tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87554469418752576372024-02-07T08:03:05.214+05:00Latest Sports News ArticlesWatch online streaming of live matches Soccer , Cricket , WWE, Tennis, NFL , NHL , NBA , scores, updates and live streamingFarhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.comBlogger281125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755446941875257637.post-63093050248170301712011-02-19T13:36:00.002+05:002011-02-19T13:40:24.629+05:00India vs Bangladesh<a href="http://allsportspk.blogspot.com/2010/12/watch-sports-matches-live.html">India vs Bangladesh</a><br />
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to fieldFarhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755446941875257637.post-90860929485051823112011-02-17T16:32:00.000+05:002011-02-17T16:32:47.265+05:00Feb 17 Cricket World Cup 2011 Opening Ceremony 12:00GMT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39CIGrWPKX-AKAY12sdttz_ra6LY544z_Hod1_8N8LxpRp69S1tuM0Cxywkv85UPwrWNv4K8J-90HefalZ9vd_duPuz0IevISJ_SR9pN_8XCmzmTARW3xB9HeTi5SL40PnknAlgvUSzQ/s1600/wc2011.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39CIGrWPKX-AKAY12sdttz_ra6LY544z_Hod1_8N8LxpRp69S1tuM0Cxywkv85UPwrWNv4K8J-90HefalZ9vd_duPuz0IevISJ_SR9pN_8XCmzmTARW3xB9HeTi5SL40PnknAlgvUSzQ/s1600/wc2011.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://allsportspk.blogspot.com/2010/12/watch-sports-matches-live.html"> Feb 17 Cricket World Cup 2011 Opening Ceremony 12:00GMT</a>Farhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755446941875257637.post-43984797804512369712011-02-16T12:00:00.002+05:002011-02-16T12:00:57.912+05:00Arsenal vs FC Barcelona The UEFA Champions League 19:45GMT<a href="http://allsportspk.blogspot.com/2010/12/watch-sports-matches-live.html">Arsenal vs FC Barcelona The UEFA Champions League 19:45GMT</a>Farhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755446941875257637.post-12395123314927272202011-02-16T11:59:00.000+05:002011-02-16T11:59:16.259+05:00Warm up Match India vs New Zealand 09:00GMT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rLDhIR4GY857qBZTRhFSieErWy-p6KYF8fhB3WVNmg-TL8wGTmoXUOfROflTieFvfF-QM9GL_y92yifRIG6KKjXNmKMbtwnb7cI2R1zL2mdCsK9keuK1L7ZGUdJCVk35HDNLctQ60FI/s1600/indiamz.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rLDhIR4GY857qBZTRhFSieErWy-p6KYF8fhB3WVNmg-TL8wGTmoXUOfROflTieFvfF-QM9GL_y92yifRIG6KKjXNmKMbtwnb7cI2R1zL2mdCsK9keuK1L7ZGUdJCVk35HDNLctQ60FI/s1600/indiamz.jpeg" /></a></div><a href="http://allsportspk.blogspot.com/2010/12/watch-sports-matches-live.html"><b>Warm up Match India vs New Zealand 09:00GMT</b></a>Farhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755446941875257637.post-29561901009457910512011-02-15T13:57:00.000+05:002011-02-15T13:57:55.063+05:00WarmUpMatch......Pakistan - Bangladesh 08:30GMT<a href="http://allsportspk.blogspot.com/2010/12/watch-sports-matches-live.html"><b>Pakistan - Bangladesh 08:30GMT</b></a>Farhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755446941875257637.post-48994770809647450162011-02-14T00:30:00.000+05:002011-02-14T00:30:02.169+05:00Miami Heats v Boston Celtics LIVE<iframe scrolling="no" height="500" frameborder="0" width="600" src="http://www.directembed.com/embedplayer.php?width=600&height=500&channel=4089&autoplay=true" name=""></iframe>Farhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755446941875257637.post-84153487517255635462011-02-09T16:31:00.000+05:002011-02-09T16:31:43.113+05:00Sohail Tanveer Out from the World cup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDauzDBLxQew1YlnNivJCCOn6rg3Pa7YwyLlow4LUOkZ2MoXfk-KFzKD_oneS4rbH0MkpVvLUXc_O1OAp0cmQfKZagd2xTymcOnAHIM4RiEfVKP4YtjVUl0DR08brYWFRDmQC0hgc7rQw/s1600/tanveer.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDauzDBLxQew1YlnNivJCCOn6rg3Pa7YwyLlow4LUOkZ2MoXfk-KFzKD_oneS4rbH0MkpVvLUXc_O1OAp0cmQfKZagd2xTymcOnAHIM4RiEfVKP4YtjVUl0DR08brYWFRDmQC0hgc7rQw/s1600/tanveer.jpeg" /></a></div><b>Sohail Tanveer Out from the World cup</b>Farhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755446941875257637.post-10223604011340379562011-02-08T16:33:00.000+05:002011-02-08T16:33:47.658+05:00Sreesanth replaces injured Praveen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhMKalTi7MnnWNRDsZOjwhTc-IDvotXW2u5y3Kud9kZvCu885gc5FiSO_0aYsSbmZC-gBXEsLGtVjpFE5hyu-0OPAFwQ9IQAIXGmG1ubci4DOtdZTfW8CfY810QBJJ_CGwH8G93XpZfQ/s1600/sreesanth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhMKalTi7MnnWNRDsZOjwhTc-IDvotXW2u5y3Kud9kZvCu885gc5FiSO_0aYsSbmZC-gBXEsLGtVjpFE5hyu-0OPAFwQ9IQAIXGmG1ubci4DOtdZTfW8CfY810QBJJ_CGwH8G93XpZfQ/s1600/sreesanth.jpg" /></a></div><div class="news-body"> Praveen Kumar, the India fast bowler, has been ruled out of the World Cup due to an injured elbow and will be replaced by Sreesanth. The decision comes a day after Praveen underwent a fitness test at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore to gauge whether he had recovered from the injury sustained before the start of the one-day series in South Africa last month. </div><div class="news-body"> Praveen, 24 had been sent back immediately from South Africa as a precautionary measure to recuperate at the NCA. The recovery did not go as planned, however, and he consulted Dr Andrew Wallace, a London-based surgeon who has treated many Indian players including Sachin Tendulkar. Praveen has been a regular with the Indian one-day side for the past couple of years and was set to be a certain starter in the World Cup, but his injury healed too slowly to allow him to participate in the global tournament. </div><div class="news-body"> Sreesanth has established himself in the Test side but has been on the fringes of the one-day outfit. He has played only 51 one-dayers in more than five years since his debut in 2005, and has a bloated career economy rate of 6.01. But he proved effective in the two ODIs he's played over the past 12 months, bagging seven wickets for 77 runs. </div><div class="news-body"> The other fast bowlers in the Indian squad are Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra and Munaf Patel. </div>Farhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755446941875257637.post-2942931241427708512011-02-08T16:29:00.000+05:002011-02-08T16:29:15.784+05:00Pakistan battle distractions before World Cup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXglL5TS3EtfpjCdHO8Ma3Q5iHlo3JqOMVtS81JR4iDV9a2Ipv33Zvm1Foe85uL8qUXGEDWd0OVUCluo-2dc1GIetWi23lHr-ArLnGLbqcUSUJSgeN8NmeGvb_f2Lmjm3zazjMc7KkBgE/s1600/Pak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXglL5TS3EtfpjCdHO8Ma3Q5iHlo3JqOMVtS81JR4iDV9a2Ipv33Zvm1Foe85uL8qUXGEDWd0OVUCluo-2dc1GIetWi23lHr-ArLnGLbqcUSUJSgeN8NmeGvb_f2Lmjm3zazjMc7KkBgE/s1600/Pak.jpg" /></a></div><div class="news-body"> Shahid