Tendulkar threat looms large as Chargers take on MI

Tendulkar threat looms large as Chargers take on MI

Mumbai, March 27: The threat of Sachin Tendulkar taking the game away by the scruff looms as the biggest hurdle between defending champions Deccan Chargers and a victory in their Indian Premier League tie against Mumbai Indians at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

Tendulkar, who created history by making a double hundred against South Africa in Gwalior ODI last month, has not let up in his run-scoring ways and stands tall for Mumbai Indians in their quest to clinch the coveted IPL crown after the disappointment of the first two seasons.

The champion batsman has been in sublime form and has literally led his team from the front with his superb poise at the crease, which is reflected in MI going into the tie atop the points table with eight points.

Tendulkar’s masterly knocks of 63 off 32 balls with 10 fours floored Delhi Daredevils at the Ferozeshah Kotla.

Focussed Clarke is ready to go

Michael and Marcus North have both been under pressure this week for different reasons, but both men could be thrust into the spotlight on field early on Friday. Daniel Vettori said the seam-friendly conditions at the Basin Reserve might encourage him to send Australia in if he wins the toss, while Ricky Ponting will, as always, be keen to put runs on the board.

By the time Australia are two down, there will be plenty of attention on the next two men padded up. Ponting was confident that the No. 5, Clarke, would have felt a great weight lifted off his shoulders after facing up to the media on Wednesday, significantly easing much of the intrusion into his personal life. Clarke has looked upbeat at training and Ponting had no doubt he was ready for Test cricket.

"I only had to ask him a simple question, are you right to go?" Ponting said. "The fact he was back here when he was said to me straight away that he was ready to play cricket again. There's no doubt it's been a tough week or couple of weeks for him but I know Michael well enough to know if he wasn't ready to come back and play he wouldn't have come. When he first arrived we sat down in my room and had a chat about a few things and he assured me then that he was ready to go and focussed on playing."

The challenge for the No. 6, North, is a different one. He finds himself on the verge of a potential Test axing, after what was for the majority a positive first year of Test cricket. His poor form after the first Test of the Australian summer has left him needing runs in Wellington to fend off the allrounder Steven Smith, and Ponting felt certain that North could regain the form that made him a key player on the tours of South Africa and England.

"I've done a lot of work with him actually, one-on-one stuff the last couple of days and spoken a lot to him," Ponting said. "There's no doubt that he's probably feeling a bit of the pressure, that probably explains why his form in the last half of the Shield season probably hasn't been as strong as he would have liked. I've made it clear all the way through last summer with him he didn't have a lot of great opportunities.

"From the moment he came into this side, his debut hundred at the Wanderers, his shot selection and everything that was on display just looked like he'd been around for five years. You don't lose that, just sometimes you get a bit confused and second guess yourself a little bit. He has just got to get back into that clear thinking state of mind when he is out in the middle and I am confident he can do that over the next couple of weeks."

Vettori knows how important it will be to maintain the pressure on Australia's batsmen. His own top order is inexperienced and in their past five first-innings at the Basin Reserve, New Zealand have failed to post 200 four times and once didn't even reach 100. All the more reason to look to the bowlers for direction.

"Clarke's record speaks for itself as of late so I'm sure he'll be fine," Vettori said. "North is a guy we probably haven't seen a lot of, just video footage and seeing the Test match series against West Indies and Pakistan. The goal for us is to keep North under pressure because that's what you need to do. There's going to be key moments in the game but if we can keep that pressure on then we have a chance of winning."

New Zealand always enter a Test series against Australia as the underdogs and this is no exception. Victory would be a landmark achievement for Vettori's men, given that they haven't beaten Australia since 1993, but even holding Australia to draws would be a positive result and the captain said a strong series would make their 2009-10 a success.

"It's been a pretty good season up till now," he said. "If we could have won the Chappell-Hadlee then it would have been a really good season but if we look back from the Champions Trophy through to now there's been some really good cricket and to finish it off in the Test match form would be the key for us because that's one that we have struggled with."

Brydon Coverdale is a staff writer at Cricinfo

I let captaincy affect my batting - McCullum

New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum is keen to put the lessons learned from a difficult 2009 IPL into practice during this year's tournament.

