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India vs West Indies: Big high & the losses that hurt

In the last decade, India vs West Indies contest has provided thrills galore. TOI lists three games that left a mark in the memory of cricket lovers.

Royal chase

Venue: Motera Ahmedabad | Nov 15, 2002

When Chris Gayle hit a blistering 140 in company of Ramnaresh Sarwan (99*) to take West Indies past 300-run mark, the writing was clearly on the wall for India. However, Rahul Dravid's unbeaten 109, Laxman's classy 66 and Sanjay Bangar's cameo saw India chase down the target of 325 with 14 balls to spare despite a minor collapse.

Brief Scores: West Indies 324-4 in 50 overs (C Gayle 140, R Sarwan 99*, C Hooper 36, Harbhajan 1-30, 1-49) lost to India 325-5 in 47.4 overs (R Dravid 109*, Laxman 66, S Bangar 57*, M Dillon 2-65)

Real thriller

Venue: Kingston, Jamaica | May 20, 2006

Under Rahul Dravid, the Indians were on a roll before being stopped by Brian Lara's men in Jamaica. Ramnaresh Sarwan's 98 gave Windies something to bowl at. Indian batting crumbled before Yuvraj and Raina steadied the ship. However, Dwayne Bravo broke Indian hearts castling Yuvraj with a slower one when India needed two off three balls.

Brief Scores: West Indies 198 in 50 overs (R Sarwan 98*, I Pathan 3-45, A Agarkar 2-25, R Powar 2-38) bt India 197 in 49.4 overs (Yuvraj 93, Raina 27, I Bradshaw 3-33, J Taylor 2-49, M Samuels 2-30)

The big upset

Venue: Motera, Ahmedabad | Oct 26, 2006

Tipped as favourites to lift the Champions Trophy India flattered only to deceive. Their poor run against West Indies continued. Dhoni and Dravid's knocks gave India some respectability, however, 223 wasn't enough. Gayle rocked while Chanderpaul, Sarwan and Runako Morton then guided them home.

Brief scores: India 223-9 in 50 overs (MS Dhoni 51, R Dravid 49, I Bradshaw 3-30) lost to West Indies 224-7 in 49.4 overs.

India vs West Indies STATBOX : ICC Cricket World Cup 2011

Facts and figures relating to the Group B World Cup match between India and West Indies at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.

Head-to-head record: West Indies lead 54-38 (Tied: 1; NR: 2)

In the World Cups: Tied at 3-3

In the sub-continent: West Indies lead 32-22 (NR: 1)

* The most memorable showdown between the countries was perhaps the 1983 World Cup final, where India caused a stunning upset by preventing the mighty West Indies from completing a hat-trick of wins.

* India (LWWTW) have hardly lived up to their favourite billing as they have yet to play a match where all their disciplines have clicked. In their two matches against top nations -- England and South Africa -- India wasted flying starts and lost a heap of wickets. The co-hosts were slammed by fans and pundits alike after surrendering their last nine wickets for 29 runs against South Africa.

* West Indies (LWWWL) appeared to have sealed their place in the last eight when they were cantering towards victory against England before they slipped up with the finishing line in sight, losing by 18 runs.

* India openers Virender Sehwag (327 runs) and Sachin Tendulkar (324 runs) have been very successful but the much famed middle order has not quite clicked yet, with Gautam Gambhir (197 runs) and Yuvraj Singh (171 runs) being somewhat among the runs. Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni will have to decide whether to play Suresh Raina or Yusuf Pathan.

* Devon Smith (212 runs) has been the most successful West Indian batsman so far, while Kieron Pollard (178 runs) has been destructive. India need to fear the classy Darren Bravo and Chris Gayle.

* With Kemar Roach (13 wickets at economy of 3.88) and Sulieman Benn (12 wickets at economy of 4.69) in the top 10 wicket takers, along with India's Zaheer Khan (12 wickets at economy of 4.31), both teams have wicket taking abilities. India's biggest problem has been the absence of any spinner among the leading wicket takers, with Yuvraj Singh providing some respite with seven wickets but at a rather expensive economy rate of 5.09.

The West Indies: Up for the Cup - ICC World Cup 2011 Preview

The West Indian cricket team has given an excellent performance in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2011 and have secured 6 points after playing 4 matches. They have been victorious on three occasions and lost a match against the South African side. The dynamic West Indian team have the skill and the talent to go all the way in the tournament.