Afridi has said that the victory in the one-day series over New Zealand has filled Pakistan with confidence, especially since the win was not due to individual genius but through teamwork. The 3-2 triumph was Pakistan's first series success since 2008. </div><div class="news-body"> "What has given us the confidence to do well in the World Cup is that nearly every player contributed towards our series win in New Zealand," Afridi told reporters at Karachi airport on Monday. "You can never expect to win depending on just one or two players. Every player has to contribute in some way." </div><div class="news-body"> Pakistan will be without the three players who were banned on charges of spot-fixing - Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir - but Afridi said that the team was focused on the cricket, and not off-field events. "The team has become mentally tougher and is hungry for success." </div><div class="news-body"> All three players received lengthy bans earlier this month, and Pakistan coach Waqar Younis said it was time to move on from the controversy. He also said the hearings in Doha hadn't distracted his players during the New Zealand series. "It is important that it's finished now and we can start afresh," said Waqar, who had been coach during the England series last year when the spot-fixing scandal erupted. "A lot of controversies affected Pakistan cricket, I am happy that it's over now. </div><div class="news-body"> "I am sure this one-day series win will give us a good build-up for the World Cup," he said. "We have good momentum, having played South Africa recently and now this hard-fought win in New Zealand gives us good momentum for the World Cup." </div>Pakistan have warm-up matches against Bangladesh in Mirpur on February 15th and against England in Fatullah to finetune their World Cup strategiesFarhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755446941875257637.post-68913019304279895362011-02-08T16:25:00.000+05:002011-02-08T16:25:20.741+05:00Hussey, Hauritz out of World Cup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29g00getQ2NP7VKoBSUPhH4wYkfa8icesLpdvCvIzRQSU1ojYT__mRr9ARao5ZMRr7uxZNsHBIh3o18O4rDP7PZfxn86q6MgExWnBSq9_BZZq_JUyYy_DikekvGX2iYR-RG442bkpyzc/s1600/aussie.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29g00getQ2NP7VKoBSUPhH4wYkfa8icesLpdvCvIzRQSU1ojYT__mRr9ARao5ZMRr7uxZNsHBIh3o18O4rDP7PZfxn86q6MgExWnBSq9_BZZq_JUyYy_DikekvGX2iYR-RG442bkpyzc/s1600/aussie.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="news-body"> Australia's World Cup campaign has been dealt a blow even before the squad leaves Australia, with Michael Hussey and Nathan Hauritz ruled out due to injuries. Callum Ferguson and Jason Krejza will replace the pair in the 15-man squad, which flies out to India on Wednesday to defend the title under Ricky Ponting. </div><div class="news-body"> And if losing a key middle-order batsman and the first-choice spinner was not bad enough, Australia could not even opt for their second choices in each discipline, with Shaun Marsh and Xavier Doherty not considered due to injuries of their own. It has meant a rapid promotion for the aggressive offspinner Krejza, who made his ODI debut on Sunday, while the inclusion of Ferguson was less of a surprise given his solid performances at international level over the past couple of years. </div><div class="news-body"> Hussey in particular will be a massive loss, as he is the only Australian in the top ten of the ICC's one-day batting rankings, and he is a renowned finisher who can rescue the side after top-order trouble. However, the selectors decided they could not risk Hussey, who suffered a serious hamstring injury during the one-day series against England that resulted in surgery, and he conceded he would be unlikely to be fit for the first couple of World Cup matches. </div><div class="news-body"> Hauritz seemed a more likely candidate to make the cut, after he dislocated his shoulder while fielding during the one-day game in Hobart on January 21 and had surgery in a bid to be fit for the World Cup. He bowled in the nets on Monday and sent down a dozen deliveries at what he called 60 to 70%, but it was not enough to convince the selectors that he was worth the risk in such a big tournament. </div><div class="news-body"> "The National Selection Panel has determined that the best strategy to ensure a successful campaign is for Australia to enter the tournament with a fully fit squad of fifteen from the first game," the chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said. "We've applied to the ICC Technical Committee for Callum Ferguson to replace Mike Hussey in the squad. </div><div class="news-body"> "Callum has an excellent record in one-day international cricket and played well in the one-day game against England in Sydney recently. We think he'll play well in sub-continental conditions. We've also applied to the ICC Technical Committee for Jason Krejza to replace Nathan Hauritz in the squad. Jason toured India with the Australian Test team in 2008 and understands those conditions. We're certain he'll be a key member of our squad." </div><div class="news-body"> Krejza picked up 2 for 53 in his debut one-day international on Sunday and, although he dragged the ball short too often and threatened to leak big runs, he will enjoy the prospect of returning to India, where he collected 12 wickets on his Test debut in 2008. He was only called up in Perth due to Doherty's back problem, which also ruled him out of replacing Hauritz, while Marsh's hamstring strain meant Ferguson got the nod. </div><div class="news-body"> However, there was some good news for the Australians, with Ponting and Steven Smith both deemed fit enough to fly to India, while Brad Haddin was also cleared after hurting his knee during the final ODI against England. Smith will share the spin duties with Krejza, while nothing was going to keep Ponting from his fifth World Cup. </div><div class="news-body"> "Ricky Ponting is going well in his rehabilitation following his finger fracture," the team physio Alex Kountouris said. "He is batting regularly and is expected to transition into unrestricted training soon after the team arrives in India. </div><div class="news-body"> "Brad Haddin was struck on the knee whilst batting during the seventh ODI against England. During the batting innings the knee became swollen. We expect this to resolve soon after we arrive in India. Steve Smith is making very good progress from the groin injury he sustained in the sixth ODI against England." </div><div class="news-body"> The Australians fly out on Wednesday and play their first of two warm-up matches on Sunday, against India in Bangalore. Their