Buoyant New Zealand are seeking to wrap up qualification for the World Cup quarter-finals against Canada on Sunday after their stunning power show against Pakistan.
The Black Caps have a total of six points after thumping 10-wicket wins over Kenya and Zimbabwe, and their 110-run victory against Pakistan on Tuesday.
Their only blemish was a seven-wicket defeat against Australia but another slip-up to minnows Canada in Mumbai would be a major shock.
Stand-in skipper Ross Taylor was the star performer in Pallekele smashing 131 in 124 balls with a whopping seven sixes after getting two early let-offs.
New Zealand hit an astonishing 100 runs from their final five overs with Nathan McCullum and Jacob Oram also joining in the batting blitz.
"It's been well documented back home that I haven't been in the greatest form of my life. It's been frustrating for myself, and probably a lot of others as well," said Taylor, who hit his century on his 27th birthday.
"When you're out of nick you need a bit of luck and I got that."
Taylor is set to lead the side again against Canada in the absence of injured skipper Daniel Vettori.
Vettori left the field during the Pakistan game after injuring his right knee while attempting to take a catch and had to leave the field for the remainder of the game.
A scan showed he had a mild strain of his post cruciate ligament and he is targeting the final group match against Sri Lanka on March 18 for a return.
Canada have no realistic chance of qualifying for the last eight but come into the match after registering their first win of the tournament against Group A whipping boys Kenya.
Canada captain Ashish Bagai said the victory over Kenya would spur his team to perform well in their remaining group matches.
Aside from that win, the side has had a tough tournament with three losses, crashing to overwhelming defeats to Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe before putting up more of a fight against Pakistan.
The North American side restricted Kenya to a total of 198 in New Delhi on Monday, winning by five wickets with the skipper leading the way with an unbeaten 64.
"We are looking to use this as a spark for the second half of the first round. My goal now is to get the batsmen who are performing to be consistent and leave the first round on a high," said Bagai.
The victory was only Canada's second ever in a World Cup after a 60-run triumph against Bangladesh in the 2003 edition.
Showing posts with label cricket news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cricket news. Show all posts
Friday, March 11, 2011
Record-breaking Sri Lanka eye final surge
Tillakaratne Dilshan hopes Sri Lanka's record-breaking surge into the World Cup quarter-finals will provide the spark for a second world title to add to the country's 1996 triumph.
The 34-year-old hit a brilliant 144 during a record World Cup first-wicket stand of 282 with Upul Tharanga (133) to lift Sri Lanka to 327-6 before taking a career-best 4-4 to help bowl Zimbabwe out for 188 on Thursday.
Sri Lanka's comfortable 139-run win lifted them to the top of Group A, with seven points from five matches, making them the first team to reach the quarter-final stages.
They play their last group game on March 18 against New Zealand in Mumbai with Dilshan keen to keep the momentum going into the business end of the tournament.
"After March 18 we have to play our best cricket. We cannot afford to make mistakes with the quarter-final and semi-finals coming up," Dilshan said.
"We know we have qualified but we can't take it easy for the next few matches. We have to play with 100 percent commitment from the New Zealand match."
Dilshan hopes he can be key to his country's hopes.
"I am happy with my batting and bowling," said Dilshan, who along with Tharanga, missed the record in all ODIs for an opening partnership by just four runs.
Tharanga had featured in that record stand along with Sanath Jayasuriya against England at Leeds five years ago.
"We have no regrets about missing out on the world record. What is important is that since we are playing good cricket and everything is going our way we must keep this performance and momentum intact," said Dilshan.
"We needed a good partnership for a big total and I am happy that we provided that to the team."
Dilshan also came close to a hat-trick by dismissing Sean Ervine and Greg Lamb off successive deliveries only for Mahela Jayawardene to drop a catch off his third ball in the slips.
Dilshan said he was concerned with missing out on another landmark.
"I am very happy with my performance. Missing a hat-trick with Mahela dropping a catch happens in the game. Before that ball he took a great catch and brought me closer to a hat-trick," said Dilshan.
The opener just missed Aravinda de Silva's highest World Cup score of 145 by a Sri Lankan.
"After I got out somebody told me in the dressing room that had I got one more run I would have matched that record, but I was never in the hunt for records, I always play for my team to the best of my ability," said Dilshan.
Dilshan said the whole team looked forward to playing their last group match against New Zealand in Mumbai on March 18.
"We are happy to play in Mumbai, it's a good opportunity because if we qualify for the final its a match before the final so that's a good opportunity," said Dilshan.
Zimbabwe skipper Elton Chigumbura said his side had buckled under the pressure of the run chase.
"Chasing a bigger score is always hard besides maintaining the run-rate, especially with our team. But it's something we can work on. Our openers played pretty well and putting on a 100-plus partnership is a positive," he said.
Brendon Taylor (80) and Regis Chakabva (35) put on a solid first-wicket stand of 116, before Zimbabwe crumbled to 188 all out.
Zimbabwe, with two points after four matches, still have an outside chance of reaching the quarter-finals.
They need to win both their matches and improve their net run-rate, as well as hoping other results go in their favour.
Their last match is against Kenya on March 20.
The 34-year-old hit a brilliant 144 during a record World Cup first-wicket stand of 282 with Upul Tharanga (133) to lift Sri Lanka to 327-6 before taking a career-best 4-4 to help bowl Zimbabwe out for 188 on Thursday.
Sri Lanka's comfortable 139-run win lifted them to the top of Group A, with seven points from five matches, making them the first team to reach the quarter-final stages.
They play their last group game on March 18 against New Zealand in Mumbai with Dilshan keen to keep the momentum going into the business end of the tournament.
"After March 18 we have to play our best cricket. We cannot afford to make mistakes with the quarter-final and semi-finals coming up," Dilshan said.
"We know we have qualified but we can't take it easy for the next few matches. We have to play with 100 percent commitment from the New Zealand match."
Dilshan hopes he can be key to his country's hopes.
"I am happy with my batting and bowling," said Dilshan, who along with Tharanga, missed the record in all ODIs for an opening partnership by just four runs.
Tharanga had featured in that record stand along with Sanath Jayasuriya against England at Leeds five years ago.
"We have no regrets about missing out on the world record. What is important is that since we are playing good cricket and everything is going our way we must keep this performance and momentum intact," said Dilshan.
"We needed a good partnership for a big total and I am happy that we provided that to the team."
Dilshan also came close to a hat-trick by dismissing Sean Ervine and Greg Lamb off successive deliveries only for Mahela Jayawardene to drop a catch off his third ball in the slips.
Dilshan said he was concerned with missing out on another landmark.
"I am very happy with my performance. Missing a hat-trick with Mahela dropping a catch happens in the game. Before that ball he took a great catch and brought me closer to a hat-trick," said Dilshan.
The opener just missed Aravinda de Silva's highest World Cup score of 145 by a Sri Lankan.
"After I got out somebody told me in the dressing room that had I got one more run I would have matched that record, but I was never in the hunt for records, I always play for my team to the best of my ability," said Dilshan.
Dilshan said the whole team looked forward to playing their last group match against New Zealand in Mumbai on March 18.
"We are happy to play in Mumbai, it's a good opportunity because if we qualify for the final its a match before the final so that's a good opportunity," said Dilshan.
Zimbabwe skipper Elton Chigumbura said his side had buckled under the pressure of the run chase.
"Chasing a bigger score is always hard besides maintaining the run-rate, especially with our team. But it's something we can work on. Our openers played pretty well and putting on a 100-plus partnership is a positive," he said.
Brendon Taylor (80) and Regis Chakabva (35) put on a solid first-wicket stand of 116, before Zimbabwe crumbled to 188 all out.
Zimbabwe, with two points after four matches, still have an outside chance of reaching the quarter-finals.
They need to win both their matches and improve their net run-rate, as well as hoping other results go in their favour.
Their last match is against Kenya on March 20.
Reverse swing can do the damage in baking Nagpur: Morkel
The moment you land in Nagpur you feel the heat, literally. Out in the middle, too, it is expected to be as feisty with two World Cup favourites India and South Africa locking horns Saturday.
It is the second week of March and the temperatures in the city are hovering around 37-38 degrees celsius. The afternoon sun is beating down hard on the 22-yard strip and the square. The soaring temperature can be felt with every passing hour of the day. South Africa have been sweating it out in the midday heat for the last two days. They flew down straight from Chennai after their defeat by England on a rank turner.
England not only troubled South Africa with spin, but also with their medium-pacers' reverse swing, a dimension of the game typical to the sub-continent weather. James Anderson and Stuart Broad got the ball to reverse swing in Chennai.
Here too the ball can wobble the other way after losing its shine.
"The wickets we have played on so far have turned. It's basically a reverse role now and we try to support spinners as much as we can," said South Africa's pace bowler Morne Morkel.
"Reverse swing will be the key and quicker we get that going, the better it is for us," he said.
The wicket though is a belter and has lots of runs. The Netherlands gave England a scare in the high-scoring first match here.
"It is going to be as good an ODI strip as we have seen in the earlier matches," says curator Praveen Hinganikar.
A different aspect of the heat could be the fatigue. The visitors say they are used to playing in such conditions and the heat will not tire them out. "Durban is similar to these conditions. I don't think any of our guys are scared to sweat," said Morkel.
It is the second week of March and the temperatures in the city are hovering around 37-38 degrees celsius. The afternoon sun is beating down hard on the 22-yard strip and the square. The soaring temperature can be felt with every passing hour of the day. South Africa have been sweating it out in the midday heat for the last two days. They flew down straight from Chennai after their defeat by England on a rank turner.
England not only troubled South Africa with spin, but also with their medium-pacers' reverse swing, a dimension of the game typical to the sub-continent weather. James Anderson and Stuart Broad got the ball to reverse swing in Chennai.
