Chanderpaul slam Windies Board

Shivnarine Chanderpaul has question WICB CEO Ernest Hilaire's comments regarding the lack of discipline and claim in the Windies team over the last decade. In a letter to the WICB (West Indies Cricket Board), Chanderpaul required a clarification from Hilaire regarding the explanation that he made next to the senior cricketers reproachful them of being disorderly and questioning their promise to the cause of the team.

The CEO during an meeting earlier with 'Line and Length network', while emphasizing upon West Indian cricket's bad run of affairs had said that lack of application and discipline over a continued period of time was accountable for their disaster.

"If you look at West Indies cricket since the mid-90s, a lot of the systems we had in place broke down. There's no regulation, there's no request. We've been doing that for 15 years and we've been losing.

"We need to put a new system in place. No one man is superior to the team, no one man is such a superstar he can decide if he is training on today, if he's going to have action tomorrow, if he's going to focus a team meeting. It cannot work that way," he said.

The left-hander has taken grave offence of the commentary and cautioned Hillarie about the "damage" he thought the meeting has done to his career.

"I must warn you that unless your explanation sufficiently deal with the matter and show them to be based on truth and free of malice, I will take whatever action necessary to clear my good name. While it would help if the WICB as an organization repudiate your comments in this regard, it would still not be enough to erase the wonderful damage already done," Chanderpaul was quoted as saying by 'Trinidad Express'.

The 36-year-old batsman, who along with Ramnaresh Sarwan and Chris Gayle was drop from the nationwide team for the home sequence next to Pakistan after their World Cup disaster, claimed that statement has bring disgrace to him as an "international cricketer and loyal servant of West Indies cricket".

"I am convinced that those persons who do not know the sacrifices I have made on behalf of West Indies cricket and my dedication to the cause of West Indies cricket would believe, based on what you have said in interview, that I lack discipline and application and have not demonstrated the sense of responsibility which I know that I have shown throughout my career," Chanderpaul wrote in the letter.

The left hander also pointed to his "perfect standing for professionalism", saying that Hilaire had "cross the line by making these public accusation" that if left "recognized and (not) corrected may obliterate my career."

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Sehwag hail Fletcher appointment

Virender Sehwag reckon the BCCI did the right thing by appoint Duncan Fletcher India coach almost immediately after Gary Kirsten's departure. Sehwag reckon this will give the Zimbabwean sufficient time to settle down with the side.

"It's good for India. It's a good thing that the BCCI has found a substitute in quick time. It will noticeably help the players and the new coach to settle down early. He (Fletcher) will get sufficient time to do some home-work before our series next to England starts," Sehwag said.

Fletcher, a former England coach who guided them to the excellent 2005 Ashes victory, will not be able to join the Indians during next month's tour of the West Indies due to personal reasons but would be there when Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men tour England later this year.

The former Zimbabwe captain's meeting has evoked mixed reaction with some former greats including Sunil Gavaskar insist that an Indian would have been a better choice. Asked whether he has had any communication with Fletcher, Sehwag just said, "No, I don't know him."

Sehwag's breach partner Gautam Gambhir, on the other hand, is not even thinking about the new coach right now as he is entirely focussed on his role as Kolkata Knight Riders skipper in the continuing Indian Premier League.

"Right now, my attentiveness and focus is totally on the IPL. I am not thoughts about all these things. I will only think about all this once the IPL ends," he said.

As Kirsten's successor, Fletcher has huge prospect to live upto as the friendly South African left after captivating India to their first ICC Cricket World Cup title in 28 years besides being at the helm during some of the most unforgettable overseas triumph of the team.

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Royal Challengers strike Pune by 26 runs

Bangalore script easy win against Pune

Royal Challengers Bangalore 181 for 4 (Kohli 67, Gayle 49, Thomas 2-23, Rahul 2-27) beat Pune Warriors 155 for 5 (Ryder 51, Yuvraj 41) by 26 runs

Virat Kohli's gusty 67 set up a 26-run triumph for Royal Challengers Bangalore over Pune Warriors in the Indian Premier League on Friday. Chasing 182 for triumph, Pune made 155 for five appreciations to 51 off 34 balls from Jesse Ryder.

Earlier, batting first after losing the toss, Chris Gayle and Tillakaratne Dilshan put on 57 in just over six overs previous to Rahul Sharma dismissed the pair in consecutive overs. Kohli and AB de Villiers then added 66 before Alfonso Thomas dismiss Villiers (26). Kohli reached his 50 off just 36 balls and then mutual with Saurabh Tiwary to hit three sixes and a four from Jerome Taylor's next over.

Kohli (67 off 42 balls) holed out in the cavernous off Thomas in the next over, but the Pune bowlers could not avoid Bangalore compile 181 for five. In reply, Pune failed to keep pace with the necessary run rate as Ryder's violent start was canceled by Tim Paine's struggle.

Paine was ultimately dismissed by Aravind Sreenath for eight off 17 balls as Pune limp to 63 for one at halfway. Ryder reach his half-century off just 32 balls, but almost immediately fell to Syed Mohammad after lifting one directly to mid-wicket.