McCullum is in the middle of a home series against Australia. New Zealand lost the Chapell-Hadlee series 3-2 and the teams will meet in Wellington on Friday for the first of two Test matches. With the 2010 IPL successfully underway amongst security fears, McCullum is still waiting on clearance before confirming his involvement but was eager to participate in the competition because of its massive impact on the cricketing world.

"Things look to be going pretty well, so I guess it's just a case of monitoring the situation. Every player wants to be involved in the IPL because it's such a great tournament and the fact that it's played at that time of year in conditions which are pretty extreme is just another challenge."

During the 2009 tournament, McCullum faced one of the most difficult periods of his career as captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders. He believes he has learned from those mistakes and hopes to make amends this year.

"It was a tough challenge and results didn't go the way we wanted, but it was a great experience and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to captain a franchise with such a big fan following. I certainly learned some lessons which will help me as I continue to experience everything cricket has to offer.

"I tried to be too responsible with my batting. My game is based around being aggressive and playing with no fear, and when you're willing yourself to perform so much that can often affect that aggressiveness.

"I think the messages that I was preaching I actually wasn't following myself in terms of that aggressive style of cricket. In hindsight, I think I let the captaincy affect my batting, but fortunately, towards the end of the competition I produced some performances that helped the team win as well."

The Knight Riders have an embarrassment of riches in the batting department, with McCullum joined by Chris Gayle, Brad Hodge, Owais Shah, and Sourav Ganguly as well as handy allrounder Angelo Mathews.

"We struggled with batting last year, so we've tried to reinforce it this year. Three guys have gone well so far, so I think it's been a good move. If you can get as many runs as possible, you give yourself a good chance with the ball.

"It's a real luxury to have so many good players that you can just select the ones that are in good form at the time."

The prospect of opening the innings with Gayle has McCullum extremely excited and even though the two didn't do so well when opening last year in South Africa, it seems only a matter of time before they destroy a bowling attack in the IPL.

"It's going to be awesome. We did it in South Africa but we played on some fresher wickets and obviously our games are both helped by flat decks, so hopefully we get some flat ones in India and all going well we'll open together and get a few away."

McCullum still holds the record for the highest score in the IPL: he blasted an amazing 158 not out off 73 balls against Bangalore in the very first game of the league. He loves the environment surrounding the event each year and can't wait to join his team in a couple of weeks.

"The following and the hype of it being an Indian competition is amazing. Indian people are passionate about their cricket and their team and there's a huge intensity surrounding the performance of each team.

"Playing in front of the huge crowds is something pretty spectacular and having 90,000 people at some of our games at Eden Gardens is pretty phenomenal."

New Zealand team-mate and paceman Shane Bond joins McCullum in the Knight Riders franchise for 2010, and is already in India after retiring from Test matches late last year.

"It's fantastic to have Bondy in the same team. He's a quality player and he'll add a lot to the squad. I'm sure he will enjoy the experience of the IPL and the intensity in which the competition is played. It's always good to have someone else from your own country in your team. His performance will be great for us and he'll be good to have in the environment too."

Marc Ellison is the editor for www.twenty20.co.nz

Bud beat Navajyoti by 2 wickets

Bud beat Navajyoti by 2 wickets

By our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI, March 13: Bud Cricket Club registered two wickets victory against Navajyoti Club in ‘A’ Division Cricket League held at the Judges’ Field here today. Navajyoti Club, who won the toss and elected to bat first, were bowled out for 128 runs in 33.2 overs. Nishant Bordoloi (33) was the highest scorer of the team. Hiren Sharma and Chandan Das picked up three wickets each. Bud Cricket Club reached the target in 31.1 overs losing eight wickets. Bhaskarjyoti Barman (3-23) bowled well but it was not enough to stop Bud Cricket Club from a victory. Gakul Sharma (27) was the highest scorer for the winning team.