Here too the ball can wobble the other way after losing its shine.
"The wickets we have played on so far have turned. It's basically a reverse role now and we try to support spinners as much as we can," said South Africa's pace bowler Morne Morkel.
"Reverse swing will be the key and quicker we get that going, the better it is for us," he said.
The wicket though is a belter and has lots of runs. The Netherlands gave England a scare in the high-scoring first match here.
"It is going to be as good an ODI strip as we have seen in the earlier matches," says curator Praveen Hinganikar.
A different aspect of the heat could be the fatigue. The visitors say they are used to playing in such conditions and the heat will not tire them out. "Durban is similar to these conditions. I don't think any of our guys are scared to sweat," said Morkel.
After 4-4, Dilshan wants to bowl more
Sri Lanka opening batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan looked forward to more bowling opportunities in the World Cup after taking 4-4 against Zimbabwe in a Group A match on Thursday.
Dilshan also scored 144 off 131 balls in a challenging total of 327-6 and then took four wickets with gentle offspinners as Zimbabwe lost 10 wickets for 72 runs before being bowled out for 188 in 39 overs.
Sri Lanka, with seven points from five matches, became the first team to qualify for the quarterfinals from its group. Sri Lanka played only one specialist spinner in Muttiah Muralitharan, giving Dilshan a chance to turn his arm over against Zimbabwe.
He missed a rare hat trick when Mahela Jayawardene could not hold on to a low catch at slip. "I knew that we had just one spinner today, so I got an opportunty and I delivered it for my team and for my captain," Dilshan said.
"I look forward to more bowling in future matches." Zimbabwe made a brave attempt at the target with Brendan Taylor scoring 80 at better than run-a-ball and sharing a 116-run stand off 119 balls with Regis Chakabva (35).
Muralitharan's "doosra" clipped the off stump of Chekabva in the 20th over. Five overs later, Taylor offered a tame catch at midwicket off medium-fast bowler Angelo Mathews.
"They started well but we were not worried because we knew that after 15 overs the ball will get old and Murali can turn it," Dilshan said. Dilshan then had Prosper Utseya out leg before wicket, before claiming Craig Ervine and Greg Lamb off successive deliveries in his second over as Zimbabwe slipped to 156-6.
Despite missing the hat trick when Graeme Cremer was dropped by Jayawardene, Dilshan said he enjoyed bowling. He was also unaware of Sri Lanka's highest individual World Cup score of 145 made by Aravinda de Silva against Kenya at the 1996 World Cup.
"After I got out, somebody told me in the dressing room that had I got one more run I would have that record," Dilshan said. "It was the 45th over and nobody came out and gave message to me."
"But I am never in the hunt for records. I always play for my team and want to score as many runs as possible."
After being sent in to bat by Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura, Dilshan put on 282-run opening stand with Upul Tharanga (133) off 269 balls that gave Sri Lanka a strong total to defend. Dilshan said the team needed more such starts in the future World Cup matches.
"We need a good opening partnership in every match," he said. "If we get a good start and score more than 270 or 250 we can defend that total with our bowling attack."
Sri Lanka plays its last group match against New Zealand at Mumbai on March 18.
Dilshan also scored 144 off 131 balls in a challenging total of 327-6 and then took four wickets with gentle offspinners as Zimbabwe lost 10 wickets for 72 runs before being bowled out for 188 in 39 overs.
Sri Lanka, with seven points from five matches, became the first team to qualify for the quarterfinals from its group. Sri Lanka played only one specialist spinner in Muttiah Muralitharan, giving Dilshan a chance to turn his arm over against Zimbabwe.
He missed a rare hat trick when Mahela Jayawardene could not hold on to a low catch at slip. "I knew that we had just one spinner today, so I got an opportunty and I delivered it for my team and for my captain," Dilshan said.
"I look forward to more bowling in future matches." Zimbabwe made a brave attempt at the target with Brendan Taylor scoring 80 at better than run-a-ball and sharing a 116-run stand off 119 balls with Regis Chakabva (35).
Muralitharan's "doosra" clipped the off stump of Chekabva in the 20th over. Five overs later, Taylor offered a tame catch at midwicket off medium-fast bowler Angelo Mathews.
"They started well but we were not worried because we knew that after 15 overs the ball will get old and Murali can turn it," Dilshan said. Dilshan then had Prosper Utseya out leg before wicket, before claiming Craig Ervine and Greg Lamb off successive deliveries in his second over as Zimbabwe slipped to 156-6.
Despite missing the hat trick when Graeme Cremer was dropped by Jayawardene, Dilshan said he enjoyed bowling. He was also unaware of Sri Lanka's highest individual World Cup score of 145 made by Aravinda de Silva against Kenya at the 1996 World Cup.
"After I got out, somebody told me in the dressing room that had I got one more run I would have that record," Dilshan said. "It was the 45th over and nobody came out and gave message to me."
"But I am never in the hunt for records. I always play for my team and want to score as many runs as possible."
After being sent in to bat by Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura, Dilshan put on 282-run opening stand with Upul Tharanga (133) off 269 balls that gave Sri Lanka a strong total to defend. Dilshan said the team needed more such starts in the future World Cup matches.
"We need a good opening partnership in every match," he said. "If we get a good start and score more than 270 or 250 we can defend that total with our bowling attack."
Sri Lanka plays its last group match against New Zealand at Mumbai on March 18.
India need to tame South Africa to calm nerves
India can underline their credentials as World Cup favourites with victory over South Africa in Group B on Saturday, and convince their own fans who are becoming increasingly jittery about their prospects.
The co-hosts, touted by most as the favourites to win the Feb 19-April 2 tournament, have been unbeaten so far in their campaign with three wins and a tied match against England.
But their victories, against Bangladesh, Ireland and the Netherlands, have inspired anything but confidence in the supporters' minds.
The five-wicket wins against lowly Ireland and the Netherlands have rather raised doubts about the supposedly formidable Indian batting line-up.
"I think winning is important and it's not a bad win. When you see the scorecard it says India won by five wickets. It's a big positive," India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said after the victory against the Dutch.
Maybe, but the Indian bowling has lacked teeth so far, which was evident when Bangladesh were allowed to reach 283 for nine while chasing 371 and England managed to tie the match while chasing 339 for victory.
While the pacemen, barring the experienced Zaheer Khan, have failed to impress with the new ball, the regular spinners, including Harbhajan Singh, have blown hot and cold with their form at best.
But captain Dhoni is not worried yet.
"I think Harbhajan is bowling well. Other teams are blocking him and going after Yuvraj, giving him the wickets in the process. Spinners need to hunt in pairs," he said.
India have a chance to dispel all doubts and calm many a nerve with a win at the VCA Stadium on Saturday against rivals who are well known to them. The two teams played each other in a five-match ODI series before the start of the World Cup.
South Africa slipped past India 3-2 in that series but the conditions will be completely different in Nagpur.
The slow and low conditions in the sub-continent mean that the South Africans have had to depend on their slow bowlers more than their quick men.
"It's a funny game. A couple of months ago, you were getting wickets and things were going well," said Morne Morkel, who took 12 wickets against India in the home ODI series.
"If I can bowl dot balls and keep one end tight, then I think I've done my job. It will be great to get wickets. We have some important games to come so I know that my day will come soon."
The Africans compounded their problems by getting skittled for 165 runs, while chasing 172 for victory against England, giving their critics an opportunity of labelling them "chokers" again having never won this tournament.
The England match had more after effects as their highest wicket-taker Imran Tahir suffered a left thumb fracture while making a catch to dismiss Jonathan Trott.
Tahir has been advised to rest it for 10 days but is available for selection as the injury is to his non-bowling hand.
Another cricketer that South Africa have to guard against will be former opener Gary Kirsten, India's current coach.
The Indians will bank on Kirsten for some insider's tips to boost their chances against his home nation.
"They have got very different ideas and very different thinking. I have enjoyed bringing the Indian style and a South African influence and connecting the two," Kirsten had told Cricinfo before the start of the tournament.
"It is important that they know I'm there and that I will work as hard as possible on helping them prepare for games."
"After all, it is the player who needs to be clear in his head in the pressure situation during game time. He can't call the coach to think for him."
The co-hosts, touted by most as the favourites to win the Feb 19-April 2 tournament, have been unbeaten so far in their campaign with three wins and a tied match against England.
But their victories, against Bangladesh, Ireland and the Netherlands, have inspired anything but confidence in the supporters' minds.
The five-wicket wins against lowly Ireland and the Netherlands have rather raised doubts about the supposedly formidable Indian batting line-up.
"I think winning is important and it's not a bad win. When you see the scorecard it says India won by five wickets. It's a big positive," India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said after the victory against the Dutch.
Maybe, but the Indian bowling has lacked teeth so far, which was evident when Bangladesh were allowed to reach 283 for nine while chasing 371 and England managed to tie the match while chasing 339 for victory.
While the pacemen, barring the experienced Zaheer Khan, have failed to impress with the new ball, the regular spinners, including Harbhajan Singh, have blown hot and cold with their form at best.
But captain Dhoni is not worried yet.
"I think Harbhajan is bowling well. Other teams are blocking him and going after Yuvraj, giving him the wickets in the process. Spinners need to hunt in pairs," he said.
India have a chance to dispel all doubts and calm many a nerve with a win at the VCA Stadium on Saturday against rivals who are well known to them. The two teams played each other in a five-match ODI series before the start of the World Cup.
South Africa slipped past India 3-2 in that series but the conditions will be completely different in Nagpur.
The slow and low conditions in the sub-continent mean that the South Africans have had to depend on their slow bowlers more than their quick men.