opening match of the tournament proper is against Zimbabwe in Ahmedabad on February 21. </div><div class="news-body"> <b>Squad</b> Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Shane Watson, Brad Haddin, Cameron White, Callum Ferguson, David Hussey, Tim Paine, Steven Smith, John Hastings, Mitchell Johnson, Jason Krejza, Brett Lee, Doug Bollinger, Shaun Tait. </div>Farhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755446941875257637.post-27121550462072650672011-02-02T16:56:00.001+05:002011-02-02T16:56:26.620+05:00Coming up next Matches<div class="schd_data resultstring"><b>Pakistan in New Zealand, 2010-11</b> </div><div class="schd_data resultstring"> <div class="timezone">Thu, Feb 03 2011, 03:00</div></div><div class="schd_data resultstring">Seddon Park, Hamilton</div><div class="schd_data resultstring"><b>W</b><b>est Indies in Sri Lanka ODI Series, 2011</b> </div><div class="schd_data resultstring"> <div class="timezone">Thu, Feb 03 2011, 06:00</div></div><div class="schd_data resultstring">Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo</div><div class="schd_data resultstring"><b>Pakistan in New Zealand, 2010-11</b> </div><div class="schd_data resultstring"> <div class="timezone">Sat, Feb 05 2011, 00:00</div></div><div class="schd_data resultstring">Eden Park, Auckland</div>Farhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755446941875257637.post-65623427523219656352011-02-02T16:47:00.000+05:002011-02-02T16:47:20.837+05:00Srilanka vs WestindiesMon Jan 31 <br />
04:00 GMT | 09:30 local<br />
09:00 PKT 1st ODI - Sri Lanka v West Indies<br />
Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo <br />
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Thu Feb 3 <br />
04:00 GMT | 09:30 local<br />
09:00 PKT 2nd ODI - Sri Lanka v West Indies<br />
Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo <br />
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Sun Feb 6 <br />
04:00 GMT | 09:30 local<br />
09:00 PKT 3rd ODI - Sri Lanka v West Indies<br />
Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, ColomboFarhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755446941875257637.post-44927130990542914652011-02-02T16:15:00.002+05:002011-02-02T16:15:55.336+05:00Australia vs England 6th odi<script type='text/javascript'> width=480, height=380, id='18702', e='1';</script><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.mips.tv/player/doitlive_embed.js'></script>Farhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755446941875257637.post-60080201242981448072011-02-02T16:12:00.000+05:002011-02-02T16:12:20.397+05:00World Cup will prove ODIs alive and well - Lorgat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ya7VF2EmrXi6nZkT9zdR5ZLtS-i-TWSOGVDWAhtEa5yRAbdnht-CA58FhAxx3yuKQqq_wcQf6I4usdYe0Ka0RvOSszCVFtx0Ayf1AinFpS94C8rAcAuLn-2IX_EnuI7i2Ax8iIjNdnM/s1600/logart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ya7VF2EmrXi6nZkT9zdR5ZLtS-i-TWSOGVDWAhtEa5yRAbdnht-CA58FhAxx3yuKQqq_wcQf6I4usdYe0Ka0RvOSszCVFtx0Ayf1AinFpS94C8rAcAuLn-2IX_EnuI7i2Ax8iIjNdnM/s320/logart.jpg" width="203" /></a></div><br />
Haroon Lorgat, the ICC chief executive, has said next month's World Cup will prove that 50-over cricket can co-exist with the Test and Twenty20 formats. Since the inception of Twenty20 cricket and its raging success, the ODI format has been perceived to be under threat, but Lorgat said those fears were overstated. <br />
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"I think the talk of poor interest in 50-over cricket is overstated. I firmly believe that all three forms of the game will co-exist and in fact thrive at international level," Lorgat told ESPNSTAR.com. "To be frank, the talk of a demise of 50-over ODI cricket is way out of whack with what we are experiencing. Players, spectators, TV viewers and administrators still see great value in the ODIs. <br />
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"I hope that the World Cup will add to reversing the poor perception of 50-over cricket as some of the recent matches already have." <br />
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In an attempt to revitalise limited-overs cricket, Australia are experimenting with a split-innings format in their domestic competition, while England, South Africa and Zimbabwe have all shifted to a 40-over competition. However, Lorgat said the ICC doesn't have plans to tinker with the format of the game. "There are no plans to dramatically change the format of the 50-over game at international level. That said, we encourage our members to experiment with different formats and initiatives to see if there are ways it can be enhanced. <br />
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"The ODI today has a very different look and feel to what it was 40 years ago when the first match took place in 1971. We have always embraced change and will continue to do so." <br />
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Lorgat said the 2011 tournament, which starts on February 19, would be the most unpredictable World Cup in history. "It seems to me that the top teams are all playing some wonderful cricket at present and there is precious little to decide between them. <br />
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"The Australians could make history by becoming the first team to win four in a row but they will be challenged as they are not as dominant today as they were four years ago. The other teams, no doubt, will sense an opportunity to wrestle the cup from their tight grasp." <br />
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Lorgat said the passion for cricket in the subcontinent would ensure a successful World Cup. "Nowhere in the world can one find love and power for the game as in the subcontinent. We are expecting all the people from the three host nations to come out in force, support their teams and follow the tournament.Farhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755446941875257637.post-76412507653874390472011-02-02T15:54:00.000+05:002011-02-02T15:54:11.531+05:00Watch live Australia vs England 6th odi<strong><a href="http://allsportspk.blogspot.com/">Watch live Australia vs England 6th odi</a></strong>Farhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755446941875257637.post-69082547025320043232011-02-02T15:52:00.000+05:002011-02-02T15:52:32.933+05:00Can New Zealand overcome form, injury woes?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKe6Z1qd95er3hnXu40BnLIqf8Q8T52AQGgY38BMyCa-0GwxeYfIIUEy1GUuCI2wOTHWJPbU-MpFksiPpNcKWFr5u0wlxIdH_2To0nqGPwd6nH7uvdX_JOg_l9RyypwIToLjwO0f_68Zo/s1600/ryder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKe6Z1qd95er3hnXu40BnLIqf8Q8T52AQGgY38BMyCa-0GwxeYfIIUEy1GUuCI2wOTHWJPbU-MpFksiPpNcKWFr5u0wlxIdH_2To0nqGPwd6nH7uvdX_JOg_l9RyypwIToLjwO0f_68Zo/s320/ryder.jpg" width="234" /></a></div><br />