Videocon in race for Pune IPL team with Abhishek Bachchan

Videocon in race for Pune IPL team with Abhishek Bachchan

NEW DELHI, March 6: A consortium led by consumer durables-to-oil and gas group, Videocon is understood to be in the race for the franchise rights of the Pune team for the Indian Premier League 2011 season with Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan as a likely partner. According to sources, P Vision Ltd, a company owned by Videocon Group chief Venugopal Dhoot, along with two other Pune-based firms, may rope in Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan in running the Pune IPL team. When contacted, Dhoot declined to comment. The sources said Videocon is leading the bid for the Pune IPL team as it meets the criteria of billion dollar turnover and upfront bank guarantee of Rs 430 crore, set by organisers of the domestic T20 league. The two new franchises for the IPL’s 2011 season will be announced in Mumbai on Sunday. “Everyone is speculating many things. You will know (bidders) tomorrow,” IPL commissioner and chairman Lalit Modi said while announcing the League's first-ever branded merchandise tie-up globally with 130-yer-old Swiss watchmakers Bandelier in Mumbai. The base price for the two new franchises, which would take up the number of teams in the IPL to 10, has been fixed at $225 million. Gujarat-based industrialist Gautam Adani, CMD of diversified Adani group, is understood to be in the race for the Ahmedabad franchise of IPL 2011. (PTI)

Sachin is already a Bharat Ratna: Thackeray

Sachin is already a Bharat Ratna: Thackeray

MUMBAI, March 5: After brickbats, it is now bouquets for cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar from Shiv Sena.

Sachin’s double-hundred against South Africa in Gwalior has not only silenced his critics, but clean bowled the Shiv Sena, which had taken on the iconic batsman over his ‘Mumbai for all’ remark. “Hundred crore people of this country have already crowned Sachin as Bharat Ratna,” Sena chief Bal Thackeray said in an editorial in party mouthpiece Saamana.

“Shivaji Maharaj used to vanquish Moghuls on battlefield. Similarly, Sachin is a warrior on cricket battlefield. Such warriors are born only in Maharashtra,” Thackeray said.

“Shivaji wielded the sword. Similarly, Sachin wields the bat,” the editorial said. “Sachin does not need anyone’s recommendation to be awarded Bharat Ratna. He is already one,” it said. The Shiv Sena leadership had last year questioned Tendulkar’s loyalty to Maharashtra following his Mumbai for all remark. (PTI)

Murali to bid adieu to Test cricket

Murali to bid adieu to Test cricket

MELBOURNE, March 3: Legendary Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, who has the highest number of Test wickets under his belt, is planning to quit cricket’s longer version after the tour of West Indies in October. The spin wizard has already announced that he will quit all forms of the game after the 2011 50-over World Cup.

The 37-year-old off-spinner is just eight wickets shy of becoming first player to touch the magical 800-wicket mark in Test cricket. “Maybe I will play one or two Test matches, that’s it, and then retire. The Tests against the West Indies will be the last ones I will play,” Muralitharan said. “My future is all about playing one-dayers until the World Cup. If I am fit and good I will play until the World Cup and the World Cup will be the end of the road,” he said. Muralitharan said his aim was to reach the 800 Test wicket mark before retiring. Muralitharan is currently playing for Sri Lankan domestic side Kandurata in the inter-provincial Twenty20 tournament to decide the country’s representatives at the Twenty20 Champions League. (PTI)

ICC fines Johnson, Styris for on-field spat

Mitchell Johnson and Scott Styris were both fined for their on-field spat.[© AFP]

Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson and New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris have been fined after being found guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during their one-dayer at Napier.

Johnson has been fined 60 per cent of his match fee for a Level 2 offence, while Styris received a fine of 15 per cent for a Level 1 breach by ICC Match Referee Ranjan Madugalle.

Both the charges were laid by on-field umpires Rudi Koertzen and Tony Hill as well as third umpire Chris Gaffaney.

Johnson was charged with a Level 2 offence, contrary to clause 2.2.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players or Team Officials, which relates to "inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between players in the course of play".

At the conclusion of the 46th over during New Zealand's run chase, there was a verbal exchange between Johnson and Styris but soon Johnson approached Styris and made what the umpires felt was deliberate and inappropriate physical contact with his opponent.

"Sometimes in the heat of competition players cross over the line of what is acceptable behaviour and that has clearly happened in this case," said Madugalle.

"I made it clear to them that as role models it's important that they conduct themselves not only within the laws of cricket but also in keeping with the spirit of the game," he said.

© PTI

BCCI to blame for lack of quality spinners: Maninder

The spinning cupboard in India is quite bare at the moment.[© AFP]

Former Test cricketer Maninder Singh held the BCCI responsible for the lack of quality spin bowlers in the country.