"It's a funny game. A couple of months ago, you were getting wickets and things were going well," said Morne Morkel, who took 12 wickets against India in the home ODI series.
"If I can bowl dot balls and keep one end tight, then I think I've done my job. It will be great to get wickets. We have some important games to come so I know that my day will come soon."
The Africans compounded their problems by getting skittled for 165 runs, while chasing 172 for victory against England, giving their critics an opportunity of labelling them "chokers" again having never won this tournament.
The England match had more after effects as their highest wicket-taker Imran Tahir suffered a left thumb fracture while making a catch to dismiss Jonathan Trott.
Tahir has been advised to rest it for 10 days but is available for selection as the injury is to his non-bowling hand.
Another cricketer that South Africa have to guard against will be former opener Gary Kirsten, India's current coach.
The Indians will bank on Kirsten for some insider's tips to boost their chances against his home nation.
"They have got very different ideas and very different thinking. I have enjoyed bringing the Indian style and a South African influence and connecting the two," Kirsten had told Cricinfo before the start of the tournament.
"It is important that they know I'm there and that I will work as hard as possible on helping them prepare for games."
"After all, it is the player who needs to be clear in his head in the pressure situation during game time. He can't call the coach to think for him."
Gayle adds to Windies injury woes
Injury-plagued West Indies were dealt a major blow on Friday when hard-hitting opener Chris Gayle was ruled out of the key World Cup clash against Ireland with an abdominal strain.
Gayle, 31, has struggled with the injury ever since the team landed in Mohali on Sunday but he is likely to be fit in time for the game against England on March 17.
West Indies, currently placed third in Group B, will play their last league game against India on March 20 in Chennai.
"Gayle has been struggling with it (injury) ever since we got here," West Indies spokesman Philip Spooner told AFP.
"The decision not to play him was taken this morning. We will monitor him on a daily basis and hopefully he will be available for selection for the game against England next week."
Gayle had also been ill (sore throat) at the start of the game against Bangladesh in Dhaka but showed little signs of discomfort in making 37 off 36 balls as his team completed a nine-wicket victory over the tournament co-hosts.
Batting at the top of the order, the left-order has made 8,036 runs from 226 one-day internationals at a strike rate of 83.68.
Gayle is the latest to join a growing list of injured players for the Caribbean side who are already without experienced all-rounder Dwayne Bravo.
Bravo was forced to fly back home after injuring his knee in the first game against South Africa in New Delhi.
Wicketkeeeper Carlton Baugh and exciting opener Adrian Barath were ruled out with injuries just before the start of the tournament, forcing the team management to call for last-minute reinforcements.
Despite missing some of their first-choice players, the West Indies beat the Netherlands and Bangladesh after a seven-wicket defeat to South Africa.
Gayle, 31, has struggled with the injury ever since the team landed in Mohali on Sunday but he is likely to be fit in time for the game against England on March 17.
West Indies, currently placed third in Group B, will play their last league game against India on March 20 in Chennai.
"Gayle has been struggling with it (injury) ever since we got here," West Indies spokesman Philip Spooner told AFP.
"The decision not to play him was taken this morning. We will monitor him on a daily basis and hopefully he will be available for selection for the game against England next week."
Gayle had also been ill (sore throat) at the start of the game against Bangladesh in Dhaka but showed little signs of discomfort in making 37 off 36 balls as his team completed a nine-wicket victory over the tournament co-hosts.
Batting at the top of the order, the left-order has made 8,036 runs from 226 one-day internationals at a strike rate of 83.68.
Gayle is the latest to join a growing list of injured players for the Caribbean side who are already without experienced all-rounder Dwayne Bravo.
Bravo was forced to fly back home after injuring his knee in the first game against South Africa in New Delhi.
Wicketkeeeper Carlton Baugh and exciting opener Adrian Barath were ruled out with injuries just before the start of the tournament, forcing the team management to call for last-minute reinforcements.
Despite missing some of their first-choice players, the West Indies beat the Netherlands and Bangladesh after a seven-wicket defeat to South Africa.
Senior statesman Lee feels need for speed
Brett Lee may be the oldest member of Australia's fast-bowling attack at the World Cup but for the 34-year-old speedster the sheer thrill of doing what he does best remains undimmed.
"I'm still out to bowl fast," he told reporters at Bangalore's Chinnaswamy Stadium where Australia face Group A makeweights Kenya on Sunday.
"I said about six months ago that if I couldn't hit that 150 kph (93 mph) mark I wouldn't want to be playing cricket, which is the truth."
"I do thrive on speed. I enjoy the pace, I enjoy seeing the stumps fly. That's the exciting part of cricket."
Lee retired from Tests last year following a run of injuries but remains an important member of the defending champions' bowling unit at the World Cup with extensive experience of local conditions from previous tours and stints playing in the Indian Premier League.
"Over here on the subcontinental wickets, which aren't really conducive to fast bowling, you have to learn to try a few more things and those types of change-ups," he explained.
"They're the things that have definitely been helping me over the last six or seven months."
Australian captain Ricky Ponting recently said Lee was bowling "smarter" than ever and the veteran of 195 one-day internationals said it was a "lovely compliment".
"To me, it's about experience. When you first come on the scene and you're 17 or 18 years of age and you're playing in your early 20s for Australia, you're pretty much thrown in the deep end. You don't know what to expect."
"Over time, you get to realise how things work and how you work as a player. I know my bowling better now than I ever have. It doesn't mean that you're going to go out there and get five wickets every single game, but you're more likely to be a bit more cagey as a bowler now, a bit smarter."
"As batsmen are working on new shots, lap sweeps, reverse lap sweeps, we as bowlers have to be evolving as well, slower bumpers, wide-line yorkers, those type of things. It's just about fine-tuning your trade and being a bit smarter when you bowl."
Lee has been largely economical in Australia's three World Cup matches so far.
Once the tearaway, he is expected to be a steadying influence in an attack also featuring the quick but volatile duo of Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson.
"If you look at the way we've bowled collectively as a group, we've bowled very well as a pace unit," Lee said. "What we've got is we actually complement each other."
"People might think we're three guys that can bowl 150 kph and we're all playing the same role, but we're completely different.
"We've got Mitch that does what he does first change, we've got Taity that can fire the ball in in the first couple of overs and I try to lead by example."
"We've got a great balance in the side with Shane Watson as well, and (spinner) Jason Krejza, I've been so impressed with what I've seen from him," he said.
"I personally think he's the guy that turns the ball the most in Australia, and he has proven that on this trip so far."
"I'm still out to bowl fast," he told reporters at Bangalore's Chinnaswamy Stadium where Australia face Group A makeweights Kenya on Sunday.
"I said about six months ago that if I couldn't hit that 150 kph (93 mph) mark I wouldn't want to be playing cricket, which is the truth."
"I do thrive on speed. I enjoy the pace, I enjoy seeing the stumps fly. That's the exciting part of cricket."
Lee retired from Tests last year following a run of injuries but remains an important member of the defending champions' bowling unit at the World Cup with extensive experience of local conditions from previous tours and stints playing in the Indian Premier League.
"Over here on the subcontinental wickets, which aren't really conducive to fast bowling, you have to learn to try a few more things and those types of change-ups," he explained.
"They're the things that have definitely been helping me over the last six or seven months."
Australian captain Ricky Ponting recently said Lee was bowling "smarter" than ever and the veteran of 195 one-day internationals said it was a "lovely compliment".
"To me, it's about experience. When you first come on the scene and you're 17 or 18 years of age and you're playing in your early 20s for Australia, you're pretty much thrown in the deep end. You don't know what to expect."
"Over time, you get to realise how things work and how you work as a player. I know my bowling better now than I ever have. It doesn't mean that you're going to go out there and get five wickets every single game, but you're more likely to be a bit more cagey as a bowler now, a bit smarter."
"As batsmen are working on new shots, lap sweeps, reverse lap sweeps, we as bowlers have to be evolving as well, slower bumpers, wide-line yorkers, those type of things. It's just about fine-tuning your trade and being a bit smarter when you bowl."
Lee has been largely economical in Australia's three World Cup matches so far.
Once the tearaway, he is expected to be a steadying influence in an attack also featuring the quick but volatile duo of Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson.
"If you look at the way we've bowled collectively as a group, we've bowled very well as a pace unit," Lee said. "What we've got is we actually complement each other."
"People might think we're three guys that can bowl 150 kph and we're all playing the same role, but we're completely different.
"We've got Mitch that does what he does first change, we've got Taity that can fire the ball in in the first couple of overs and I try to lead by example."
"We've got a great balance in the side with Shane Watson as well, and (spinner) Jason Krejza, I've been so impressed with what I've seen from him," he said.
"I personally think he's the guy that turns the ball the most in Australia, and he has proven that on this trip so far."
Vettori targets Sri Lanka return
Injured New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori said he is targeting a return against Sri Lanka in the Black Caps' final World Cup group match on March 18 after seeing specialists Thursday.
Vettori left the field during his team's win against Pakistan on Tuesday after injuring his right knee while attempting to take a catch and had to leave the field for the remainder of the game.
A scan showed he had a mild strain of his post cruciate ligament and he is likely to play later in the tournament.
"It's a bit stiff and sore the last couple of days and 13 hours of travel never helps anyone. It felt a lot better today (Thursday)and it's a lot easier to walk," said Vettori.
"There's still quite a lot of swelling so as soon as that comes down I'll be back into it."
The captain said the injury now needed rest and he would miss the match against Canada on Sunday.
"I really want to play in that Sri Lanka game heading towards those quarter finals," he said.
New Zealand have six points after three wins out of four games in Group A and look set to qualify for the quarterfinals, which start on March 23.