A discussion of their accomplishments and prospects in the forthcoming matches in the event is as follows:

The West Indians played their inaugural match at Delhi, India on 24 February against the formidable South African side and scored 222 runs before they were bowled out. Darren Bravo played a creative inning of 73 runs which gave some consolidation, as Dwayne Bravo scored 40 runs in the middle of the innings. Spinner Imran Tahir was the main weapon for the Proteas, who grabbed 4 wickets as Dale Steyn took 3 wickets.

South Africa chased the target comfortably in 42.5 overs for the loss of just 3 wickets as AB de Villiers hammered an unbeaten 107 runs.

The second match was played on the last day of February against the Netherlands at Delhi and the Caribbean’s got after the Dutch bowling by posting 330 runs on board for the loss of 8 wickets. Chris Gayle played a spectacular inning of 80 runs followed by a hurried knock of 60 runs in 59 balls by Kieron Pollard. Pieter Seelaar was the main wicket taker with 3 and Mudassar Bukhari claimed 2 wickets.

The Dutch team came out with a poor response and were bowled out at 115 runs in 31.3 overs, Tom Cooper was the only batsman who showed some resistance and remained unbeaten on 55 runs.

Kemar Roach put himself in the history books by claiming a hat-trick and folded the Netherland innings by taking 6 wickets for just 27 runs in 8.3 overs, as Sulieman Benn took 3 wickets.

The third match was played against the hosts Bangladesh on 4 March at Mirpur. They bulldozed the Bangladesh batting and bowled them out on a mere 58 runs, Junaid Siddique was the top scorer with 25 runs. Benn was the main wicket taker with 4 as Roach and Darren Sammy shared 3 wickets each.

The target was achieved comfortably by the Windies in 12.2 overs for the loss of a wicket.

The West Indians came across the proud Irish team, who had beaten the strong England side in a thriller on 2 March at Bangalore, India.

The fourth match against Ireland was played on 11 March at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali, India. The West Indies scored 275 runs in the allotted 50 overs, Devon Smith played a gutsy innings and punched 107 runs, followed by a quick fired 94 runs by Pollard off 83 balls with 5 sixes and 8 fours. Kevin O’Brien was the highest wicket taker with 4.

The Irish team came out with some resistance but were bowled out at 231 runs in 49 overs. Benn was the chief wicket taker with 4 wickets, as the captain Sammy also took 3 wickets.

The West Indies are positioned at number three in the group B standings and they have yet to play two important games in their pool. They will play against England on 17 March in Chennai, and they should come out with some positive teamwork. England will be entering in that match for their survival in the World Cup and the West Indians will have to keep up with their winning momentum.

Their last match is scheduled against one of the hosts, India, which is a very strong team at their home grounds. The West Indians have bright chances for the quarter-finals and if they manage to win, they will boost their morale and may possibly repeat the history of 1975 and 1979 by grasping the coveted trophy again.

India vs Netherlands (IND vs NED) ICC World Cup Live Cricket Score.

Cricket News Updates: Netherland has won the toss and elected bat first.

Cricket, India vs Netherlands live score in ICC World Cup 2011 video. Cricket, India vs Netherlands live score in ICC World Cup 2011 video. Men-in-blue look for an easy walk over Dutch.

After a neck to neck fight with Irish players India moves to its capital to conquer Dutch. MS Dhoni’s men are set to have a relief win after a couple of breath taking matches against England and Ireland. Netherlands would be a stepping stone for Indians to leap into the quarter finals easily.

All eyes are set on Sachin Tendulkar who is just 18 runs away from a record 2000-run landmark in World Cups. Cricket world hoped the little blaster should have crossed it against Ireland. But as usual Sachin decided to break and erect records with a lot of patience.

The match at Delhi is expected to draw a huge crowd of 42000 who may cheer for the Deli trio, Sehwag, Gambir and Kohli. Among these three big hitters Gambir is the only batsman to find a century while Sehwag has no memorable innings at home so far.

Still the fans of men in blue here in home and away expect a Diwali like cracks from probably the best batting line up of the world. Five out of the top seven batsmen has already hit either a ton or half while captain Dhoni and Yusuf Pathan always try to blaze.

Netherlands on the other hand has lost all of their World Cup matches so far and approved their title as minnows of the mega event. Ryan ten Doeschate is the only player to score a century in this WC while Tom Cooper only past 50.

