerous side, as his team is all set to face the Men in Green today in their Group A match of the ICC World Cup 2011 at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Australia will have to be at the top of their game, as Pakistan has the talent and ability to take the fight to them.
Sharing his view point about the match, Ponting commented that the World Cup is going to begin now for his team. The skipper said that they have always discussed Pakistan’s potential to win big games, as the team comprised of great talent, but it is quite difficult to pinpoint the main players in the opposition’s camp.
However, while highlighting the importance of the match, he said that Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi can easily be considered as the major performers of a team that is going to enter the field with many match winners. Ponting’s remarks reveal the way Australia will devise a strategy and approach the match against Pakistan.
Australia’s skipper said that his team has discussed Afridi’s ability to take complete control of the middle-overs, where he not only stops runs, but also picks up wickets. Ponting said, “He can really build up pressure and that is something we have watch out for. We have to make sure that we have to play him well and show the respect he deserves. He is a world-class bowler.”
Ponting went on to say that his team was planning to go out and play their best game of the tournament. The skipper said that his team was determined to top the group, and was not at all worried about whom they will be encountering in the quarter-finals.
As a skipper, Ponting, has not lost a World Cup cricket match since 2003. He is of the view that in order to be considered as a true champion, his squad must beat the top teams of the event. Sharing his feelings about the games his players have played so far, he said that his group has turned out to be rather uneventful for them, as compared to the other group. However, while facing Pakistan, he emphasized that he did not want to spoil his record of 34 unbeaten matches at the World Cup.
The Australian skipper, while concluding his remarks, said that his team has always been playing good games on big days and their upcoming match with Pakistan is one of them. He said, “We live to play on the edge. We want to be confronted with big situations in tournaments. When you reach the quarterfinals or semifinals, you make sure that you are prepared to play your best game of cricket. The last few world cups have been exactly like this.”
The game promises to an exciting battle, as the two teams fight it out for the top spot of their group. Australia will try to dominate the proceedings with their flawless cricket, as the unpredictable nature of Pakistan can create opportunities and problems as well. The Men in Green will have to come out with a positive frame of mind, if they are to have any chance against the Australians.

Sri Lanka post 265 against New Zealand in ICC World Cup 2011 A magnificent ton by Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara helped his team reach 265 runs in their Group A match of the ICC World Cup 2011 against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday. Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first. The wicket seemed to be excellent for batting, but the ball didn’t come onto the bat easily. The batsmen had to settle down in order to get used to the pace of the wicket. Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan failed to provide a solid start to their team this time, as both got out early. Tharanga was unfortunate to be run-out after scoring just three runs from seven balls. He was soon followed by Dilshan, who also failed to get going. The flamboyant batsman was unable to find the gaps today, as he only managed three runs off 15 balls. He sliced a short ball from Tim Southee, which went straight into the hands of the fielder at the boundary. Sri Lanka were struggling at that stage with two wickets down for just 19 runs. They needed something special from their most experienced batsmen Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara and the pair didn’t disappoint them. They amassed a brilliant partnership of 145 runs for the third wicket and guided their team out of trouble. Jayawardene was out after scoring 66 runs off 90 balls. He missed an in swinging ball from Southee and was trapped leg-before-wicket. The fall of the stylish first-drop player didn’t stop the Sri Lankan captain from scoring a brilliant century. With the help of 12 fours and two massive sixes, he scored 111 runs from 128 balls. However, his innings came to an end while he was attempting a slog sweep off the bowling of Nathan McCullum. Sangakkara completely missed the ball, which crashed into the stumps. Sangakkara’s wicket triggered a batting collapse, as the lower middle-order batsmen failed to score too many runs. However, all-rounder Angelo Mathews played well until the end and took his team’s total over the 250-run mark. The utility batsman scored an unbeaten 41 runs off 35 balls. Southee was yet again impressive with the ball, as he took three wickets for his team. He got some good support from Nathan McCullum, who grabbed two wickets.