"BCCI lacks a professional approach in running its National Cricket Academy (NCA) and for that it has failed to produce a single quality spin bowler so far. Every year 15 to 20 budding talents are selected for the NCA but no one has been polished properly to click," Maninder told reporters.

Former pace bowler B Arun had been selected as coach for spinners in the Academy while the likes of Erapalli Prasanna, Bishan Singh Bedi, B S Chandrashekhar and S Venkatraghavan had not been approached, rued Maninder after attending a spin clinic of the Jharkhand State Cricket Association.

"Such an approach has made the NCA a laughing stock", he said, claiming BCCI did not like bold people.

Talking about the snub given to the Pakistani cricketers by the Indian Premier League franchises, Maninder said, "It is an open to the world that relation between the two countries is not cordial. If no franchisee came out to buy the Pakistani players due to security reasons, it was justified.

"Personally I am sad to miss the Pakistani cricketers in IPL but a marriage cannot be solemnized when the guardians of two families have not agreed," he quipped.

Maninder criticised the IPL ban on Ravindra Jadeja and said "Jadeja is a genuine all-rounder. Instead of encouraging him, he is being demoralised."

Bopara arrives in India for IPL

Ravi Bopara has arrived in India for the IPL, just 3 days after he expressed fears over security and terror threats[© AFP]

Just days after expressing his reservations about coming to India citing security fears, Ravi Bopara arrived in India late last night to take part in the IPL where he would represent the Kings XI Punjab.

Earlier Bopara had gone on record saying that cricket was important to him but it wasn't something he would die for. The franchisee was also tight lipped about his participation despite Lalit Modi going on record to say that all England players would participate in the star studded league.

"His arrival means he is willing to play," said Punjab CEO Anil Srivatsa. "We have not asked him any explanation for his comments in England as there is now no need", he said.

Brett Lee, who is targeting a return to the Aussie fold with some good performances in the IPL has also arrived in the country. He will however undergo a fitness test before the tournament kicks off on March 12. "Our physio Patrick Farhat has met him and he is still doing rehab," explained Col. Arvinder Singh, Punjab's vice-president. "We will wait for his fitness status till March 11 and then decide."

© Cricbuzz

Pak cricketers pay tribute to victims of Lahore attack

Pak cricketers pay tribute to victims of Lahore attack

Lahore, March 3: Pakistan’s cricket community on Wednesday paid tribute to the victims of last year’s terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team here. On the first anniversary of the deadly incident on Tuesday, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced it would bear the expenses for the education of the children of the policemen who lost their lives while saving the Sri Lankan cricketers. “We pause to remember the victims, to grieve with the families and friends of those who died, and to honour the heroes of that day who sacrificed their lives to save others. Even though a year has passed, it has not erased the shock, horror and pain that we all felt on that day, ” Ijaz Butt, the PCB chairman, said in a statement.

“We all remember where we were when we heard the news, and the disbelief that we felt at first, and then the sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of the victims. PCB will stand shoulder to shoulder with the families of victims to help them recover from the devastating loss that they have suffered.” A memorial ceremony was held at the site of the attack where a wreath was laid by PCB in honour of the victims. Seven Sri Lankan players and their assistant coach were injured and eight Pakistanis, mostly policemen, were killed when unidentified assailants opened fire and hurled grenades at the Sri Lankan team's bus on the way to Gadaffi Stadium here March 3, 2009. The attack came as a huge blow for Pakistan cricket with foreign teams refusing to tour the country. Pakistan has not hosted any international cricket since that attack and chances are dim that it will be staging any events in the near future. Earlier in the morning, the law minister of Punjab province, Rana Sanaullah, laid wreaths at the scene of the attack at Liberty Square. (IANS)

Focus on cricket, not Bharat Ratna: Sachin

Sachin Tendulkar for Bharat Ratna? He prefers to focus on Cricket for the time being![© AFP]

Milestone man Sachin Tendulkar today said he would like to be on the list of 'Bharat Ratna' awardees but he is not thinking about the highest civilian honour as of now and would leave it on destiny.

Former cricketers Ajit Wadekar, Kapil Dev and Dilp Vengsarkar after Tendulkar's record breaking double hundred had said that he deserves the honour.

"It's a rare honour and whosoever have got it are not only my heroes but the heroes of the entire country. Who would not like to join that list, but my focus is on cricket. If it has to happen it will happen," the champion batsman said at a media conference here today.