However, Dhoni s not ready to take the game as a practicing session. So far we have had a good game, a tight game and a close game. We have shown signs of improvement. What we need now is an easy win," Indian captain said before the match.

India squad

MS Dhoni*†, V Sehwag, R Ashwin, PP Chawla, G Gambhir, Harbhajan Singh, Z Khan, V Kohli, A Nehra, MM Patel, YK Pathan, SK Raina, S Sreesanth, SR Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh

Netherlands squad

PW Borren*, Adeel Raja, W Barresi†, Mudassar Bukhari, AF Buurman†, TLW Cooper, TN de Grooth, AN Kervezee, BP Kruger, BP Loots, PM Seelaar, ES Szwarczynski, RN ten Doeschate, BA Westdijk, B Zuiderent
India vs Netherlands, World Cup 2011, Feroz Shah Kotla Match

Umpires: SJ Davis and BNJ Oxenford

TV umpire: BR Doctrove

Match referee: RS Madugalle

Reserve umpire: HDPK Dharmasena

ICC World Cup 2011: Ireland made to pay for a damaged door in Indian hotel

Ireland have once again found themselves in another controversy, just days after their wicketkeeper Niall O’Brien lost his bag containing his bats. This time, reports are coming that the Irish were asked to pay for damages discovered in their dressing room after their match against India last Sunday.

According to Indian media reports, the Ireland cricket management has paid 23,000 rupees to the local cricket association to cover the damages. Apparently a door in the dressing room was broken. Reports suggest that the incident happened when the door was accidentally pushed outwards instead of inwards, which caused the bottom hinge to break.

The Ireland management has chosen not to name the player responsible for the incident. Getting entangled in a controversy with the local administration was perhaps the last thing the Irish management wanted and for this reason the fine was paid without any hassle.

Meanwhile India’s all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, who was the man of the match in the Ireland-India clash, has come forward to help Niall O’Brien cover his loss of six bats that were in his bag that has gone missing. Singh has offered O’ Brien two of his bats, which may come in handy during Ireland’s do-or-die match against West Indies this Friday. “It is a wonderful gesture from Yuvraj and I’m very grateful. However, I am confident that the bats will arrive from my sponsor in time for Friday,” said O’Brien.

According to insiders, O’Brien’s sponsor Gray Nicolls, have a factory near Chandigarh and have assured the Irish cricketer that they would provide him with the necessary gear in time before the next fixture. Initially when O’ Brien’s sports kit disappeared, the Ireland management informed the local police before contacting the local cricket association responsible for hosting the players in the venue. The cricket association did not like the police getting involved in their matters and had expressed annoyance over the issue.

However, Cricket Ireland released a statement yesterday, explaining the reason for reporting the matter to the police. “To enable Niall to claim compensation from his insurance company, we reported the matter to the local police station. This was done to secure a police incident number, without which the insurance company will not entertain his claim,” the statement said.

Big Bazaar appointed as authorized dealer of Cricket World Cup 2011!

ICC has appointed Big Bazaar as the authorized dealer of special merchandise for World Cup 2011 in India.

The cricket merchandise designed for men, women and children will be available within a price range of Rs 199 to Rs 499.

The range of apparels will comprise of sports attire and accessories like active dry tees, shorts, sports tees, track pants, sweatshirt, head bands and caps.

Along with the usual sports range, Big Bazaar will also offer a graphic range of merchandise bearing cricket-inspired messages and soft toys tagged with the official mascot of the ICC CWC 2011 called “Stumpy”.

All this are available on display at all Big Bazaar outlets.

Pepsi prepares for World Cup 2011!

PepsiCo India is planning to “Change the game” in World Cup 2011. The cola company has launched a 360 degree campaign- January 15, 2011 in two phases. The campaign will end in the first week of April.

According to the reports, Pepsi will be launch five television commercials which will have innovative shots like the Helicopter shot, the Switch Hit, the Upper Cut, the Discoop and the Doosra, that have either been discovered by the youth or the players.”

Reports said further that Conceptualised by Taproot India, the TVC will feature cricketers like Virender Sehwag, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Kevin Pietersen discovering the shots and making them a part of their game.

The TVC will be on air from January 15, 2011 and will continue in phases till the first week of April.