CC World Cup 2011 : Match No 37 : Netherlands lose to Ireland despite posting 306 runs Match No 37: Ireland vs Netherlands at Kolkata on 18.03.11: Ireland won by six wickets Netherlands scored 306 all out providing the 59th occasion of a team scoring 300 plus runs in the world cup. It also represents the second occasion of Netherlands posting a total of 300 plus runs in the world cup. The first occasion was its 314 for 6 vs Namibia at Bloemfontien on 03.03.03 Ireland posted 307 for 4 in 47.4 overs providing the 60th occasion of a team posting 300 plus runs in the world cup. It also represents the second occasion of Ireland posting a total of 300 plus runs in the world cup. The first occasion was its 329 for 7 in 49.1 overs against England at Bangalore on 02.03.11. Netherlands was all out of 306 providing the fourth occasion of a team dismissed all out after posting 300 plus runs in the world cup. The other three occasions are – 349 by Pakistan vs Zimbabwe at Kingston on 21.03.07: 300 by West Indies vs England at Bridgetown on 21.04.07 and 338 by India vs England at Brisbane on 27.02.11 Netherlands and Ireland posted 300 plus runs in this game providing the fifth occasion of both the teams posting 300 plus runs in the world cup. The other four occasions are – Zimbabwe {312 for 4} and Sri Lanka {313 for 7} at New Plymouth on 23.02.92 : West Indies {300} and England {301 for 9} at Bridgetown on 21.04.07 : India {338} and England {338 for 8} at Bangalore on 27.02.11 and England {327} and Ireland {329 for 7} at Bangalore on 02.03.11 It is interesting to nate that out of these five occasions, three occasions have occurred in the ongoing edition of the world cup 2011 Netherlands lost this game by six wickets after posting 300 plus runs providing the fifth occasion of a team losing the match after posting 300 plus runs – Zimbabwe {312 for 4} and Sri Lanka {313 for 7} at New Plymouth on 23.02.92 – Sri Lanka won by three wickets : South Africa {306 for 6} and New Zealand {229 for 1} at Jo’burg on 16.02.03 – New Zealand won by nine wickets in DLM : West Indies {300} and England {301 for 9} at Bridgetown on 21.04.07 – England won by one wicket and England {327} and Ireland {329 for 7} at Bangalore on 02.03.11 – Ireland won by three wickets Ireland earned the distinction of becoming the first team in the world cup to win a game chasing 300 plus runs on two occasions – vs England at Bangalore on 27.02.11 and vs Netherlands at Kolkata on 18.03.11. What is interesting is that Ireland has achieved this feat in the same edition. Netherlands and Ireland posted 300 plus runs in this game providing the 57th occasion of both the teams posting 300 plus runs in the annals of one day games. Netherlands posted 300 plus runs and lost the match providing the 58th occasion of a team losing the match after scoring 300 plus runs. Netherlands and Ireland posted 300 plus runs in this game providing the first occasion of both the associate teams posting 300 plus runs in the world cup. RN ten doeschate scored 106 in this game providing the 120th occasion of a batsman scoring a hundred in the world cup. His knock represents the fourth occasion of a Netherlands batsman scoring a hundred in the world cup. The other three occasions are – 121 by JF Kloppenburg vs Namibia at Bloemfontein on 03.03.03 : 134* by KJJ van Noortwijk vs Namibia at Bloemfontein on 03.03.03 and 119 by RN ten doeschate vs England at Nagpur on 22.02.11 RN ten doeschate with his two hundreds in the world cup became the 27th batsman to score two or more hundreds in the world cup. He is the first Netherlands batsman to earn the distinction. He is the first associate batsman to earn the distinction RN ten doeschate and PW Borren added 121 runs for the fifth wicket in this game providing the 204th occasion of century partnership in the world cup. This stand also represents the 15th occasion of a three figure partnership for the fifth wicket in the world cup. RN ten doeschate and PW Borren added 121 runs for the fifth wicket in this game providing the fourth occasion of century partnership by Netherland batsmen in the world cup. The other three occasions are – 114 runs partnership for the fifth wicket between KJJ van Noortwijk and B Zuiderent vs England at Peshawar on 22.02.96 : 228 runs for the second wicket between JF Kloppenburg and KJJ van Noortwijk vs Namibia at Bloemfontein on 03.03.03 and 103* runs for the third wicket between RN ten Doeschate and B Zuiderent vs Scotland at Basseterre on 22.03.07 This stand also represents the second occasion of a three figure partnership for the fifth wicket by Netherlands batsmen in the world cup. The first occasion was – 114 runs partnership between KJJ van Noortwijk and B Zuiderent vs England at Peshawar on 22.02.96. Thus the 121 runs stand between RN ten Doeschate and PW Borren is a record partnership for the fifth wicket by Netherlands batsmen in the world cup. PW Borren scored 84 in this game to provide the first occasion of a Netherlands captain to score a fifty in the world cup. His knock represents the 125th occasion of a captain scoring a fifty in the world cup. RN ten Doeschate {106} and PW Borren {84} scored fifties in this game