After his historic knock of unbeaten 200 at Gwalior, a host of current and former cricketers had said Tendulkar was greater than legendary Australian Sir Don Bradman but the Indian batting ace refused to be drawn into comparisons.

"I never believed in comparisons. I respect every individual off the field too and it's not about only Sir Don.

I respect them all. I'm happy to play for the country and am particularly happy when I do well and the team wins," he said.

Tendulkar was addressing the gathering as the brand ambassador of "Give India' - an NGO headed by former ICICI chairman N Vaghul.

He also said that he would support the Indian National Hockey team saying "I am not a hockey expert but I am a fan of the team just like everyone else. My good wishes are always with them whether they perform or fail to live upto their expectations," Tendulkar told reporters.

After the thumping 4-1 win over Pakistan, Tendulkar hoped that the team does well in the remainder of the tournament as well.

"On every Indian's behalf, I would say that we are always with you. Performance keeps fluctuating but our support for them remains consistent," he said.

"In fact, the support should be stronger in times when the team is going through tough phases. We will support them during that time," he added.

Talking about his double hundred, Tendulkar said he considers the record as a national mark and not an individual one.

"When I started the innings I did not know I will get 200. I will say it is an Indian record and will be happy if it stays as an Indian record," he said.

The master batsman said he was sure the entire country was waiting to support the Indian cricket team when the 2011 World Cup unfolds in the sub-continent.

"I'm (eagerly) waiting for it. The entire country would be rooting for us," he said.

Tendulkar lost his cool when a scribe sought his reaction on Virender Sehwag's recent statement the Delhi batsman wants to take over his mentor's the number four spot in the Test line-up when he quits the game.

"Once I'm done (called it a day) I will let you know," he quipped.

Tendulkar sounded very happy with the time he spent today giving tips to underprivileged children as part of the charity he supports.

"When I knew I could do this camp I was very happy. I can't improve their technique in one day but can talk on basics. I'm extremely proud to be part of this incredible movement," he said about his association with "Give India".

Tendulkar's masterpiece had set up India's huge 153-run win against South Africa on February 24.

© PTI

Mohsin appointed Pak Chief selector

Mohsin Khan has been appointed as the Chairman of selectors by the PCB[© AFP]

Mohsin Khan has been appointed chairman of selectors by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). His appointment comes in the wake of Iqbal Qasim's resignation in January as Pakistan's chief selector, following the side's disastrous tour of Australia.

The former Pakistani batsman has played 48 Tests, scoring 2709 runs at 37.10. He has also scored 1877 runs in 75 ODIs at an average of 26.81. He made his international debut against the West Indies in March 1977 and played for Pakistan till 1986. He will begin his duties "with immediate effect".

Mohammad Ilyas, Salim Jaffer and Azhar Khan will continue as regular members while Asif Baloch and Farrukh Zaman will continue as co-opted members of the Selection Committee. Mohsin becomes the third Pakistan chief selector in less than a year following the resignations from Iqbal Qasim and Abdul Qadir.

The PCB has stated that Mohsin's role will be that of a full-time selector and thus a paid post. During the tenure of Nasim Ashraf, Mohsin was a board regional director, based in Karachi.

© Cricbuzz

Morgan fires England to series-clinching win

England cricketer Eoin Morgan (right) and teammate James Tredwell celebrate beating Bangladesh at The Sher-e Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. Morgan hammered a gutsy century under pressure to power England to a thrilling two-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the second one-day international.[© AFP]

Eoin Morgan hammered a gutsy century under pressure to power England to a thrilling two-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the second one-day international on Tuesday.

Man-of-the-match Morgan hit a 104-ball 110 not out for his second one-day hundred as England surpassed Bangladesh's 260-6 with seven balls to spare in the day-night match for an unbeaten 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

The 23-year-old also became the first batsman in one-day cricket to score centuries for two countries, his first hundred coming for Ireland against Canada in Nairobi in 2007.

"It got a bit close for our liking, but Eoin came in with a fantastic knock. He was calm under pressure," said England captain Alastair Cook.

"We came here to win and have won the series. We have to try to win the series 3-0."

Left-arm spinners Shakib Al Hasan (3-32) and Abdur Razzak (3-52) raised hopes of a Bangladeshi maiden one-day win over England before left-handed Morgan steered his team home in a close finish.