Vettori left the field during his team's win against Pakistan on Tuesday after injuring his right knee while attempting to take a catch and had to leave the field for the remainder of the game.
A scan showed he had a mild strain of his post cruciate ligament and he is likely to play later in the tournament.
"It's a bit stiff and sore the last couple of days and 13 hours of travel never helps anyone. It felt a lot better today (Thursday)and it's a lot easier to walk," said Vettori.
"There's still quite a lot of swelling so as soon as that comes down I'll be back into it."
The captain said the injury now needed rest and he would miss the match against Canada on Sunday.
"I really want to play in that Sri Lanka game heading towards those quarter finals," he said.
New Zealand have six points after three wins out of four games in Group A and look set to qualify for the quarterfinals, which start on March 23.
Australian selector Hilditch to stay
Australia's under-pressure chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch will be allowed to stay in his job while an extensive review of the national team's performance is completed.
Hilditch, a selector since 1996, came in for heavy criticism after Australia's dismal 3-1 Ashes series loss to England.
But Cricket Australia said the review was not a "witch-hunt" and indicated that Hilditch will stay in the position beyond April, when his contract is due to expire, as it awaits the findings of the review.
"Because we have to get on with business, the board will keep the current selectors, they will be doing their normal work," Cricket Australia chairman Jack Clarke told reporters Thursday.
"We've got to do contracts, we've got a Bangladesh series, we've got Australia A going to Zimbabwe, we have a Test series in Sri Lanka, all of those will certainly need to be picked before the review comes back."
"It's just not going to be a witch-hunt, we're looking forward for sustained future success, we're not looking with rearview mirrors."
The review panel, which has been asked to pinpoint the causes of the team's recent decline in Tests and recommend changes, includes former skippers Allan Border, Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh.
It will be chaired by businessman Don Argus, former chairman of mining giant BHP Billiton, with former International Cricket Council and Australian Cricket Board chief executive Malcolm Speed as deputy.
Cricket Australia hopes the review will report back by about August, in time for recommendations to be considered before the 2011-12 Australian international cricket season.
Clarke said he did not believe the team's problems were deep-seated.
"The review's got to come out, we're still No.1 in one-day cricket," he said, before conceding "we did have a bad Ashes loss and we lost the Ashes in 2009 as well, not something we're used to doing".
In January, Hilditch said the only way he would leave his post is if he was sacked, adding that he was doing the best job he possibly could.
"I have still got the same passion for everything I can give to Australian cricket, I only do it for one reason and that is I love Australian cricket," he said at the time.
Hilditch, a selector since 1996, came in for heavy criticism after Australia's dismal 3-1 Ashes series loss to England.
But Cricket Australia said the review was not a "witch-hunt" and indicated that Hilditch will stay in the position beyond April, when his contract is due to expire, as it awaits the findings of the review.
"Because we have to get on with business, the board will keep the current selectors, they will be doing their normal work," Cricket Australia chairman Jack Clarke told reporters Thursday.
"We've got to do contracts, we've got a Bangladesh series, we've got Australia A going to Zimbabwe, we have a Test series in Sri Lanka, all of those will certainly need to be picked before the review comes back."
"It's just not going to be a witch-hunt, we're looking forward for sustained future success, we're not looking with rearview mirrors."
The review panel, which has been asked to pinpoint the causes of the team's recent decline in Tests and recommend changes, includes former skippers Allan Border, Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh.
It will be chaired by businessman Don Argus, former chairman of mining giant BHP Billiton, with former International Cricket Council and Australian Cricket Board chief executive Malcolm Speed as deputy.
Cricket Australia hopes the review will report back by about August, in time for recommendations to be considered before the 2011-12 Australian international cricket season.
Clarke said he did not believe the team's problems were deep-seated.
"The review's got to come out, we're still No.1 in one-day cricket," he said, before conceding "we did have a bad Ashes loss and we lost the Ashes in 2009 as well, not something we're used to doing".
In January, Hilditch said the only way he would leave his post is if he was sacked, adding that he was doing the best job he possibly could.
"I have still got the same passion for everything I can give to Australian cricket, I only do it for one reason and that is I love Australian cricket," he said at the time.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Sri Lanka have yet to peak, says Jayawardene
Sri Lanka are still to peak at the World Cup, vice-captain Mahela Jayawardene said on Wednesday, as the 1996 champions prepare to tackle Zimbabwe and book a quarter-final spot.
Sri Lanka go into Thursday's game with five points from four games after wins over Kenya and Canada, a share of the points in a washed-out match against Australia and a narrow defeat at the hands of Pakistan.
Jayawardene believes that Sri Lanka's campaign has been energised by Lasith Malinga's belated entry into the tournament after the slingshot seamer missed the matches against Canada and Pakistan with a back injury.
"Lasith coming back into the team has given us a few more options in our bowling attack which is great," said Jayawardene, of Malinga who took a career-best 6-38 against Kenya.
Malinga also took his second World Cup hat-trick during that match. "I think we can still improve on our batting, try to bat for longer periods and make sure we build partnerships. Even on the field there is always room to improve. We are a very hard-working side when it comes to fielding. We just have to keep improving and make sure we make the most of half-chances."
Jayawardene also warned his team not to under-estimate Zimbabwe who still have an outside chance of making the last eight.
Sri Lanka face a potentially tough last match against New Zealand in Mumbai so they can ill afford any upsets against the African nation.
"We rank Zimbabwe with any other team. I think they are a very good all-round side and we know they can be a surprise package so we are not taking anything lightly," Jayawardene said on Wednesday.
Sri Lanka won their first match against Canada by 310 runs before going down to Pakistan by a narrow 11-run margin. They also beat Kenya by nine wickets before their match against Australia was abandoned due to rain.
Jayawardene said Sri Lanka need to be on their toes to win their last two matches. "We just want to concentrate on our performances. That's in our control and we will execute a game plan because we know every team is dangerous and have quality players," said Jayawardene, who hit a century against Canada.
"I think we have been consistent, but still there is room for improvement. I think overall we can be happy. It's a long tournament and it's important that we be consistent and keep improving," said Jayawardene.
Sri Lanka go into Thursday's game with five points from four games after wins over Kenya and Canada, a share of the points in a washed-out match against Australia and a narrow defeat at the hands of Pakistan.
Jayawardene believes that Sri Lanka's campaign has been energised by Lasith Malinga's belated entry into the tournament after the slingshot seamer missed the matches against Canada and Pakistan with a back injury.
"Lasith coming back into the team has given us a few more options in our bowling attack which is great," said Jayawardene, of Malinga who took a career-best 6-38 against Kenya.
Malinga also took his second World Cup hat-trick during that match. "I think we can still improve on our batting, try to bat for longer periods and make sure we build partnerships. Even on the field there is always room to improve. We are a very hard-working side when it comes to fielding. We just have to keep improving and make sure we make the most of half-chances."
Jayawardene also warned his team not to under-estimate Zimbabwe who still have an outside chance of making the last eight.
Sri Lanka face a potentially tough last match against New Zealand in Mumbai so they can ill afford any upsets against the African nation.
"We rank Zimbabwe with any other team. I think they are a very good all-round side and we know they can be a surprise package so we are not taking anything lightly," Jayawardene said on Wednesday.
Sri Lanka won their first match against Canada by 310 runs before going down to Pakistan by a narrow 11-run margin. They also beat Kenya by nine wickets before their match against Australia was abandoned due to rain.
Jayawardene said Sri Lanka need to be on their toes to win their last two matches. "We just want to concentrate on our performances. That's in our control and we will execute a game plan because we know every team is dangerous and have quality players," said Jayawardene, who hit a century against Canada.
"I think we have been consistent, but still there is room for improvement. I think overall we can be happy. It's a long tournament and it's important that we be consistent and keep improving," said Jayawardene.
Zimbabwe wary of Muralitharan, Malinga threat
Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura has pinpointed Muttiah Muralitharan and Lasith Malinga as a double danger when they meet Sri Lanka in the World Cup on Wednesday.
The African nation, who have never beaten Sri Lanka in four previous World Cup matches, need a win to stay in hunt for a quarter-final place from Group A which is topped by New Zealand ahead of Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Australia.
Zimbabwe have two points from their win over Canada while they lost to New Zeaaland and Australia. "It's a very important game as we only have two points. We'll be looking to play our best cricket against Sri Lanka and to do that we need to make a competitive score against their quality bowlers," said Chigumbura.
Chigumbura said Zimbabwe have a plan to tackle off-spinner Muralitharan, who has taken the most one-day wickets, and slinger Malinga who took a career-best 6-38, including a hat-trick, against Kenya.
"Sri Lanka's whole attack has match-winners with Murali and Malinga obviously the big names, they are experienced and they know their conditions well and will use them to the best of their abilities. We have just got to make sure we play them properly and stop them getting wickets, especially in their first spells," said Chigumbura.
Sri Lanka know any upset would leave them in danger of missing out on the knockout phase.
The 1996 winners and 2007 runners-up have five points from four games and need a win to ensure they reach the quarter-finals. They face extra pressure because their last match is away against New Zealand in Mumbai.
Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara realises the importance of victory over Zimbabwe. "Our focus is on the immediate game so it doesn't really matter where you finish up. You need to beat every single team to get into the final, and to win the World Cup," said Sangakkara, whose team lost to Pakistan and saw their match against Australia abandoned due to rain.
Sangakkara defended his batsmen, especially opener Tillakaratne Dilshan who was involved in a verbal stand-off with Australian pace bowler Shaun Tait where he lost his composure and his wicket.
"In cricket you have instances where not everyone shines every day. You always get matches where certain people shine and some don't," said Sangakkara, who was 73 not out when the rain washed out the Australia match.