providing the 13th and 14th occasion of a Netherlands batsman scoring a fifty in the world cup. AF Buurman, Mudassar Bukhari, PM Seelar and Adeel Raja were run out in this game swelling the number of run outs of Netherlands batsmen to 19 in the world cup. AF Buurman, Mudassar Bukhari, PM Seelar and Adeel Raja were run out in this game providing the eleventh occasion of four or more batsmen dismissed run out in an innings in the world cup. It is the second occasion of four Netherland batsmen run out in an innings in the world cup Australia {04} and India {02} and Netherlands {02} are the three teams in the world cup to witness four or more batsmen dismissed run out on two or more occasions. AF Buurman, Mudassar Bukhari, PM Seelar and Adeel Raja were run out in this game by four successive deliveries providing the very first occasion of such an occurrence in the annals of one day games and also in the world cup Netherlands was all out for 306 in this game losing its tenth wicket to the final delivery of its innings {49.6} providing the 15th occasion of a team all out by the last of its innings in the world cup. It also provides the 89th such occasion in the annals of one day games. PM Seelar and Adeel Raja were run out for zero facing one delivery providing the 140th and 141st occasion of a batsman collecting the first ball duck while being dismissed run out in one day gmaes. It also provides the 10th and 11th occasion of such an instance in the world cup WB Rankin returned with figures of 1 for 74 in this game providing the 63rd occasion of a bowler conceding 70 plus runs in the world cup. His figures represent the fourth occasion of an Ireland bowler conceding 70 plus runs in the world cup. The other three occasions are – 1 for 70 by DT Johnston vs England at Providence on 30.03.07 : 4 for 71 by KJ O’Brien vs West Indies at Mohali on 11.03.11 and 1 for 76 by DT Johnston vs South Africa at Kolkata on 15.03.11 WTS Porterfiled and PR Sterling added 177 runs for the first wicket in this game providing the 205th occasion of a century partnership in the world cup. This stand represents the 54th occasion of a three figure partnership for the first wicket in the world cup. WTS Porterfiled and PR Sterling added 177 runs for the first wicket in this game providing the third occasion of a century partnership by Ireland batsmen in the world cup. The other two occasions are – 162 for the sixth wicket between AR Cusack and KJ O’Brien vs England at Bangalore and 113 for the third wicket between WTS Porterfield and NJ O’Brien vs India at Bangalore on 06.03.11 This stand represents the first occasion of a three figure partnership for the first wicket by Ireland batsmen in the world cup. The previous best was 92 runs between WTS Porterfield and JP Bray vs Bangladesh at Bridgetown on 15.04.07 WTS Porterfield scored 68 in this game providing the 126th occasion of a captain scoring a fifty in the world cup. PW Borren {84} and WTS Porterfield {68} scored fifties in this game providing the tenth occasion of rival captains scoring fifties in the world cup. This feat provides the 109th occasion of such an instance in the annals of one day games. WTS Porterfield {68} and PR Sterling {101} scored fifty and hundred in this game providing the tenth occasion of opening batsman scoring a fifty and hundred in the world cup. PR Sterling’s 101 in this game provide the 121st occasion of a batsman scoring a hundred in the world cup. It also provides the third occasion of an Ireland batsman scoring a hundred in the world cup. PR Sterling’s 101 in this game provide the 67th occasion of an opening batsman scoring a hundred in the world cup. It also provides the second occasion of an Ireland opening batsman scoring a hundred in the world cup. The other occasion was – 115^ by JP Bray vs Zimbabwe at Kingston on 15.03.07, WTS Porterfield {68}, PR Sterling {101} and NJ O’Brien {57 not out} scored fifties in this game swelling the number of fifties scored by Ireland batsman to eleven in the world cup WTS Porterfield {68}, PR Sterling {101} and NJ O’Brien {57 not out} scored fifties in this game providing the 47th occasion of three or more batsmen scoring fifties in an innings in the world cup. This is the first occasion of Ireland batsmen achieving such a feat in the world cup. NJ O’Brien’s 57 not out in this game provide the 68th occasion of a wicket keeper batsman scoring fifty in the world cup. His knock provides the third occasion of an Ireland wicket keeper scoring a fifty in the world cup. The other two occasions are – 72 by NJ O’Brien vs Pakistan at Kingston on 17.03.07 and 63 by NJ O’Brien vs England at Providence on 30.03.07 RN ten Doeschate’s 106 in this game was in a losing cause providing the 20th occasion of a batsman’s hundred going in vain in the world cup. His knock provides the second occasion of a Netherland’s batsman’s hundred in a losing cause in the world cup. The other occasion was his own 119 vs England at Nagpur on 22.02.11 RN ten Doeschate became the fourth batsman in the world cup to witness two hundreds in the world cup going in vain. Others are – HH Giibs of South Africa, SB Styris of New Zealand and SR Tendulkar of India.