Sandeep Singh Arora, executive vice-president, marketing, cola, PepsiCo India, said, “Change the Game is big idea in the context of the game of cricket. With this campaign, we hope to inspire the youth to change the game, be innovative, take risks and do things differently.”

World Cup 2011- Cricket enthusiasts are upgrading from a CRT to LCD

New Delhi: With the commencement of the World Cup, cricket fans and enthusiasts are switching over to LCD TVs. They are opting for sleek flat panels.

Deputy MD of Samsung India R Zutshi stated “Many people are upgrading from a CRT to LCD. The upgrade market has seen a strong pick-up because of attractive entry-level pricing.”

He said further, “Many first-time buyers have planned their purchases around the World Cup anticipating good deals.”

Samsung 32” and 40” LCDs and LED TVs available within the price range of Rs 30,000 and Rs 65,000 are very much in demand these days. There has been a rise in the sales of LCD TVs after a lull.

Philips is also offering good deals on LCD TVs as a part of its special promotion. On the purchase of 46” Philips LCD TVs, the company is offering a free 24” LCD TV.

Masaru Tamagawa, managing director, Sony India stated “We plan to consolidate our position in flat panel TVs with a target of 40% share during the World Cup season.”

The company has made Rs 100 crore multi-media campaign with their brand ambassador Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Kenya vs New Zealand Live Streaming ICC World Cup 2011 On Mobil TV

Watch New Zealand has had a disastrous time of it lately. They won’t easily be forgetting recent losees to India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. They will be coming to the tournament knowing that the world is watching but they are determined to put their disappointing series aside and focus to win the cup. They have been semifinalists previously – most recently in 2007. But that’s as far as they have gone.

The New Zealand squad comprises quality players like Jesse Ryder, Martin Guptill and Brendon McCullum who can inflict punishment on Kenyan bowlers if not stopped early. Kenya, on the other hand, will hope that their veterans Steve Tikolo and Collins Obuya register reasonable totals and bowlers, led by Kamande, restrict New Zealand.

Pitch and conditions

The Chennai pitch worried South Africa captain Graeme Smith despite his team cantering to an eight-wicket win in a warm-up game against Zimbabwe last week. There doesn’t appear to be too much life in it, for either the seamers or the spinners and the batsmen are the ones who could benefit the most. It is likely to be a hot day in Chennai, but the heat should be tempered somewhat by some cloud cover.

Team news

Offspinner Nathan McCullum spent Thursday and Friday night in hospital after being admitted with high fever. He participated in a light training session on Saturday but remains a doubtful starter. Luke Woodcock may play in his place but that would keep a batsman out of the side. Should New Zealand opt for the extra batsmen, like Jamie How, they may find themselves a bowler short.

New Zealand (probable): 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Brendan McCullum, 3 Jessie Ryder, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 James Franklin, 6 Scott Stryis, 7 Jacob Oram, 8 Daniel Vettori, 9 Luke Woodcock, 10 Kyle Mills, 11 Tim Southee

Kenya have had a fairly settled unit in recent times, and without any injuries to worry them, the playing XI practically picks itself. With both the spinning Ngoche brothers likely to play on what should be a helpful surface, the one question may be who to pick between Tanmay Mishra and Rakep Patel, as both have impressed in the middle order.

1 Seren Waters, 2 Alex Obanda, 3 Collins Obuya, 4 Tanmay Mishra/Rakep Patel, 5 Steve Tikolo, 6 Maurice Ouma (wk), 7 Jimmy Kamande (capt), 8 Thomas Odoyo, 9 James Ngoche, 10 Shem Ngoche, 11 Nehemiah Odhiambo