"I think batsmen go through certain phases. The most important thing at all times in high-performance situations is to maintain equilibrium, make sure that your emotions remain the same at all times."
"Dilshan has been our best performer over the last few years. He has won us so many games so we just want him to go out and we want him to be focused and keep his aggression," he said.
Sri Lanka are likely to bring in paceman Dilhara Fernando for his first match in the World Cup.
The African nation, who have never beaten Sri Lanka in four previous World Cup matches, need a win to stay in hunt for a quarter-final place from Group A which is topped by New Zealand ahead of Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Australia.
Zimbabwe have two points from their win over Canada while they lost to New Zeaaland and Australia. "It's a very important game as we only have two points. We'll be looking to play our best cricket against Sri Lanka and to do that we need to make a competitive score against their quality bowlers," said Chigumbura.
Chigumbura said Zimbabwe have a plan to tackle off-spinner Muralitharan, who has taken the most one-day wickets, and slinger Malinga who took a career-best 6-38, including a hat-trick, against Kenya.
"Sri Lanka's whole attack has match-winners with Murali and Malinga obviously the big names, they are experienced and they know their conditions well and will use them to the best of their abilities. We have just got to make sure we play them properly and stop them getting wickets, especially in their first spells," said Chigumbura.
Sri Lanka know any upset would leave them in danger of missing out on the knockout phase.
The 1996 winners and 2007 runners-up have five points from four games and need a win to ensure they reach the quarter-finals. They face extra pressure because their last match is away against New Zealand in Mumbai.
Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara realises the importance of victory over Zimbabwe. "Our focus is on the immediate game so it doesn't really matter where you finish up. You need to beat every single team to get into the final, and to win the World Cup," said Sangakkara, whose team lost to Pakistan and saw their match against Australia abandoned due to rain.
Sangakkara defended his batsmen, especially opener Tillakaratne Dilshan who was involved in a verbal stand-off with Australian pace bowler Shaun Tait where he lost his composure and his wicket.
"In cricket you have instances where not everyone shines every day. You always get matches where certain people shine and some don't," said Sangakkara, who was 73 not out when the rain washed out the Australia match.
"I think batsmen go through certain phases. The most important thing at all times in high-performance situations is to maintain equilibrium, make sure that your emotions remain the same at all times."
"Dilshan has been our best performer over the last few years. He has won us so many games so we just want him to go out and we want him to be focused and keep his aggression," he said.
Sri Lanka are likely to bring in paceman Dilhara Fernando for his first match in the World Cup.
West Indies face never-say-die Ireland
A resurgent West Indies face Ireland in Mohali on Friday knowing a victory could take them to the brink of the World Cup quarter-finals but wary of the challenge posed by the minnows.
The Caribbean side were well beaten by South Africa in their tournament opener but responded by thumping the Netherlands and demolishing co-hosts Bangladesh in Dhaka, bowling them out for just 58.
West Indies captain Darren Sammy said he was not getting carried away despite his side's awesome display against Bangladesh, in which fast bowler Kemar Roach took 3-19 to add to his 6-27 against the Netherlands.
Other bright spots in the tournament have been the bowling by giant spinner Sulieman Benn and the potential shown by batsman Darren Bravo. "We are taking it step by step," Sammy said.
The West Indies have four points from three matches in Group B, the same as South Africa but trailing India and England, with the top four sides from each group qualifying.
Sammy said the West Indies, who won the first two editions of the World Cup in 1975 and 1979 and also ruled Test cricket for two decades, were on the right track to regaining old glories. "We are aware of the history and legacy the West Indies have," the captain said. "We have taken innovative steps to move forward. As a leader I want my team to improve. It is a process."
Referring to the win over Bangladesh, he said: "People back in the Caribbean needed this performance. We look to move forward from here as a team and be as consistent as we can."
West Indies coach Ottis Gibson also urged caution, saying it was too early to talk of a resurgence in West Indies cricket. "There is still a long way to go," Gibson said.
But he added that the team had a good mix of players with Roach "a revelation" and Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul bringing their experience to the side along with explosive batsman Chris Gayle.
Gibson said it was difficult for any total to be considered safe at a high-scoring tournament. "It's a scary thought. Earlier, 320 used to be a good enough total in ODIs. But nowadays things are different. You have seen big scores being chased down," he said.
Ireland's win over England, in which they scored 329-7 to win the game, meant they leapfrogged Zimbabwe in the one-day international rankings, moving into 10th place.
Irish skipper William Porterfield still believes his team can qualify for the quarter-finals despite defeats to Bangladesh and India either side of their staggering win against England.
"We've got three games left and there's no reason we can't beat any of the three teams we're playing," said Porterfield. Ireland are fifth in Group B with two points.
Porterfield said his team's never-say-die attitude would always make them a handful despite the defeat to India in Bangalore on Sunday. Ireland bowled and fielded superbly against India while defending a modest total of 207, reducing India to 100-4 before Yuvraj Singh guided his side home with an unbeaten 50.
The Caribbean side were well beaten by South Africa in their tournament opener but responded by thumping the Netherlands and demolishing co-hosts Bangladesh in Dhaka, bowling them out for just 58.
West Indies captain Darren Sammy said he was not getting carried away despite his side's awesome display against Bangladesh, in which fast bowler Kemar Roach took 3-19 to add to his 6-27 against the Netherlands.
Other bright spots in the tournament have been the bowling by giant spinner Sulieman Benn and the potential shown by batsman Darren Bravo. "We are taking it step by step," Sammy said.
The West Indies have four points from three matches in Group B, the same as South Africa but trailing India and England, with the top four sides from each group qualifying.
Sammy said the West Indies, who won the first two editions of the World Cup in 1975 and 1979 and also ruled Test cricket for two decades, were on the right track to regaining old glories. "We are aware of the history and legacy the West Indies have," the captain said. "We have taken innovative steps to move forward. As a leader I want my team to improve. It is a process."
Referring to the win over Bangladesh, he said: "People back in the Caribbean needed this performance. We look to move forward from here as a team and be as consistent as we can."
West Indies coach Ottis Gibson also urged caution, saying it was too early to talk of a resurgence in West Indies cricket. "There is still a long way to go," Gibson said.
But he added that the team had a good mix of players with Roach "a revelation" and Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul bringing their experience to the side along with explosive batsman Chris Gayle.
Gibson said it was difficult for any total to be considered safe at a high-scoring tournament. "It's a scary thought. Earlier, 320 used to be a good enough total in ODIs. But nowadays things are different. You have seen big scores being chased down," he said.
Ireland's win over England, in which they scored 329-7 to win the game, meant they leapfrogged Zimbabwe in the one-day international rankings, moving into 10th place.
Irish skipper William Porterfield still believes his team can qualify for the quarter-finals despite defeats to Bangladesh and India either side of their staggering win against England.
"We've got three games left and there's no reason we can't beat any of the three teams we're playing," said Porterfield. Ireland are fifth in Group B with two points.
Porterfield said his team's never-say-die attitude would always make them a handful despite the defeat to India in Bangalore on Sunday. Ireland bowled and fielded superbly against India while defending a modest total of 207, reducing India to 100-4 before Yuvraj Singh guided his side home with an unbeaten 50.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Reduced World Cup could see new shocks: Lorgat
Ireland's dramatic giant-killing World Cup win over England could be repeated in future despite a decision to reduce the event to 10 teams, world cricket's top administrator said Saturday.
As there are only 10 Test-playing countries, many second-tier or associate nations such as Ireland fear they could be frozen out by the move.
Ireland created one of the great World Cup shocks by beating England by three wickets in Bangalore on Wednesday, with Kevin O'Brien scoring the fastest hundred in the tournament's history.
International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Haroon Lorgat said provided there was a "sufficiently robust qualification process", future upsets could still be possible.
"It's a balance we're trying to achieve in top-class competition, the opportunity for developing nations and to have the 10 best teams at the World Cup," Lorgat said.
He said the qualification system would be discussed at the next ICC executive board meeting in April.
"If there is a qualification process that is robust enough, no doubt any team could come through."
"It's not at all related to the question of getting funds from the event. It's the balance we try to achieve between excellent competition and the development of the game."
"We are blessed with three formats. We believe the Twenty20 format is the one we could use primarily to develop the game. We've expanded that to 16 teams."
"We believe that if qualification was the route through to the World Cup, that would make for a far better World Cup from a competitive point of view."
Ireland have just one more ODI, against England in Dublin in August, to play this year after the World Cup. Lorgat said the global governing body had urged the Test elite to pay more attention to those in the second tier.
As there are only 10 Test-playing countries, many second-tier or associate nations such as Ireland fear they could be frozen out by the move.
Ireland created one of the great World Cup shocks by beating England by three wickets in Bangalore on Wednesday, with Kevin O'Brien scoring the fastest hundred in the tournament's history.
International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Haroon Lorgat said provided there was a "sufficiently robust qualification process", future upsets could still be possible.
"It's a balance we're trying to achieve in top-class competition, the opportunity for developing nations and to have the 10 best teams at the World Cup," Lorgat said.
He said the qualification system would be discussed at the next ICC executive board meeting in April.
"If there is a qualification process that is robust enough, no doubt any team could come through."
"It's not at all related to the question of getting funds from the event. It's the balance we try to achieve between excellent competition and the development of the game."
"We are blessed with three formats. We believe the Twenty20 format is the one we could use primarily to develop the game. We've expanded that to 16 teams."
"We believe that if qualification was the route through to the World Cup, that would make for a far better World Cup from a competitive point of view."
Ireland have just one more ODI, against England in Dublin in August, to play this year after the World Cup. Lorgat said the global governing body had urged the Test elite to pay more attention to those in the second tier.