New Zealand have reason to feel exasperated. They have attempted everything to turn around their string of losses; in fact, there can be a case that they have tried too hard. They have brought in a capable new coach, rotated their players faster than a revolving door spins, tinkered around with the batting order, and even broken one of their most successful opening combinations. But at least one of their many old failings continues to crop up at crucial junctures. <br />
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If the misfiring top order manages to provide a good start, the middle order contrives to cave in. When the top order suffers one of its spectacular collapses after seemingly promising starts, the middle order gets involved in the repair job, and they end up with a below-par total. And on the rare occasion that the batsmen fire collectively, and the bowlers have kept the opposition in check, they inevitably manage to run in to a rampant batsman who takes the game away from their grasp. In the bowlers' defence, there just haven't been enough runs to play with, with the batsmen crossing 250 only thrice in the previous 14 matches, 13 of which have been lost. <br />
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If the fact that one more series is now on the line isn't motivation enough for the home team, they need look no further than their opponents. Despite all the issues surrounding the side, Pakistan have started to give the feeling of approaching somewhere close to being a settled side. The current captain and vice-captain have played major roles in their respective wins in the series, and the mutual admiration has overflowed from Shahid Afridi and Misbah-ul-Haq. If some of that feel-good can translate into another match-winning performance, Pakistan will leave New Zealand with Test and one-day series wins, a massive achievement considering what has gone on in the previous six monthsFarhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755446941875257637.post-18447812715816999642011-02-01T18:07:00.000+05:002011-02-01T18:07:31.593+05:00Carroll - I was pushed out<span class="main-content"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUajrztm5YEANS5HCW6a6JASVgQDLLUN8tIq9Dbq_41qnNC9NMp6UTU_ZFnyWeA2B7Z47Q7RhBeVtKzKU2HeW2c1XGRm27vPDAKMwiIQiOlZ_ip_cEVPKtgYmmlUdzeuv0wq2FAVZBQw/s1600/andy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUajrztm5YEANS5HCW6a6JASVgQDLLUN8tIq9Dbq_41qnNC9NMp6UTU_ZFnyWeA2B7Z47Q7RhBeVtKzKU2HeW2c1XGRm27vPDAKMwiIQiOlZ_ip_cEVPKtgYmmlUdzeuv0wq2FAVZBQw/s1600/andy.jpg" /></a></div><div class="ss-text-bold">Andy Carroll is adamant he was not wanted by Newcastle United and that he was forced to hand in a transfer request before securing his move to Liverpool. </div>The England striker completed a blockbuster £35million transfer to Liverpool on deadline day with the fee establishing the 22-year-old as the most expensive British player in history.<br />
However, the manner of the home-grown powerhouse's departure from St James' Park has prompted contrasting versions of events from the club and player.<br />
Magpies boss Alan Pardew claimed that the club did not push Carroll towards the exit door and accepted Liverpool's second offer after the player asked for a new contract.<br />
Carroll, though, disputes this version and insists that he never wanted to leave his boyhood club, accusing Newcastle of wanting the money offered by Liverpool.Farhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755446941875257637.post-9501051318430450192011-02-01T18:01:00.000+05:002011-02-01T18:01:09.827+05:00Sehwag is a game changer: Pietersen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdUsTF8KM2CVOj6YtOjAO_Cb7WQXYwoiucAovjWlHT_purwd6iZKX3k2p_vwqvMsStiMp7YEpnU5uX_wPxGLXv_vDRoJZVOGGavMzEso55a2FlDk_FVW2FUiHbIAi1-mjlVch5DrF4Nw/s1600/kiven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdUsTF8KM2CVOj6YtOjAO_Cb7WQXYwoiucAovjWlHT_purwd6iZKX3k2p_vwqvMsStiMp7YEpnU5uX_wPxGLXv_vDRoJZVOGGavMzEso55a2FlDk_FVW2FUiHbIAi1-mjlVch5DrF4Nw/s1600/kiven.jpg" /></a></div>Himself a game changer who pioneered the controversial switch-hit, England batsman Kevin Pietersen feels destructive Indian opener Virender Sehwag and West Indian Chris Gayle are the other two batsmen capable of turning a match on its head. <br />
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"There are a few players I admire as game changers today. Virender Sehwag is one of them, he opens the batting and you know as an opposing player that within 10-15 overs of a Test match or 10-15 overs of a one-day international, the man can change the game," Pietersen said. <br />
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"Another game changer is Chris Gayle from the Caribbean, who does a similar job as Sehwag. These are the two guys I love watching and love playing against," he added. <br />
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The flamboyant 30-year-old, whose switch-hit gets him as much applause as criticism, said he always tries to innovate so as to make the sport interesting for the fans. <br />
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"Change the Game to me means constantly trying to bring something new and something fresh to what you do. In the current highly competitive scenario, it's really important to surprise the opposition with unexpected actions and to change the face of the game by pushing the boundaries," Pietersen said. <br />
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"Cricket is a sport that has evolved so much and being a part of that evolution... bringing something new when we play... keeps the fun alive, not only for us but for the fans as well," he added. <br />
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Pietersen, who would be featuring Pepsi's 'Change the Game campaign' for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup, said he practices the switch hit for long hours at the nets. <br />
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"I spend hours and hours in the nets, practicing the Switch Hit, trying to perfect it. I have perfected it a couple of times in the game situations. But yes, it's something new, something fresh, it's a game changing shot," he said. <br />
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Recalling the first time he used the shot, Pietersen said, "...we were playing against New Zealand a couple of years ago; Scott Styris was bowling off-cutters at me with a packed leg-side field, the only way to hit a boundary being the orthodox way. I could either play straight or take a risk by hitting over the fielders. <br />