Event

ICC Cricket World Cup

This Match

2nd.Match.Grp.A ODI Day

Local Time & Date

09:30, 20 February 2011

GMT Time & Date

04:00, 20 February 2011

Country

India

City

Chennai

Venue

MA Chidambaram Stadium

Ends

Anna Pavillion End & V Pattabhiraman End

Capacity

50000

Estabilished

1916

New Zealand vs Kenya Live ICC World Cup 2011, Luke Woodcock, Kyle MillsKyle, Bermudian cricket team in Kenya in 200607Bermudian cricket team in Kenya in 200607, world cup 2011, James Ngoche, Kenya SelectKenya Select, Live ICC World Cup 2011, Nahemiah Odhiambo, Rakep Patel, CricketCricket, icc world cup, Martin Guptill, Peter Ongondo, Maurice OumaMaurice Ouma, world, Vettori, Jacob OramJacob, David ObuyaDavid Obuya, 2011, Ross TaylorRoss, Thomas Odoyo, Collins Obuya, bangladesh, Alex Obanda, Elijah Otieno, Jesse RyderJesse, match, Maurice Ouma, Scott StyrisScott, sports-news, cup, Daniel VettoriDDaniel, Kane Williamson, ICC, Seren Waters, James Franklin, Chennai, icc world cup 2011, David Obuya, Collins ObuyaCollins Obuya, Jimmy Kamande, Brendon McCullumBrendon McCullum, Jamie HowJamie, Steve Tikolo

New Zealand crush Kenya for a perfect start

New Zealand crushed Kenya by 10 wickets in a grossly lop-sided Group A match for a perfect start to their World Cup campaign on Sunday. New Zealand unleashed their pace trio of Tim Southee (3-13), Hamish Bennett (4-16) and Jacob Oram (3-2) to bundle out rank outsiders Kenya for a meagre 69 in 23.5
overs and returned to overwhelm the target in eight overs.

There was not much room for batting practice chasing a 70-run victory target but openers Martin Guptill (39) and Brendon McCullum (26) helped them to some easy boundaries before completing the chase.

The comprehensive win will lift New Zealand's morale which had taken a beating after a poor build-up that included whitewash in Bangladesh and India, besides a home series defeat against Pakistan.

New Zealand vs Kenya: A battle of two legends!

CHENNAI: You can easily call this a battle of two legends! Allan Donald and Jonty Rhodes were two of the best mates when South Africa were finding their feet in the international arena.

Two decades down the line, Donald and Rhodes are in charge of the bowling and fielding departments of two teams that are going through their rebuilding phases.

As New Zealand and Kenya take on each other in their World Cup opener, the inputs of these two South African greats will be invaluable to their respective teams.

Both have a fair amount of experience of playing in India, both know about the pressures attached to playing the World Cup and both have the desire to succeed.

The New Zealand and Kenyan team managements have huge faith in these stars. While the Kiwi skipper Daniel Vettori said "that Donald brings in all his expertise and confidence into the team," the Kenyan captain Jimmy Kamande, too was effusive in his praise of Jonty.

"He is a master of the craft and is helping us in a big way not just in fielding but also in batting as well. His inputs will be invaluable as we look to turn the heat on New Zealand," Kamande said, as Rhodes smiled, sitting beside him.

As the South African suggested, Sunday's game will be a battle between two of the best fielding sides in the competition. "New Zealand have some of the best fielders in the world while some our boys can win medals in the 800m in Olympics...It's bound to be a great fielding treat," Rhodes said.

Donald mentioned the other day that reverse swing will play a key role in the World Cup and Vettori said that the legend has really worked hard with the likes of Tim Southee and Kyle Mills on this aspect. "With Allan's knowledge our bowlers could get the required results in this tournament... It is incredibly difficult for the fast bowlers on these tracks to make their presence felt, but I think they will put up a challenge," the skipper added.

New Zealand, though, have some problems in the spin department with Vettori coming back from a groin injury and offie Nathan McCullum struggling to get fit after a bout of fever and dehydration.

The Kiwi skipper, though, insisted that McCullum will play. "Nathan was discharged from the hospital this morning and joined us for a light session during the day. He is a lot better and we will take a decision on him Sunday," Vettori said. If McCullum is finally unable to get fit, left-arm spinner Luke Woodcock will take his place.

The Kenyans, on the other hand, have practised in subcontinent conditions for a while and they are banking heavily on their spinners. The Kenyan management knows that New Zealand have struggled against spin of late and they will look to unleash all their spinners.

"We have got a good depth in our spin department and that should be a big help for us in these conditions," Kenyan veteran Steve Tikolo said.

But there's one aspect where the Kiwis are head and shoulders ahead of the Kenyans and that is the depth in batting. Brendon McCullum's destructive abilities are well-known while the likes of Jesse Ryder and Ross Taylor have played enough cricket in India to pile it on against the Kenyan attack. Even though Kamande sounded the warning bell saying that New Zealand will find it tough, he knows deep down that it will take a real special effort from them to turn the tables on Vettori & Co.