Taylor stars as New Zealand outclass Pakistan
Birthday boy Ross Taylor's unbeaten century helped New Zealand defeat Pakistan by 110 runs in a Group A match. Taylor celebrated his 27th birthday in grand style as he hit eight boundaries and seven huge sixes en route to his fourth one-day century as New Zealand amassed 302-7 in a Group A match against Pakistan at the new Pallekele Stadium.
Pakistan needed a positive start in their run chase, but Tim Southee and Kyle Mills ensured Shahid Afridi's team were never in the contest and reduced them to 45 for 5 inside 15 overs. Southee dismissed Mohammad Hafeez, who lost a review when he challenged a LBW decision, Kamran Akmal (who had a match to forget) and Misbah-ul-Haq; while Mills accounted for Ahmed Shehzad and Younis Khan. Jacob Oram then got into the act and clean bowled captain Shahid Afridi to leave Pakistan tottering at 66 for 6.
Umar Akmal showed glimpses of his immense potential in his 38, but just when he was looking comfortable at the crease, Nathan McCullum had him caught by Oram at deep midwicket. And, when Abdur Rehman, was also trapped in front by Nathan McCullum with Pakistan 125 for 8, it looked as though New Zealand could bowl out Afridi's team for less than Taylor's 131 not out. But, Abdul Razzaq (62) and Umar Gul (34*) gave Pakistan supporters something to cheer about with their 66-run partnership for the ninth wicket. During his innings, Razzaq became only the fourth player after Sanath Jayasuriya, Jacques Kallis and Shahid Afridi to complete the double of 5000 runs and 250 wickets in ODIs.
While Razzaq and Gul were in the middle, Pakistan may have harboured hopes of an improbable win, but Scott Styris dismissed the veteran all-rounder and Shoaib Akhtar in the space of three balls as Pakistan was bowled out for 192. Southee (3-25) was the most successful New Zealand bowler, while Mills, Styris and Nathan McCullum took two wickets each as Pakistan slumped to their second heaviest defeat in the World Cup.
New Zealand was far superior than Pakistan in all departments of the game in a lopsided match. However, a major concern for New Zealand would be the knee injury to skipper Daniel Vettori early in Pakistan's innings which forced him to leave the field.
The win lifted New Zealand to the top of Group B with six points from four matches and a Net Run Rate of +1.848; while Pakistan, despite having the same points from as many matches are second with a NRR of +0.760.
Earlier, Taylor had two reprieves in the 14th over bowled by Akhtar when Pakistan wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal failed to attempt a catch and then made matters worse by dropping a sitter in the same over. At the time, Taylor was on zero and eight respectively, and he made Pakistan pay dearly for the "birthday gifts" as he picked up the pace in the last five overs of New Zealand's innings.
At one stage, New Zealand appeared to be on course to score around 240-250, especially after the batting power play taken in the 42nd over saw the Black Caps score 37 runs for the loss of two wickets. But, Taylor, who had largely been kept in check until that point broke the shackles and took the Pakistani bowlers to the cleaners.
Taylor started the carnage in the 47th over, which was ironically bowled by Akhtar. He hit two boundaries and three massive sixes, two of those over deep midwicket, as Akhtar was hit out of the attack after conceding 28 runs. The third of those sixes brought up Taylor's century off 117 balls, and his first since October 2008. Taylor struggled early on in his innings, but was determined to see off the storm, and did so even if it meant appearing "ugly" at the crease. But, as he gained in confidence, Taylor started to look the world-class cricketer he is, and once he reached his half-century off 78 balls, the New Zealand vice-captain played more freely, the fruit of which was seen in the last four of the Black Caps' innings.
Taylor, who scored a career-best 131 not out off only 124 balls (his last 62 runs came in 16 balls), then hit three sixes and two fours in the 49th over bowled by Razzaq, which cost Pakistan 30 runs. Left-arm spin bowler Rehman (1-60), who shared the new ball with Akhtar and impressed in his first two spells, was taken to the cleaners by Oram, and conceded 34 runs in his ninth and 10th overs, as New Zealand scored 92 runs in the last four overs. Taylor and Oram (25 in 9 balls) added 85 runs in only 22 balls as the pair sapped the spirit and fight out of the Pakistani players.
Pakistan, though, had the ideal start to the match when Akhtar clean bowled Brendon McCullum in the fourth ball of the match after being hit for a six off the previous delivery, which happened to be one of the three front foot no-balls the 'Rawalpindi Express' bowled in his first spell. Jamie How, who replaced the unwell Jesse Ryder, found the going tough and scratched around for a 29-ball 4, before the impressive Gul trapped him plumb in front. Martin Guptill (57), who scored his second consecutive half-century and Taylor then repaired the early damage by putting on a 57-run partnership for the third wicket, but took more than 16 overs to do so, as Pakistan's bowlers controlled the flow of runs with commendable help from the fielders. Hafeez then trapped James Franklin plumb in front, which the batsman reviewed, but then had to walk back to the dressing room when the TV umpire upheld on-field umpire Daryl Harper's initial decision as NZ slipped to 113 for 4 in the 30th over.
Styris, who was also dropped by Kamran off Afridi and Taylor then added 62 runs for the fifth wicket with the veteran all-rounder scoring 27 before he was trapped in front by Gul, who also clean bowled Nathan McCullum after being hit for a six with New Zealand 210-6 in the 46th over. It was to be all downhill though for Pakistan from here on as Taylor and Oram had fun at the bowlers' expense.
Gul (3-32) was the pick of Pakistan's bowlers by a long mile; and while Afridi took his 15th wicket of the 2011 World Cup when he clean bowled Guptill conceded 55 runs. Akhtar (9-0-70-1) and Razzaq (4-0-49-0) had a match to forget with the ball.
Pakistan needed a positive start in their run chase, but Tim Southee and Kyle Mills ensured Shahid Afridi's team were never in the contest and reduced them to 45 for 5 inside 15 overs. Southee dismissed Mohammad Hafeez, who lost a review when he challenged a LBW decision, Kamran Akmal (who had a match to forget) and Misbah-ul-Haq; while Mills accounted for Ahmed Shehzad and Younis Khan. Jacob Oram then got into the act and clean bowled captain Shahid Afridi to leave Pakistan tottering at 66 for 6.
Umar Akmal showed glimpses of his immense potential in his 38, but just when he was looking comfortable at the crease, Nathan McCullum had him caught by Oram at deep midwicket. And, when Abdur Rehman, was also trapped in front by Nathan McCullum with Pakistan 125 for 8, it looked as though New Zealand could bowl out Afridi's team for less than Taylor's 131 not out. But, Abdul Razzaq (62) and Umar Gul (34*) gave Pakistan supporters something to cheer about with their 66-run partnership for the ninth wicket. During his innings, Razzaq became only the fourth player after Sanath Jayasuriya, Jacques Kallis and Shahid Afridi to complete the double of 5000 runs and 250 wickets in ODIs.
While Razzaq and Gul were in the middle, Pakistan may have harboured hopes of an improbable win, but Scott Styris dismissed the veteran all-rounder and Shoaib Akhtar in the space of three balls as Pakistan was bowled out for 192. Southee (3-25) was the most successful New Zealand bowler, while Mills, Styris and Nathan McCullum took two wickets each as Pakistan slumped to their second heaviest defeat in the World Cup.
New Zealand was far superior than Pakistan in all departments of the game in a lopsided match. However, a major concern for New Zealand would be the knee injury to skipper Daniel Vettori early in Pakistan's innings which forced him to leave the field.
The win lifted New Zealand to the top of Group B with six points from four matches and a Net Run Rate of +1.848; while Pakistan, despite having the same points from as many matches are second with a NRR of +0.760.
Earlier, Taylor had two reprieves in the 14th over bowled by Akhtar when Pakistan wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal failed to attempt a catch and then made matters worse by dropping a sitter in the same over. At the time, Taylor was on zero and eight respectively, and he made Pakistan pay dearly for the "birthday gifts" as he picked up the pace in the last five overs of New Zealand's innings.
At one stage, New Zealand appeared to be on course to score around 240-250, especially after the batting power play taken in the 42nd over saw the Black Caps score 37 runs for the loss of two wickets. But, Taylor, who had largely been kept in check until that point broke the shackles and took the Pakistani bowlers to the cleaners.
Taylor started the carnage in the 47th over, which was ironically bowled by Akhtar. He hit two boundaries and three massive sixes, two of those over deep midwicket, as Akhtar was hit out of the attack after conceding 28 runs. The third of those sixes brought up Taylor's century off 117 balls, and his first since October 2008. Taylor struggled early on in his innings, but was determined to see off the storm, and did so even if it meant appearing "ugly" at the crease. But, as he gained in confidence, Taylor started to look the world-class cricketer he is, and once he reached his half-century off 78 balls, the New Zealand vice-captain played more freely, the fruit of which was seen in the last four of the Black Caps' innings.
Taylor, who scored a career-best 131 not out off only 124 balls (his last 62 runs came in 16 balls), then hit three sixes and two fours in the 49th over bowled by Razzaq, which cost Pakistan 30 runs. Left-arm spin bowler Rehman (1-60), who shared the new ball with Akhtar and impressed in his first two spells, was taken to the cleaners by Oram, and conceded 34 runs in his ninth and 10th overs, as New Zealand scored 92 runs in the last four overs. Taylor and Oram (25 in 9 balls) added 85 runs in only 22 balls as the pair sapped the spirit and fight out of the Pakistani players.