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"I decided to apply all the practice and the preparation that I had done for the switch-hit. I knew that if I will hit it, it will land in a safe area and if I miss hit, I will probably be outside the line of off-stump. It went on well the first time. The next time I switched, Styris was clever and bowled a slow delivery. This time it came out as a better shot as I had time to hold my stance and power the ball away," he said.Farhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755446941875257637.post-47088865077237332392011-02-01T17:48:00.000+05:002011-02-01T17:48:21.523+05:00Misbah-ul-Haq masterminds narrow win<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Maxb8yWB9xbbF2CV8Q6jQwrJ-u0FQ61JNB4UpNQZ5pZfe5OYQOrkdZ7HjQxi6r-2f2N0GO6i6qH7hvcGuYx2uyNJC6hlCgVZAMAwwyZI0Nnze0YG9B5I0fHiLzbuG479cq16QhYs-sM/s1600/misbah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Maxb8yWB9xbbF2CV8Q6jQwrJ-u0FQ61JNB4UpNQZ5pZfe5OYQOrkdZ7HjQxi6r-2f2N0GO6i6qH7hvcGuYx2uyNJC6hlCgVZAMAwwyZI0Nnze0YG9B5I0fHiLzbuG479cq16QhYs-sM/s320/misbah.jpg" width="181" /></a></div>Pakistan continued to show they are masters of making mountains out of molehills, but Misbah-ul-Haq's supremely paced innings and Sohail Tanvir's nerveless hitting took them to a tense win in Napier that puts them 2-1 up. New Zealand had earlier showed the benefits of stacking their side with allrounders as they recovered from an all-too-familiar top-order collapse to post a respectable total but it didn't prove enough. <br />
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On a pancake-flat track and with McLean Park's short boundaries and a quick outfield to assist them, Pakistan looked to be gliding towards victory when Misbah and Younis Khan played safety-first cricket to take them to 173 for 3 in 37 overs. With the batting Powerplay in hand, two set batsmen at the crease and a host of heavy-hitters to follow, New Zealand seemed down and out. <br />
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The first blip was the run-out of Younis who slipped when attempting to regain his ground after tipping the ball to point. The new batsman, Umar Akmal, meandered to 10 when the Powerplay was taken. As has been the case in recent matches, the Powerplay resulted in immediate wickets: Umar holed out to extra cover and Shahid Afridi was trapped in front. With Pakistan at 198 for 6, New Zealand were back in it. <br />
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The match swung again in the next over as Abdul Razzaq clubbed a mighty six, and Misbah calmly picked off two effortless, wristy boundaries as Tim Southee went for 17. New Zealand clawed back again when Hamish Bennett had Razzaq skying a catch to Vettori in the 47th over. <br />
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Twenty-four needed off the final three overs - enough time for more twists. Misbah, yet again, seemed to have sealed it when he slammed Scott Styris beyond midwicket off the first ball of the 48th, and then followed it up with a punch past mid-on for four. No. 10 Wahab Riaz then decided to go for glory instead of turning over the strike to Misbah, and his swipe ballooned to the keeper. <br />
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Only two wickets remained, and there was a genuine threat of Pakistan being bowled out. Tanvir then showed that though his bowling isn't at the level it was before his back injury, his hitting retains the ferocity of old. He forehanded three fours in the penultimate over from Southee to sew up the victory with six balls remaining. <br />
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Tanvir may have applied the finishing touches but it was Misbah who had done the grunt work earlier on. When Pakistan were wobbling at 84 for 3, Misbah and Younis stroked the ball into the gaps for singles to keep the required rate in check. Their 89-run partnership had put Pakistan in charge, before the slew of wickets led to an exciting denouement. <br />
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It was Misbah's finest one-day effort, and his first significant contribution in the format in a long time. With 18 days to go for the World Cup, Pakistan are still without a captain, and this series hasn't made the decision easier for the selectors. Afridi was panned after the heavy defeat in the first match, then praised after his electric half-century in the Christchurch victory, and Misbah has now pushed his case with this match-winning innings. <br />
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New Zealand continue to desperately seek someone who can provide Misbah-like calmness to their famously fragile top order. Today, their stuttering batting unit squandered another chance to hit form on a placid track, with shot-selection that will leave John Wright fuming. Martin Guptill flicked to midwicket after impressing early on, Jamie How pulled imperiously but straight to deep square leg, Ross Taylor's expansive drive ended in first slip's hands, and Kane Williamson chipped the ball to long-on. <br />
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The home side had tumbled to 79 for 5 before Brendon McCullum jumpstarted the innings with a typically energetic cameo. James Franklin then led the rescue with his third half-century in four innings; after a watchful start, he cut loose in the Powerplay reeling off four boundaries in two overs. Afridi handcuffed him with a legstump line in the 44th over and had him holing out to deep fine leg. <br />
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The batting recovery was completed by Nathan McCullum, who blasted his way to his maiden one-day half-century. The highlights of his innings were a couple of high-risk paddles for four against the quicks and a murderous carve over cover for six in the penultimate over. <br />
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Franklin and the McCullum brothers helped New Zealand put on 170 in the second half of the innings despite the top-order collapse, but even that proved insufficient as Misbah continued his prolific tour.Farhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755446941875257637.post-9218280698824283852011-01-31T18:00:00.000+05:002011-01-31T18:00:26.908+05:00Defensive problems mount for Celtic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPYL3D6huzVwDYCbfHiFnDsdscdZn_ji3_-YtciWiEzLTzjUagDQ-08wAcW7G1-SvQmWHvr0i4hG6Vsfyr3iddbex6xRh1o2LimFsuNnfRyjtQPYEpHrbUubu1Bgwwy5UAVwOqFuzLn8/s1600/celtic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPYL3D6huzVwDYCbfHiFnDsdscdZn_ji3_-YtciWiEzLTzjUagDQ-08wAcW7G1-SvQmWHvr0i4hG6Vsfyr3iddbex6xRh1o2LimFsuNnfRyjtQPYEpHrbUubu1Bgwwy5UAVwOqFuzLn8/s1600/celtic.jpg" /></a></div>Celtic have a defensive crisis as they aim to move eight points clear at the top of the Scottish Premier League tomorrow when they face Aberdeen at Pittodrie for their third meeting in nine days.<br />