Scorecard of Kenya Vs New Zealand, Group A Match at Chennai (Feb 20): ICC World Cup 2011

Venue : MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai
Toss : Kenya won the toss and elected to bat
Umpires : Marais Erasmus (South Africa) and Rod Tucker (Australia)
Match Result : New Zealand won by 10 wickets
Man of the Match : Hamish Bennett

Kenya (50 Overs Maximum)

Alex Obanda lbw b Southee 6 (19)
Seren Waters lbw b Bennett 16 (42) 1 ’4s’
Collins Obuya lbw b Bennett 14 (19) 2 ’4s’
Steve Tikolo b Bennett 2 (2)
Maurice Ouma (WK) lbw b Bennett 1 (6)
Rakep Patel not out 16 (23) 1 ’4s’
Jimmy Kamande (C) c Brendon McCullum b Oram 2 (16)
Thomas Odoyo c Ryder b Oram 2 (6)
Nehemiah Odhiambo b Southee 0 (6)
Shem Ngoche lbw b Southee 0 (1)
Elijah Otieno c Styris b Oram 0 (4)

Extras : 10 (4 b, 3 lb, 1 nb, 2 w)

Total : 69 all out (23.5 Overs)

Fall of Wickets : 1-14 (Obanda, 6.6 ov), 2-40 (Waters, 11.6 ov), 3-42 (Tikolo, 13.2 ov), 4-44 (Obuya, 13.5 ov), 5-49 (Ouma, 15.3 ov), 6-59 (Kamande, 19.5 ov), 7-63 (Odoyo, 21.3 ov), 8-68 (Odhiambo, 22.5 ov), 9-68 (Ngoche, 22.6 ov), 10-69 (Otieno, 23.5 ov)

New Zealand Bowling

Southee 6-0-13-3 (1nb)
Nathan McCullum 4-0-15-0 (1w)
Bennett 5-0-16-4 (1w)
Vettori 6-1-16-0
Oram 2.5-1-2-3

New Zealand (Target : 70 from 50 Overs)

Martin Guptill not out 39 (32) 5 ’4s’ 2 ’6s’
Brendon McCullum (WK) not out 26 (17) 4 ’4s’
Jesse Ryder
Ross Taylor
Scott Styris
Jacob Oram
James Franklin
Daniel Vettori (C)
Nathan McCullum
Tim Southee
Hamish Bennett

Extras : 7 (2 b, 1 lb, 1 nb, 3 w)

Total : 72/0 (8.0 Overs)

Kenya Bowling

Odoyo 3-0-25-0 (1w)
Otieno 2-0-18-0
Kamande 2-0-21-0 (1w)
Odhiambo 1-0-5-0 (1w 1nb)

Powerplays

* Kenya Innings : Bowling Powerplay – Overs 10.1 – 15.0; Bating Powerplay : Not taken

Kenya vs New Zealand live score live streaming, World Cup 2011, Chennai New Zealand won by 10 wickets (with 252 balls remaining)

Chennai . New Zealand won by 10 wickets (with 252 balls remaining) Kenya won the toss chose to bat first. All out on 69 in 23.5 over SR Waters and RR Patel 16 was the top run scrore for Kenya, HK Bennett took 4 /16 in 5 overs for New Zealand, JDP Oram took 2/3 in 2.5 over. New Zealand openers hit all the required run within 8 overs

Preview
Under the guidance of new coach John Wright New Zeland will attempt to regain the lost confidence.New Zealand would like to go back in rhythm by win against Kenya in their first match. New Zealand has lost 14 of 17 matches last ten matches in the subcontinent , which proves that even her great upheaval comes at the turning wickets. Since arriving here on February 10 the situation in the subcontinent, especially against spin New Zealand weakness is exposed. They suffered heavy 117-run defete in Warm-up match against India. Even before the first match against Kenya in the dilemma. After warmp match against India BB McCullum wicketkeeper-batsman said on Friday, team is struggling with a lack of confidence.