England were struggling at 108-4 and then 229-8, but Morgan kept his cool to finish the match with his second six, off seamer Shafiul Islam. He also hit eight fours.

"When they lost eight wickets we thought it was our best chance to pick up a win, but Morgan stood tall," said Bangladesh skipper Shakib.

"I thought we batted well, but Morgan played really well and according to his plan. Full credit to him."

Morgan put on 90 for the fifth wicket with wicket-keeper Matt Prior (42) before Shakib removed Luke Wright and Graeme Swann.

He eased the pressure with his brisk knock, pulling Shafiul for the first six and reverse-sweeping the spinners for fours on a few occasions. Bangladesh posted their highest one-day total against England after being put in to bat, thanks to impressive half-centuries from wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim (76) and opener Imrul Kayes (63).

England's troubles began when spin was introduced after seven overs on a slow pitch, with Razzak trapping Kevin Pietersen (18) and Paul Collingwood (seven) leg-before.

The tourists suffered another setback when Cook (60) was caught by wicket-keeper Rahim on the second attempt off Shakib.

Cook looked in good touch, hitting three successive fours off Shafiul early in his knock before going on to complete his second successive half-century.

The England skipper then hit off-spinner Mahmudullah for his lone six in a 61-ball knock before falling in the next over.

Bangladesh earlier lost opener Tamim Iqbal (30) and Aftab Ahmed (four) in the opening 11 overs before being propped up by Kayes and Rahim, who added 90 for the third wicket.

Paceman Tim Bresnan (3-51) and off-spinner Swann (2-52) were the main wicket-takers for England.

Rahim, dropped on 24 by Stuart Broad at deep square-leg off Collingwood, went on to complete his sixth half-century before falling in a bid to step up the run-rate, caught by Wright at mid-wicket off Bresnan.

© AFP

Injury concerns worry Cook

After a narrow win in the 2nd ODI, captain Alastair Cook raised concerns over the fitness levels of his key bowlers.

Ryan Sidebottom, Stuart Broad and Graham Onions are all nursing injuries but they are expected to be fit before the test series.

Sidebottom is believed to have aggravated the injury that he suffered during the first T20 against Pakistan and he was forced to be left out of the 2nd ODI against Bangladesh. James Tredwell took his place in the side and did a pretty decent job.

Broad suffered a back niggle in the 2nd ODI and he left the field in the middle of the game. He could not complete his quota of 10 overs.

Graham Onions, who has been called for the two match Test series, is also in the recovery process after the pacer arrived in Bangladesh with a stiff back.

"Broady we're not sure about, it happened so soon and we need to give it 24-48 hours to settle down before any proper assessment," said Alastair Cook.

"Sidebottom is out of the next ODI, but fingers crossed he can get back to fitness. We have to check, we're not 100% sure how serious his thigh is, but we will have a better idea in the next 48 hours," he added.

"As a bowler when you get a bad back muscles try to protect it. You run around looking a bit stiff for a while but hopefully it will settle down overnight," said Cook.

England do have their reserve pace bowlers in Ajmal Shahzad and Liam Plunkett if Broad is unavailable for the 3rd ODI on friday.

West Indies look to put Zimbabweans in their place

Sunday's result in the Twenty20 International between West Indies and Zimbabwe have raised the stakes in the One-day International series between the two sides which opens on Thursday at the Guyana National Stadium.

Zimbabwe, choosing to bat, dragged themselves back from no runs for three wickets to complete a stunning, 26-run victory over West Indies in Trinidad.

The Zimbabweans used a slew of spin bowlers to exploit the hard, slow Queen's Park Oval pitch which offered generous turn to upset West Indies, as they chased a modest target of 106 from their allocation of 20 overs.

It was a wake-up call for the home team, and gave their new coach Ottis Gibson a wake up call as to the size of the challenge that he faces to restore West Indies battered image.

Zimbabwe have made it clear that they plan to put a lot of faith in their spin bowlers for the five ODIs that the two sides will contest here and in St. Vincent, since the conditions are likely to be similar.

This means the home team will have to brace themselves for a battle with the likes of Zimbabwe captain Prosper Utseya and his off-spinners, along with left-arm spinner Ray Price, and leg-spinner Graeme Cremer, as well as the occasional off-spin of Greg Lamb, Stuart Matsikenyeri, and even Brendan Taylor.