The Hoops have triumphed in the two previous meetings, the latest a 4-1 thrashing at Hampden Park in their League Cup semi-final clash last Saturday. Neil Lennon's side had only one recognised centre-half for the match at the national stadium with injuries to Glenn Loovens and Daniel Majstorovic, and Jos Hooiveld's loan deal to Copenhagen, leaving just Thomas Rogne.<br />
But Celtic were dealt another blow when the 20-year-old Norwegian limped out of the match with a calf strain and could struggle to make the trip to Pittodrie. That could leave manager Lennon with a back four made up entirely of full-backs with Charlie Mulgrew and Mark Wilson asked to move into the middle. But Rogne is confident whoever plays will be capable of keeping up Celtic's record of having the meanest defence in the SPL.<br />
"Everyone talks about our situation in defence and before the Hearts game last week we were told that we had one central defender and that was me, but in the last two games Charlie has been the best player in our defence," the centre-half said.<br />
<div class="newsQuote"><div class="h"> </div><div class="newsQuoteIC"><div class="c">Of course I want to be injury-free and play myself but if I can't play on Tuesday I know the boys will step up and do a brilliant job. There will be no problem.</div><div class="a">Thomas Rogne, Celtic defender </div><div style="clear: both;"> </div></div><div class="f"> </div></div>"We have Wilson as well who can play centre-half brilliantly, so it's not an issue. Of course I want to be injury-free and play myself but if I can't play on Tuesday I know the boys will step up and do a brilliant job. There will be no problem."<br />
Celtic will be boosted by the return of right-back Cha Du-Ri and midfielder Ki Sung-Yeung from international duty with Korea Republic in the AFC Asian Cup but Shaun Maloney and James Forrest will miss out through injury. A win for the Hoops would take them eight points clear at the top of the table before second-placed Rangers take on Hearts, who sit in third.<br />
The Gers will be looking for revenge at Ibrox after their 1-0 defeat by the Jambos at Tynecastle ten days ago. Jim Jefferies' side are just two points behind Rangers and would leapfrog their hosts into second spot with a win. Walter Smith's side have been boosted by the signing of Northern Ireland international David Healy on loan from Sunderland.<br />
And fellow forward Steven Naismith believes his arrival should give everyone at Ibrox a boost after losing Kenny Miller in the transfer window and missing out on Kris Commons who opted instead to join Celtic. "He's an experienced striker who has a great scoring record, especially at international level. He'll be a good addition," Naismith said. "He'll be hungry for goals here and I'm sure David will be hungrier than most to do well."<br />
Elsewhere, struggling Hibernian and St Mirren face each other at Easter Road. Hibs, who sit second-bottom and have yet to score in 2011 are aiming to stop a run of five straight defeats. Motherwell face a tough task as they look to bounce back from their League Cup semi-final defeat to Rangers when fourth-placed Kilmarnock visit Fir ParFarhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755446941875257637.post-45741602574707653622011-01-31T17:58:00.000+05:002011-01-31T17:58:04.041+05:00Bangalore to host India-England game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvX2lSjNTCH2nMAhilxe722g3egCtoamDXmjiOk3Ls_4WfVDalX3wa9TS2StGUTJXtPCyRVRf_d9hWaGPObb3CwnoT2v6p5GNC4k8MSiz6XVNjOE3-Ni3eRyCm-ypPrV-VYqZB5batQKY/s1600/eden+garden+ind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvX2lSjNTCH2nMAhilxe722g3egCtoamDXmjiOk3Ls_4WfVDalX3wa9TS2StGUTJXtPCyRVRf_d9hWaGPObb3CwnoT2v6p5GNC4k8MSiz6XVNjOE3-Ni3eRyCm-ypPrV-VYqZB5batQKY/s1600/eden+garden+ind.jpg" /></a></div><div class="news-body"> The ICC has confirmed the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore as the venue for the India-England World Cup game that was originally supposed to be held in Kolkata. There was no change in the date of the match - it will be held on February 27. </div><div class="news-body"> "This decision now clarifies and gives us certainty over the fixture," ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said. "We can now work with our various partners and stakeholders to make sure that the match - along with the rest of the tournament - is all it should be." </div><div class="news-body"> In a letter to the BCCI, the ICC also outlined the pending work that had to be done to get Eden Gardens ready for the World Cup. Kolkata was originally allotted three other matches for the tournament, the first of which is on March 15. The ICC said an inspection team will visit Eden Gardens on February 7 to see the progress made before deciding on the fate on those three matches. </div><div class="news-body"> The BCCI had nominated Bangalore as its preferred venue for the India-England match after the ICC had ruled out Kolkata last week. </div><div class="news-body"> The India-England fixture will now be the most high profile World Cup game for Bangalore, which hosts four other group games. Only one of those feature the home team, while all of them pit a minnow against a strong side. </div>Farhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755446941875257637.post-50373290579036508132011-01-31T17:56:00.000+05:002011-01-31T17:56:25.147+05:00The curious case of Younis and Misbah<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFa5cHK6qJxp_kX1bojqi_dCpgIDta9CN6kXU9zWz9ZjhwTTxrDFV33O0N3lzS0ND4MySnG8aRBg-3zICWYil9mhWs0G1ERo43WpFdD9n-jjC6wNWTbOJy9AmRor_nr5J3l0NRDdArVSM/s1600/Ryder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFa5cHK6qJxp_kX1bojqi_dCpgIDta9CN6kXU9zWz9ZjhwTTxrDFV33O0N3lzS0ND4MySnG8aRBg-3zICWYil9mhWs0G1ERo43WpFdD9n-jjC6wNWTbOJy9AmRor_nr5J3l0NRDdArVSM/s320/Ryder.jpg" width="234" /></a></div><div class="news-body"> Christchurch witnessed a quintessentially Pakistani style of play: start slow, build a base, retain wickets, and explode in the end. It used to be the norm in 1980s before Saeed Anwar and Aamir Sohail changed that in the 90's, but once again, without a settled opening pair, Pakistan are returning to the roots. Not many teams can launch into a frenzied and mesmerising attack in the end overs like Pakistan can. Abdul Razzaq swinging like there is no tomorrow, Shahid Afridi swinging like there is no next