Kenya v New Zealand, World Cup 2011, Chennai Match details

Kenya Squad

JK Kamande*, T Mishra, JO Ngoche, SO Ngoche, AA Obanda, CO Obuya, DO Obuya†, NN Odhiambo, TM Odoyo, PJ Ongondo, E Otieno, MA Ouma†, RR Patel, SO Tikolo, SR Waters

New Zealand Squad

DL Vettori*, HK Bennett, JEC Franklin, MJ Guptill, JM How, BB McCullum†, NL McCullum, KD Mills, JDP Oram, JD Ryder, TG Southee, SB Styris, LRPL Taylor, KS Williamson, LJ Woodcock

Toss Kenya, who chose to bat
Points New Zealand 2, Kenya 0
Player of the match HK Bennett (New Zealand)
Umpires M Erasmus and RJ Tucker
TV umpire Aleem Dar
Match referee RS Mahanama
Reserve umpire S Asnani

Match notes

Powerplay 1: Overs 0.1 - 10.0 (Mandatory - 33 runs, 1 wicket)
Powerplay 2: Overs 10.1 - 15.0 (Bowling side - 15 runs, 3 wickets)
Over 13.5: Review by Kenya (Batting), Umpire - RJ Tucker, Batsman - CO Obuya (Struck down)
Drinks: Kenya - 49/5 in 15.3 overs (RR Patel 4)
Kenya: 50 runs in 16.3 overs (100 balls), Extras 6
Innings Break: Kenya - 69/10 in 23.5 overs (RR Patel 16)

Powerplay 1: Overs 0.1 - 10.0 (Mandatory - 72 runs, 0 wicket)
Over 2.5: Review by Kenya (Bowling), Umpire - RJ Tucker, Batsman - MJ Guptill (Struck down)
New Zealand: 50 runs in 5.2 overs (32 balls), Extras 3
1st Wicket: 50 runs in 32 balls (MJ Guptill 37, BB McCullum 10, Ex 3)

Good outing in World Cup would help revive Pak cricket: Waqar

KARACHI: The team management of Pakistan's World Cup squad on Sunday reiterated the importance of the national team doing well in the 14-team megaevent to help revive the state of cricket in the country.

Coach Waqar Younis and manager Intikhab Alam told the Pakistani media before the team's departure from Dhaka to Colombo that a good performance from the players will lead to revival of Pakistan cricket.

"I have no doubt in my mind about the importance of this World Cup for the Pakistan team. It is a very big event in itself but for Pakistan cricket, it becomes all the more significant because of the many problems our cricket has faced in recent times," Waqar said.

The former Pakistan captain insisted that his players were also aware of the importance of doing well in the tournament.

"They know that if they perform well it will go a long way in the revival of our cricket. There is no doubt that our people need a big victory and this would also reignite the passion for cricket in the country," he said.

The Pakistan coach said he was satisfied with the preparations and the mood in the team ahead of their opening match against Kenya in Sri Lanka on February 23.

"We have spent around 10 days in Bangladesh and played two warm-up matches and in this time we have utilised all our energies to boost our fielding and shore up our physical fitness, which is going to be crucial in the matches."

Waqar pointed out that the squad didn't lack in skills, talent or experience. "The two things we need to focus on in this World Cup is being in top fitness and able to handle the pressure situations," he said.

Waqar said Pakistan cricket had got a boost after the team's fine performance in New Zealand and now needs to carry the momentum into the World Cup.

"In a way it is good we are playing a match before we meet hosts Sri Lanka on the 26th because that match is going to be vital to our chances of qualifying for the knockout stages," he said.

Alam also highlighted the importance of doing well in the tournament. "Pakistan cricket has seen a lot of ups and downs in recent times and it has hit our fans and supporters back home. The team needs to do well, it will be great for Pakistan cricket especially when you don't have foreign teams playing in our country at the moment," Alam said.

Alam, who was the coach when Pakistan won the World Cup in 1992 and the T20 meet in 2009, said if the team managed to win this edition of the tournament it would be the biggest moment of his life.

"What more can one ask for then to be involved in the winning of three World Cups. It would be fantastic for me individually, but for Pakistan cricket it would be a shot in the arm," he said.

Cricket World Cup: Sad to see Ponting complain against Bangalore pitch

Australia lost a game yesterday to India which they should ever have. However, what was surprising to hear at the end of the game was for the Australian skipper to complain about the nature of the track.

It is very obvious that the pitches in India will assist spin bowling. And that is the beauty of the sport, which unlike many other sports is not played on an artificial turf where the players know what will be the kind of track they will be up against.

Unfortunately, Ponting has a vision that is so blinded by saving his own skin that any track that remotely offers spin is an under-prepared one.

Instead, one feels that Ponting should look at the shots that some of his batsmen played, included his own stroke to get stumped. At best, they could be described as atrocious. Clearly, there is a need to correct some of that than blame the pitch for his undoing.