Pakistan, though, had the ideal start to the match when Akhtar clean bowled Brendon McCullum in the fourth ball of the match after being hit for a six off the previous delivery, which happened to be one of the three front foot no-balls the 'Rawalpindi Express' bowled in his first spell. Jamie How, who replaced the unwell Jesse Ryder, found the going tough and scratched around for a 29-ball 4, before the impressive Gul trapped him plumb in front. Martin Guptill (57), who scored his second consecutive half-century and Taylor then repaired the early damage by putting on a 57-run partnership for the third wicket, but took more than 16 overs to do so, as Pakistan's bowlers controlled the flow of runs with commendable help from the fielders. Hafeez then trapped James Franklin plumb in front, which the batsman reviewed, but then had to walk back to the dressing room when the TV umpire upheld on-field umpire Daryl Harper's initial decision as NZ slipped to 113 for 4 in the 30th over.
Styris, who was also dropped by Kamran off Afridi and Taylor then added 62 runs for the fifth wicket with the veteran all-rounder scoring 27 before he was trapped in front by Gul, who also clean bowled Nathan McCullum after being hit for a six with New Zealand 210-6 in the 46th over. It was to be all downhill though for Pakistan from here on as Taylor and Oram had fun at the bowlers' expense.
Gul (3-32) was the pick of Pakistan's bowlers by a long mile; and while Afridi took his 15th wicket of the 2011 World Cup when he clean bowled Guptill conceded 55 runs. Akhtar (9-0-70-1) and Razzaq (4-0-49-0) had a match to forget with the ball.
Bagai enjoys support in home from home
Canada captain Ashish Bagai relished "home" support as he led his team to a much-needed World Cup win over fellow minnows Kenya before an array of family and friends in New Delhi.
Bagai, born in the Indian capital, emigrated to Canada with his family as an 11-year-old but still has strong ties with the country of his birth.
His connections were evident on Monday as members of his family cheered vociferously from the stands at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium.
"It was indeed a special win for us as it came in front of the Delhi crowd which wanted us to do well," said Bagai, after the day-night match, which finished in a five-wicket win for Canada.
"I had my entire family present. My grandparents, parents and cousins, about 50 people were cheering us. It was good to have them, it was great!"
Bagai's captain's knock of 64 not out was complemented by Jimmy Hansra, another Indian-born member of the Canadian squad.
Hansra, born in Ludhiana in the northern state of Punjab, hit a sparkling 70 that included seven fours and two sixes as Canada overhauled Kenya's 198 with 27 balls to go.
Bagai said the win would spur his team to perform well in their remaining group matches.
"We are looking to use this as a spark for the second half of the first round. My goal now is to get the batsmen who are performing to be consistent and leave the first round on a high."
The victory was Canada's first in four matches and only the second ever in a World Cup after the 60-run triumph against Bangladesh in the 2003 edition.
Kenya skipper Jimmy Kamande was left to rue missed opportunities.
"I will not hide it. It definitely is the most disappointing of our tournament losses," he said.
"I still believe we should have done much better against Canada. Man to man, they were not as strong as our previous opponents, so the loss is hurting now."
Kenya next take on holders Australia on March 13 and Kamande said his side would draw positives from the Canada game.
"If we analyse the whole game, we were at 57 for five and from there on, to reach 198 was a good recovery."
"We go to Bangalore to play the Aussies. Whatever we did against Canada, we hope to build on that. We have to improve on each and every aspect of the game and give it our best shot."
Bagai, born in the Indian capital, emigrated to Canada with his family as an 11-year-old but still has strong ties with the country of his birth.
His connections were evident on Monday as members of his family cheered vociferously from the stands at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium.
"It was indeed a special win for us as it came in front of the Delhi crowd which wanted us to do well," said Bagai, after the day-night match, which finished in a five-wicket win for Canada.
"I had my entire family present. My grandparents, parents and cousins, about 50 people were cheering us. It was good to have them, it was great!"
Bagai's captain's knock of 64 not out was complemented by Jimmy Hansra, another Indian-born member of the Canadian squad.
Hansra, born in Ludhiana in the northern state of Punjab, hit a sparkling 70 that included seven fours and two sixes as Canada overhauled Kenya's 198 with 27 balls to go.
Bagai said the win would spur his team to perform well in their remaining group matches.
"We are looking to use this as a spark for the second half of the first round. My goal now is to get the batsmen who are performing to be consistent and leave the first round on a high."
The victory was Canada's first in four matches and only the second ever in a World Cup after the 60-run triumph against Bangladesh in the 2003 edition.
Kenya skipper Jimmy Kamande was left to rue missed opportunities.
"I will not hide it. It definitely is the most disappointing of our tournament losses," he said.
"I still believe we should have done much better against Canada. Man to man, they were not as strong as our previous opponents, so the loss is hurting now."
Kenya next take on holders Australia on March 13 and Kamande said his side would draw positives from the Canada game.
"If we analyse the whole game, we were at 57 for five and from there on, to reach 198 was a good recovery."
"We go to Bangalore to play the Aussies. Whatever we did against Canada, we hope to build on that. We have to improve on each and every aspect of the game and give it our best shot."
England have little to fear in Chittagong
England will not expect to encounter cricket's equivalent of the historic Chittagong Uprising when they clash with Bangladesh in the World Cup on Friday.
It was in this port city in 1930 that the Indian war of independence gained momentum when a group of revolutionaries launched armed attacks on British facilities in what came to be known as the Chittagong Uprising.
The only backlash England will encounter is from rattled opponents who need to win the crucial group B match to stay in contention for a place in the quarter-finals.
Andrew Strauss's men, who arrived in town on Monday escorted by armed guards, will relish their return to the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium on the outskirts of Chittagong.
England won both the solitary Test match and one-day international they have played in the stadium, which took over from the MA Aziz ground as Chittagong's international venue in 2006.
On the tour of Bangladesh last March, England cruised to a 45-run victory in the one-day international with Craig Kieswetter smashing a century and seamer Tim Bresnan finishing with 4-28.
In the subsequent Test match, England romped home by a massive 181 runs with off-spinner Graeme Swann claiming five wickets in each innings.
Chittagong, a bustling city with a population of around three million, is decked out to honour World Cup teams from England and the Netherlands, who play the hosts on March 14.
Walls and road markers have been freshly painted, billboards have sprung up to welcome the cricketers and streets are lined with light decorations.
Even taxis and buses have been painted with slogans exhorting Bangladesh cricketers to defeat their opponents.
Cricket fever has gripped Chittagong despite the national team's lacklustre display so far and sell-out crowds are expected to watch the two matches at the refurbished 18,000-capacity stadium.
Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal, who hails from Chittagong, said he looked forward to playing in his home town.
"I love playing here, playing in front of friends and family," the swashbuckling batsman said. "There is no extra pressure, I just want to do well in a World Cup match in my own city."
"The tournament being played here is a very big deal for me and everyone who lives here. The World Cup will take Chittagong to the next level. I am very happy for the city."
Tamim hoped there would be no repeat of the unsavoury incidents in Dhaka after Bangladesh crashed to their lowest one-day total of 58 against the West Indies last Friday.
The West Indies and Bangladesh team buses were stoned by angry fans and skipper Shakib Al Hasan's home in Magura town was also attacked.
"My request to the public is that they should not do such silly things," said Tamim. "We win one day, we lose one day, these things happen in cricket."
"Fans need to support us in good and bad times."
It was in this port city in 1930 that the Indian war of independence gained momentum when a group of revolutionaries launched armed attacks on British facilities in what came to be known as the Chittagong Uprising.
The only backlash England will encounter is from rattled opponents who need to win the crucial group B match to stay in contention for a place in the quarter-finals.
Andrew Strauss's men, who arrived in town on Monday escorted by armed guards, will relish their return to the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium on the outskirts of Chittagong.
England won both the solitary Test match and one-day international they have played in the stadium, which took over from the MA Aziz ground as Chittagong's international venue in 2006.
On the tour of Bangladesh last March, England cruised to a 45-run victory in the one-day international with Craig Kieswetter smashing a century and seamer Tim Bresnan finishing with 4-28.
In the subsequent Test match, England romped home by a massive 181 runs with off-spinner Graeme Swann claiming five wickets in each innings.
Chittagong, a bustling city with a population of around three million, is decked out to honour World Cup teams from England and the Netherlands, who play the hosts on March 14.
Walls and road markers have been freshly painted, billboards have sprung up to welcome the cricketers and streets are lined with light decorations.
Even taxis and buses have been painted with slogans exhorting Bangladesh cricketers to defeat their opponents.
Cricket fever has gripped Chittagong despite the national team's lacklustre display so far and sell-out crowds are expected to watch the two matches at the refurbished 18,000-capacity stadium.
Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal, who hails from Chittagong, said he looked forward to playing in his home town.
"I love playing here, playing in front of friends and family," the swashbuckling batsman said. "There is no extra pressure, I just want to do well in a World Cup match in my own city."
"The tournament being played here is a very big deal for me and everyone who lives here. The World Cup will take Chittagong to the next level. I am very happy for the city."
Tamim hoped there would be no repeat of the unsavoury incidents in Dhaka after Bangladesh crashed to their lowest one-day total of 58 against the West Indies last Friday.
The West Indies and Bangladesh team buses were stoned by angry fans and skipper Shakib Al Hasan's home in Magura town was also attacked.
"My request to the public is that they should not do such silly things," said Tamim. "We win one day, we lose one day, these things happen in cricket."
"Fans need to support us in good and bad times."
Dhoni wants easy ride against Dutch
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni wants to have an easy game against the Netherlands on Wednesday after surviving some anxious moments at the World Cup.
The Indians cantered to an 87-run victory against Bangladesh followed by a high-scoring tie with England and a tense five-wicket victory over upstarts Ireland.
"It has been a good start for us so far," Dhoni told reporters Tuesday ahead of the clash against the Dutch at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium.