moment, and the scarred opposition living on the boundary's edge, waiting for the violence to end. As Luke Woodcock put it: "I've seen a bit of it on TV but to actually see it first hand, playing against him [Afridi] for the first time, it was a pretty special knock and he took the momentum away from us." </div><div class="news-body"> Mohammad Hafeez hit his maiden hundred in his 61st game, Ahmed Shehzad dazzled briefly in the second ODI, and Umar Akmal showed glimpses of the imperious flair he possesses. But what about Pakistan's experienced middle order? For long, Younis Khan's critics have said that he bats in ODIs like he is batting in a Test and vice versa. For long, Misbah-ul-Haq's critics have said that he bats in all formats like he is batting in a Test. Their supporters will cite Christchurch as evidence of their effectiveness. Let Younis and Misbah play the middle overs, preventing a collapse, and set the base for the marauders to take over. The critics want the same thing but they wonder why the holding job can't be performed with more purpose? Can't Younis and Misbah take singles, keep the strike rotating, and score at a decent pace? Their career strike rates are just over 75, which is actually ideal for the job they do, but the criticism, especially against Misbah, is that he only makes up towards the end of his knock. The sedate approach at the start increases pressure on the others and triggers self-destructive ways or so the argument goes. It will be interesting to watch their approach in the next game. </div><div class="news-body"> Their opposition, New Zealand, are experimenting, searching for the ideal line-up before the World Cup. The biggest puzzle is the position of Brendon McCullum. On the flat-beds of the subcontinent, considering that he is a regular Test opener, would it be better to play him at the top or keep him for later? Martin Guptill has been in great form, and Jesse Ryder is best while opening, so why not plug McCullum lower down to make use of the batting Powerplay? And what about Jamie How, who looks good in most innings but never carries on? He will get one more chance in the next game, this time in the middle order, and he needs to grab it. </div><div class="news-body"> Tim Southee and Hamish Bennett are the two chosen ones for the fourth ODI. It was slightly strange to see New Zealand make Bennett bowl against the breeze in the last game. Will they give him a chance to go down wind and try and use his pace to unsettle the batsmen? Luke Woodcock, who had a good debut, lost out as Vettori and Nathan McCullum return. The pressure is on Nathan to put in a good performance to keep Woodcock behind in the pecking order. </div><div class="news-body"> Napier, the venue of the fourth ODI, has been a burial ground for the bowlers and if the pitch remains flat and full of runs, Pakistan hold the edge over New Zealand. </div>Farhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755446941875257637.post-13525396319755448212011-01-29T08:59:00.004+05:002011-01-29T10:07:58.382+05:00Lakers v Kings LIVE<iframe scrolling="no" height="574" frameborder="0" width="540" src="http://embed.zonein.tv/plkgftdhgfhydfyhayer.php?id=147402&w=630&h=554" allowtransparency="true"></iframe>Farhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755446941875257637.post-4614591053825271572011-01-28T17:45:00.000+05:002011-01-28T17:45:12.419+05:00Watch live The Australian Open<h1 class="pageHeader articleDetail">Pennetta and Dulko win maiden Slam title</h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4caR_acsBD-Xf-7uW656K2C27YzRern-lm2ylO8V7t_xWSWmGjOP__B52I-0SqcdRcuroC6Qp1wJxydLsEZfGENvVyKiwTOtITSAUmmfh-t_Z3Myjz9ceQ2BFueJJlZ5Oc1blpJvxx0/s1600/aus+open.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4caR_acsBD-Xf-7uW656K2C27YzRern-lm2ylO8V7t_xWSWmGjOP__B52I-0SqcdRcuroC6Qp1wJxydLsEZfGENvVyKiwTOtITSAUmmfh-t_Z3Myjz9ceQ2BFueJJlZ5Oc1blpJvxx0/s1600/aus+open.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Staring down the barrel of almost certain defeat, Gisela Dulko and Flavia Pennetta staged a remarkable comeback to claim their first major doubles crown as a team and validate their top seeding.<br />
In their first Grand Slam doubles final, the Argentine-Italian duo found themselves trailing 2-6, 1-4 against No.12 seeds Victoria Azarenka and Maria Kirilenko, before drawing on their vast reserves of experience and confidence to storm back and claim a memorable 2-6, 7-5, 6-1 victory.<br />
Speaking after the match, the pair said that their response to finding themselves so far behind was to simply try to extend the match as long as possible. "We were like in shock. I think a set and 4 1 down, in the changeover, we were like looking each other and saying, C'mon, we play less than an hour. We cannot finish the match playing less than an hour in the final," Dulko said.<br />
"We just tried to went for it, don't try to wait for them, try to play more aggressive. Because I think till this moment we couldn't find a good way to play, to win the match. So we just keep fighting and trying."<br />
It was a glamorous match up, and the tennis proved highly entertaining as well. Women's doubles has progressively gone the way of its singles counterpart and is now played predominantly from the baseline, but today it was refreshing to see the four women willing to attack the net and employ tried-and-true doubles tactics throughout the two hour and 11 minute match.<br />
Games went on serve early in breezy conditions on Rod Laver Arena, and it looked like the top seeds would draw first blood, moving ahead 0-30 in the fifth game after Pennetta cracked a forehand return winner down the line. But the less-experienced combination proved resilient, eventually holding serve before embarking on a tear that reaped three consecutive games.<br />
This run was sparked by a crucial point in the sixth game. Azarenka and Kirilenko came out on top of a searching rally - characterised by a series of lobs which forced players to repeatedly switch sides - which Azarenka ended with a short, wickedly sliced backhand that stopped dead. Kirilenko applauded her partner, recognising the artful shot as well as the significance of the moment. The pair would go on to break serve on their way to claiming the opening set in 34 minutes.<br />
Dulko and Pennetta weren't playing badly - they had just come up against a pair that was doing everything better. Azarenka and Kirilenko had more firepower off the ground, were ending points more effectively at net with crisp volleys and powerful overheads, and kept the No.1 seeds under constant pressure. <br />