Rest assured that in India and Sri Lanka where they played their league games, the tracks will assist spin.

ICC cricket World Cup 2011: Stuart Broad raring to go

English fans are in for a treat as their teams pace spear-head Stuart Broad has regained complete fitness before the start of the ICC World Cup, 2011. He suffered from abdominal injury in England’s Ashes tour back in December 2010 and has been out of action ever since.

The right-arm fast bowler affirmed, “I'm 100% fit now and excited about the chances of playing in a World Cup.”

Broady is an important member of the English side; he was sorely missed during England’s 6-1 loss to the Aussies in the recently concluded One Day International series.

The 6 ft 5 in player said, “It's been a while since I've been on a field. I've been in the gym and in the nets but I'm excited about that competitive edge you get on the pitch and excited about our chances as well.”

The 24-year-old speedster was one of many players who were injured during the lengthy tour of Australia. Other players who joined him in the injury list included: all-rounder Paul Collingwood, spinner Graeme Swann, middle order batsman Eoin Morgan, fast bowlers Ajmal Shahzad and Tim Bresnan.

Before the ODI series loss to Australia, the Poms were on a roll: they won five ODI series back-to-back and had been undefeated in the short format of the game since 2009. They also won the prestigious ICC World Twenty20 trophy in 2010.

Broady believes his team is one of the best ODI sides with immense talent and experience in their line-up. He asserts that once the injured players make their way back to the team, their side will be tough to beat.

The 24-year-old cricketer made his one-day debut for England in August 2006 against Pakistan. He has featured in 73 ODI’s and has 124 wickets to his name at an average of 25.70; over the past months he has also emerged handy with the bat.

He is usually a very good bowler on bouncy pitches and will be tested on the slow Subcontinent pitches which have less bounce in them. He will have to use every trick in his arsenal if he wants to emerge successful in ICC’s signature tournament.

England has failed to reach the semi-final stage of the World Cup since 1992. Their chances have taken a blow with Eoin Morgan being ruled out of the mega event due to a broken finger. Morgan has been instrumental in his team’s victories over the last year; he averages 38.08 in ODIs and has an impressive average of 59.66 runs in games won by England.

England will be playing their first warm-up match for the premier tournament on 16 February, 2011.

ICC cricket World Cup 2011: Stuart Broad raring to go

The right-arm fast bowler affirmed, “I'm 100% fit now and excited about the chances of playing in a World Cup.”

Broady is an important member of the English side; he was sorely missed during England’s 6-1 loss to the Aussies in the recently concluded One Day International series.

England will be playing their first warm-up match for the premier tournament on 16 February, 2011.

ICC World Cup 2011: Virender Sehwag says he is fit and ready

India’s destructive opening batsman Virender Sehwag has claimed that he has recovered from his shoulder injury and is ready for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2011 that gets underway on 19 February.

Sehwag missed the entire One-day series in South Africa due to a shoulder pain. Team India’s management wanted to rest Sehwag so that he could recover from his injury and get ready for Cricket’s flagship event.

Sehwag said, “I was feeling some pain in my shoulder. So I thought it was better to quit the South Africa one-dayers. I didn't want to get injured in South Africa tour and miss the World Cup. So I came back and went to Germany to see a couple of doctors. I got a couple of injections and now I'm fine.”

He is one of the most destructive batsmen in the world as he can take the opposition attack to the cleaners with utmost ease. The most important thing about his batting is the strike-rate at which he racks up his runs. His 7,380 One-day runs have come at a strike-rate of 103, averaging 34.

Furthermore, he has done reasonably well in the World Cups, amassing 463 runs at an average of 33. As the tournament is going to be played in the Subcontinent, Sehwag will have an extra advantage of the home conditions.

He said, “I am going to the National Cricket Academy and will spend a couple of days there, to check everything - if I can bowl and throw also but if I can't, then I'll let them know. But yes, at the moment I'm fully fit.”

India’s opening game against Bangladesh will be the curtain raiser of the ICC World Cup 2011. Sehwag has warned his team against complacency and is well aware of the fact that Bangladesh defeated them in the last World Cup. He said that it will be a revenge game for India and they will not take it lightly.

India’s vice-captain feels that they are one of the favourites to win Cricket’s most coveted trophy. He stated that his team has an upper hand against the stronger teams such as South Africa and England.