But the visitors should be aware that the West Indies too, have spin bowling options led by Sulieman Benn, whose four wickets flattened their top-order batting, fellow left-arm spinner Nikita Miler, as well as the part-time off-spin of West Indies captain Chris Gayle and Narsingh Deonarine.

So the series will ultimately be decided upon the backs of which side manages its batting resources better - and neither side proved they were head and shoulders above the other in Sunday's T20I, despite West Indies' meltdown.

The 50 overs-a-side format offers batsmen on both sides a chance to settle down, and build an innings, rather than the crash, bang, wallop of the T20. Zimbabwe have a number of batsmen that have scaled the heights previously, including Charles Coventry, whose 194 was overhauled by Sachin Tendulkar last week as the highest individual innings in ODIs.

Others like Hamilton Masakadza, Elton Chigumbura, Matsikenyeri, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Tatenda Taibu, and Taylor have all had their moments in the sun in the past, and will have to step-up.

Gayle's return, following compassionate leave to visit his ill mother in Jamaica, should fortify West Indies' batting, so too, the addition of Deonarine, whose batting on the recent travels to Australia promised much.

Zimbabwe have never beaten West Indies in a bilateral ODI series, and the past results are heavily skewered in favour of the home team which has won 27 of the 36 matches they have contested.

This includes an 82-run triumph at Bourda Oval, the previous international venue in Guyana, four years ago.

But there is cause for optimism from Zimbabwe, since West Indies have lost two of the three ODIs they have contested at the new venue.

West Indies (from): Chris Gayle (captain), Adrian Barath, Sulieman Benn, David Bernard, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine, Andre Fletcher, Nikita Miller, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Darren Sammy, Dwayne Smith

Zimbabwe (from): Prosper Utseya (captain), Hamilton Masakadza (vice-captain), Elton Chigumbura, Charles Coventry, Graeme Cremer, Kyle Jarvis, Greg Lamb, Tim Maruma, Shingirai Masakadza, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Chris Mpofu, Ray Price, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Tatenda Taibu, Brendan Taylor

© AFP

Waqar appointed Pakistan coach

Waqar Younis replaces Intikhab Alam as the new coach of the Pakistan cricket team. He now becomes the 4th coach of Pakistan in the last three years and is expected to be in charge until December 2011.

Waqar, who lives in Sydney these days, is expected to arrive in Pakistan in a week. His first assignment will be to defend the T20 crown in the ICC T20 World Cup at the Carribean.

"I've signed on and agreed to the contract," Waqar told Cricinfo. "I'll be arriving in Lahore next week to begin my work."

PCB was considering a number of options for the top job but Waqar Younis emerged as the favorite among them.

"I'm absolutely honoured to take on the role and it is a very exciting challenge," Waqar said. "Hopefully I can deliver on the role. Cricket has given me a lot over the years and I want to give something back to cricket and country now. I've always played my cricket with passion and aggression and I want the team to play like that."

Waqar has worked twice as the bowling coach of Pakistan but has never been the head coach of any side till date.

Waqar believes that the lack of experience would not have any negative impact on him. "I'll probably have more control of various situations and have a say in more decisions. I really enjoyed my time as bowling coach, especially the first one under Bob. The last one was a little more difficult but I'm confident I can deliver. I learnt a lot from Bob during his time and I'm hoping I can put that to good use," he said.

© Cricbuzz

Bopara will join team by Wednesday: Kings XI

Bopara will join team by Wednesday: Kings XI

NEW DELHI, March 1: Kings XI Punjab on Monday dismissed media reports that Ravi Bopara is doubtful for this year’s Indian Premier League and said the England batsman would join the team by Wednesday.

“Ravi Bopara is going to be in India no later than March 3 to play in the IPL as part of the Kings XI Punjab squad. All media reports on his non-participation are speculative,” the franchise said in a statement. “We have spoken to Bopara and he has confirmed his participation and is eagerly waiting to join in the hunt for the 2010 IPL trophy,” the statement said.Earlier, Bopara was quoted in the British media as saying that he has delayed his trip to India indefinitely because of security apprehensions. “Cricket is my living and in many way my life. But it is not worth dying for,” Bopara had said. (PTI)