Despite having never played in a Grand Slam tournament together, Azarenka and Kirilenko maintained their superior form in the second set. Dulko and Pennetta broke serve in the opening game, but Azarenka and Kirilenko broke straight back and surged to a 4-1 lead thanks to some formidable net play.<br />
The top seeds were in dire straits, and desperately needed something to change. After holding serve to remain alive, there was a glimmer of hope when Dulko volleyed a winner after a lengthy rally to help the No.1 seeds break back for 3-4. The top seeds sensed a momentum shift, and showed steely resolve to recover from 0-30 down in the eighth game, forcing two errors from their opponents and playing some excellent tennis at net to level at 4-4. <br />
Despite the No.12 seeds holding serve in the ninth game to remain ahead, Dulko and Pennetta were now hitting more freely and taking advantage of increasingly tense play from their opponents, and they eventually took the second set.<br />
Now with a ton of momentum, the No.1 seeds were not going to blow their chance at snaring a maiden Grand Slam crown. Playing a more cohesive, error-free brand of tennis, they punished short balls and benefitted from Kirilenko and Azarenka's increasing error count.<br />
Azarenka was the main culprit - her exemplary volleying technique disappeared out the window as she repeatedly fluffed points at the net. At one stage she crouched on the court after a missed backhand volley, looking completely shattered after yet another point had slipped away. The wheels had fallen off.<br />
Pennetta sympathised for her opponents - and Azarenka in particular - admitting it was tough to stay positive after letting a big lead slip. "When you have the chance, you have a ball for 5 1, it's almost finished, then you're starting the third set, it's like really tough to come back in the game," she said.<br />
"I think maybe she (Azarenka) start to be a little bit more, you know, nervous and to miss more balls than in the beginning. I think they play very good in the first set ... But I think most important for us that we keep fighting. In the end we believe we can turn the match, so it was good."<br />
From there the No.1 seeds did not ease up, celebrating ecstatically after another error from the No.12 seeds put an end to the compelling contest. <br />
Today's victory iced a stellar 12 months for Dulko and Pennetta. They finished 2010 as the top-ranked doubles team thanks to seven titles from nine finals, and at one stage compiled a 17-match winning streak. They first played together in 2006.<br />
"Last year we played so well," Pennetta said. "We won The Championships, so many good tournaments, but we didn't make any (major) final or we didn't win any Grand Slam. So we start really well to here and I hope to do the same thing in the next one."<br />
<h1 class="pageHeader articleDetail"> </h1>Farhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755446941875257637.post-8488498826991355342011-01-28T17:36:00.000+05:002011-01-28T17:36:56.567+05:00Eden Gardens loses India-England fixture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4M_6y_Q2s2PuNPE5xNwuIDVNbv2CBg8DTQxY_8r54NYLAl70evy5d77B9k1cUtKdQy8JFNUAab7rsOJMzKfJSJrB1cpu-cBOFHL_3qPDyPJVr3e5Dv4OT_LVFbOYcLhO2X-CHl5XE6rQ/s1600/Eden+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4M_6y_Q2s2PuNPE5xNwuIDVNbv2CBg8DTQxY_8r54NYLAl70evy5d77B9k1cUtKdQy8JFNUAab7rsOJMzKfJSJrB1cpu-cBOFHL_3qPDyPJVr3e5Dv4OT_LVFbOYcLhO2X-CHl5XE6rQ/s1600/Eden+garden.jpg" /></a></div><div class="news-body"> In a major embarrassment to the BCCI, the ICC has ruled out Eden Gardens as the host of the game between India and England on February 27. The ICC's inspection team, which included some of the leading experts in the field of stadium and ground preparation, felt that Eden Gardens would not be ready in time. No alternate venue for the match has yet been named. The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and the three World Cup stadiums in Sri Lanka were all given the go-ahead by the ICC. </div><div class="news-body"> "Regrettably, Eden Gardens has not made sufficient progress to justify the level of confidence required to confirm that the venue would be ready in good time," Haroon Lorgat, the ICC chief executive, said. "This was no easy decision to take and while it is most unfortunate, it is absolutely necessary." The Cricket Association of Bengal is having an emergency meeting to discuss the development. </div><div class="news-body"> Kolkata was to host three other matches in the World Cup, but the status of those games is still unclear. "At this stage no decision has been taken on those matches," an ICC spokesperson said. The India-England clash was the only chance for fans in Kolkata to see the home side. </div><div class="news-body"> BCCI president Shashank Manohar said that there was no need for the BCCI to call any emergency meeting, but pointed out that he would consult his "office bearers" to finalise the venue for the match. It is learnt that Bangalore is tipped to be a favourite. "99 % it will be Bangalore," an ICC source said. </div><div class="news-body"> The news of switching the match from Kolkata comes just two days after the tournament director, Ratnakar Shetty, waved away worries over readiness of World Cup venues. Media personnel had been barred from a recent inspection of Eden Gardens. </div><div class="news-body"> The venue, one of the largest cricket stadiums in the world, has hosted some of the highest-profile matches of the previous two World Cups held in the subcontinent including the final in 1987 and the semi-final in 1996. No international matches have been held in Kolkata since the Test between India and South Africa in February as the stadium was being renovated. </div><div class="news-body"> "All venues had ample time in which to prepare for World Cup matches," Lorgat said. "We had been understanding and had provided extensions to the deadline dates but unfortunately we are now at a point where we must carefully manage our risks. </div><div class="news-body"> "The Central Organising Committee had provided venues with a deadline of 30 November 2010 to complete all construction work and then to be match-ready by 31 December 2010. An extension was granted by the ICC for five venues, which were again inspected over the past week. Sadly, Eden Gardens in Kolkata was unable to meet the final deadline date of 25 January 2011." </div><div class="news-body"> The ICC is still deciding on the new venue for the India-England match. "We will work with the new venue, the tour operators and the ticket distributors to manage the logistical challenges that will surely arise," Shetty said. </div>Farhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15530034845429968942noreply@blogger.com