"We saw a tight game, a close game and a good one. We are now looking forward to an easy game against the Netherlands."
"We want to make the most of this game and especially in the departments where we want to see an improvement. We should not really be thinking about the result but the process, what are the things we want to get out of it."
Dhoni accepted that the bowling had not been up to the mark but backed his under-fire attack to come good as the tournament progressed.
"We would like to improve a bit in our bowling especially when a batsman sets in, how to put pressure on that particular batsman and push him into playing a big shot and get him out."
"I don't mind who is taking the wickets as long as the team is winning. To target a particular bowler is difficult. Bowlers are also under pressure as there has been a lot of talk about it.
"But they are showing signs of improvement and I am hopeful they will peak at the right time."
Dhoni said all-rounder Yuvraj Singh's form with the ball was a bonus for the side as that afforded the luxury to play an extra batsman.
"I am a big fan of Yuvraj. He bats at number four or five. He can play aggressively or be defensive if the situations so demands."
"He is a big asset to the team. He also has to fill in the job of the fifth bowler which he has done brilliantly till now."
The burly left-hander excelled as a part-time spinner, taking 5-31 against Ireland before making an unbeaten 50 under pressure to become the first player to achieve the double feat in the World Cup.
Dhoni replied cheekily when asked about the controversial umpire decision review system.
"Many times we have just taken the DRS for the heck of it before the 50 overs run out to see what happens. We don't mind using them instead of taking it back unused to the dressing room."
The Indians cantered to an 87-run victory against Bangladesh followed by a high-scoring tie with England and a tense five-wicket victory over upstarts Ireland.
"It has been a good start for us so far," Dhoni told reporters Tuesday ahead of the clash against the Dutch at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium.
"We saw a tight game, a close game and a good one. We are now looking forward to an easy game against the Netherlands."
"We want to make the most of this game and especially in the departments where we want to see an improvement. We should not really be thinking about the result but the process, what are the things we want to get out of it."
Dhoni accepted that the bowling had not been up to the mark but backed his under-fire attack to come good as the tournament progressed.
"We would like to improve a bit in our bowling especially when a batsman sets in, how to put pressure on that particular batsman and push him into playing a big shot and get him out."
"I don't mind who is taking the wickets as long as the team is winning. To target a particular bowler is difficult. Bowlers are also under pressure as there has been a lot of talk about it.
"But they are showing signs of improvement and I am hopeful they will peak at the right time."
Dhoni said all-rounder Yuvraj Singh's form with the ball was a bonus for the side as that afforded the luxury to play an extra batsman.
"I am a big fan of Yuvraj. He bats at number four or five. He can play aggressively or be defensive if the situations so demands."
"He is a big asset to the team. He also has to fill in the job of the fifth bowler which he has done brilliantly till now."
The burly left-hander excelled as a part-time spinner, taking 5-31 against Ireland before making an unbeaten 50 under pressure to become the first player to achieve the double feat in the World Cup.
Dhoni replied cheekily when asked about the controversial umpire decision review system.
"Many times we have just taken the DRS for the heck of it before the 50 overs run out to see what happens. We don't mind using them instead of taking it back unused to the dressing room."
Injured Broad facing World Cup exit
England fast bowler Stuart Broad could miss the rest of the World Cup after suffering a side strain in the dramatic victory over South Africa.
Broad took a match-winning 4-15 in Chennai on Sunday, which ended in a thrilling six-run triumph, but his efforts have come back to haunt him.
"I felt a bit tight in the field and it sort of increased after the match, Broad told reporters in Chittagong where England tackle Bangladesh on Friday, a match the 24-year-old is likely to miss.
"I am not sure how serious it is. I have had scans done and am waiting for the result."
"At this stage, I am doubtful about playing on Friday, but not sure beyond that. I should know in a couple of days."
"I'm not too down at the minute because I don't know what the injury is. But obviously, I'll be bitterly disappointed if it's the end of my World Cup."
England are already reeling from losing star batsman Kevin Pietersen, who left for home on Monday to undergo a hernia operation.
Broad has endured a nightmare time with injuries in recent months having missed the last three Ashes Tests with an abdominal strain.
The seamer said he had not suffered a similar injury before.
"I know it is a common injury with bowlers, but I never had it before," he said.
"I didn't get the short stabbing pain that I did in the Ashes, so that's a good sign this is not as severe as that. It's in a different area."
The fast bowler has claimed 130 wickets in 76 one-day internationals at an average of 25.69.
England, with five points from four games, need to win one of their last two league matches against Bangladesh and the West Indies to qualify for the quarter-finals.
Broad took a match-winning 4-15 in Chennai on Sunday, which ended in a thrilling six-run triumph, but his efforts have come back to haunt him.
"I felt a bit tight in the field and it sort of increased after the match, Broad told reporters in Chittagong where England tackle Bangladesh on Friday, a match the 24-year-old is likely to miss.
"I am not sure how serious it is. I have had scans done and am waiting for the result."
"At this stage, I am doubtful about playing on Friday, but not sure beyond that. I should know in a couple of days."
"I'm not too down at the minute because I don't know what the injury is. But obviously, I'll be bitterly disappointed if it's the end of my World Cup."
England are already reeling from losing star batsman Kevin Pietersen, who left for home on Monday to undergo a hernia operation.
Broad has endured a nightmare time with injuries in recent months having missed the last three Ashes Tests with an abdominal strain.
The seamer said he had not suffered a similar injury before.
"I know it is a common injury with bowlers, but I never had it before," he said.
"I didn't get the short stabbing pain that I did in the Ashes, so that's a good sign this is not as severe as that. It's in a different area."
The fast bowler has claimed 130 wickets in 76 one-day internationals at an average of 25.69.
England, with five points from four games, need to win one of their last two league matches against Bangladesh and the West Indies to qualify for the quarter-finals.
Bagai heaps praise on paceman Osinde
Canada captain Ashish Bagai on Monday praised his strike bowler Henry Osinde for restricting Kenya to a modest score of 198 and set up his side's win in a Group A encounter of the cricket World Cup here.
Osinde (4/26) swung the ball early on which trouble the Kenyan top order batsmen and also got reverse swing with the old ball and Bagai was all praise of his pacer.
"Osinde did a fantastic job first up. The ball was swinging early on and he tormented the top-order (of Kenya)," Bagai said after his side's five-wicket win.
"We were never under pressure while chasing. We were fortunate not to have run-rate pressure. Once you were in, you could rotate the strike. In the end it was just about milking them around," he said.
Bagai said the win would boost their confidence and with his bowlers doing a fine job so far, they were hoping to be competitive against New Zealand in their next match. "We were a bit disappointed of our performance in the last three matches. Happy that we have a win under our belt. Our bowlers have been in good form and they did well against Pakistan also. So we are hoping that we can be competitive against New Zealand," he said.
"It has been a very good experience for our side especially the youngsters. We have five Under 19 players with us. They must have learnt a lot from this World Cup and they would serve the country well in next 4-5 years. This is the first time we are having all home grown players though many are of South Asian descent," he added.
Man-of-the-match Osinde said he was surprised to get the early swing of the ball.
"I was a bit surprised by the swing. I was not expecting that as I thought we would be bowling wicket to wicket. But after the first ball I came to know that it is going to swing. Even the old ball also had some reverse swing. It was also a surprise," he said.
Kenya captain Jimmy Kamande rued his side were short of 20-30 runs and that proved the difference.
"We started very badly, but after the recovery 220-230 looked possible and that would have been defendable. Osinde bowled brilliantly," he said.
"Tanmay Mishra (who scored 51) got out at the wrong time. When you are defending 200, you need to keep trying for wickets. Did not work today (Monday), but there were some things to learn," he said.
Asked about the next match coming up against defending champions Australia, Kamande said, "We have to improve in our batting and score 200 plus against Australia if we bat first. That would be an improvement. We are hopeful that we would be competitive."
Osinde (4/26) swung the ball early on which trouble the Kenyan top order batsmen and also got reverse swing with the old ball and Bagai was all praise of his pacer.
"Osinde did a fantastic job first up. The ball was swinging early on and he tormented the top-order (of Kenya)," Bagai said after his side's five-wicket win.
"We were never under pressure while chasing. We were fortunate not to have run-rate pressure. Once you were in, you could rotate the strike. In the end it was just about milking them around," he said.
Bagai said the win would boost their confidence and with his bowlers doing a fine job so far, they were hoping to be competitive against New Zealand in their next match. "We were a bit disappointed of our performance in the last three matches. Happy that we have a win under our belt. Our bowlers have been in good form and they did well against Pakistan also. So we are hoping that we can be competitive against New Zealand," he said.
"It has been a very good experience for our side especially the youngsters. We have five Under 19 players with us. They must have learnt a lot from this World Cup and they would serve the country well in next 4-5 years. This is the first time we are having all home grown players though many are of South Asian descent," he added.
Man-of-the-match Osinde said he was surprised to get the early swing of the ball.
"I was a bit surprised by the swing. I was not expecting that as I thought we would be bowling wicket to wicket. But after the first ball I came to know that it is going to swing. Even the old ball also had some reverse swing. It was also a surprise," he said.
Kenya captain Jimmy Kamande rued his side were short of 20-30 runs and that proved the difference.
"We started very badly, but after the recovery 220-230 looked possible and that would have been defendable. Osinde bowled brilliantly," he said.
"Tanmay Mishra (who scored 51) got out at the wrong time. When you are defending 200, you need to keep trying for wickets. Did not work today (Monday), but there were some things to learn," he said.
Asked about the next match coming up against defending champions Australia, Kamande said, "We have to improve in our batting and score 200 plus against Australia if we bat first. That would be an improvement. We are hopeful that we would be competitive."
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