Yuvraj Singh connected Manish Pandey with 103 necessary off 50 balls and soon saw Pandey (19 off 23 balls) dismissed by Daniel Vettori. Yuvraj and Robin Uthappa brought the condition down to 55 off 24 balls, but with Zaheer Khan dismiss Yuvraj (41 off 23 balls) in the next over, Bangalore's victory was a foregone finish.

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Rajasthan beat Mumbai by 7 wickets

Rajasthan Royals 95 for 3 (Botha 45*, Munaf 2-18) beat Mumbai Indians 94 for 8 (Botha 3-6, Amit 2-14, Menaria 2-20) by seven wickets

Johan Botha scored an easy 44 to back up his three-wicket pull as Rajasthan Royals clinch a seven-wicket triumph over table-topping Mumbai Indians in their in Jaipur.

All-rounder Botha helped restrict Mumbai to a worthless 94 for four, a total which the home side overhauls with 11 balls to spare. Batting first after losing the toss, Mumbai lost Davy Jacobs and Sachin Tendulkar in consecutive overs from Amit Singh and Ashok Menaria correspondingly.

Mumbai desirable Ambati Rayudu and Rohit Sharma to build a partnership, but Menaria struck again by having Rayudu trapped and bowled in the ninth over. Rohit Sharma (13) was then snare by Shane Warne, who ended with figures of one for 13 off four overs.

Kieron Pollard and Andrew Symonds added 18 off 33 balls before the previous was attentive lbw by Botha, who go on to claim Symonds and Rajagopal Sathish in his next over. Singh then abridged Mumbai to 83 for eight by bowling Lasith Malinga. Ali Murtaza and Harbhajan Singh (10 not out) help the visitors finish on 94 for eight, their lowest total in the IPL.

In reply, Rajasthan overcome the near the beginning loss of Rahul Dravid - caught by Tendulkar off Munaf Patel - as Shane Watson and Botha took the team to 46 for one at halfway. But Malinga put an end to the 39-run place by forcing Watson (26) to play a short-pitched release which he edge to the wicketkeeper.

Ross Taylor joined Botha at 56 for two and the duo brings the condition down to 23 off the last five overs. Pollard and Malinga unsuccessful to pull off anything dramatic, but Patel manage to rattle the off-stump of Botha (44 off 39) before Taylor (13 not out) and Menaria scored the five runs wanted to post Rajasthan's 11th victory in 14 home IPL matches.

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IPL Preview: Bangalore vs Pune

Pune Warriors will have to pull up their socks and perform as a team when they take on a confident Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M Chinnaswamy stadium on Friday.

 Teams (From):

Pune Warriors: Yuvraj Singh (capt.), Robin Uthappa (wk), Murali Kartik, Abhishek Jhunjhunwala, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Deeraj Jadhav, Eklavya Dwivedi, Ganesh Gaikwad, Harpreet Singh Bhatia, Harshad Khadiwale, Kamran Khan, Mithun Manhas, Mohnish Mishra, Rahul Sharma, Sachin Rana, Shrikant Wagh, Shrikant Mundhe, Imtiyaz Ahmed, Jesse Ryder, Graeme Smith, Wayne Parnell, Alphonso Thomas. Tim Paine, Callum Ferguson, Mitchell Marsh, Jerome Taylor, James Faulkner.

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Daniel Vettori (capt), Mayank Agarwal, Sreenath Aravind, Arun Karthik, BN Bharath, Raju Bhatkal, AB de Villiers, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Nuwan Pradeep, Muralidharen Gautam, Chris Gayle, Mohammad Kaif, Abrar Kazi, Zaheer Khan, Virat Kohli, Charl Langeveldt, Abhimanyu Mithun, Ryan Ninan, Asad Pathan, Luke Pomersbach, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rilee Rossouw, Jamaluddin Syed Mohammad, Saurabh Tiwary, Johan van der Wath, Jonathan Vandiar.

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IPL Preview: Rajasthan vs Mumbai

Rajasthan vs Mumbai in the IPL- Head to Head

Mumbai Indians have won three and lost two out of five played against Rajasthan Royals in the IPL - winning % 60.00.

Overall IPL record

Mumbai have won 28 and lost 21 out of 49 contested in the IPL - winning % 57.14.

Rajasthan have won 27 and lost 21 out of 49 contested in the IPL - winning % 56.12 (Tied one).

Brief Results:

 

Date	Toss   Venue	Won by
7.5.2008 26.5.2008  14.5.2009 13.3.2010  11.4.2010	Mumbai Mumbai(DYP)     Raj.   Jaipur  Raj.   Durban Mumbai Mumbai(Brab) Raj.   Jaipur	Mumbai     Rajasthan Rajasthan Mumbai Mumbai

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Kolkata fight rear to keep Delhi bottom

Kolkata Knight Riders 148 for 7 (Tiwary 61*) beat Delhi Daredevils 131 for 9 (Abdulla 3-25)

It was a sweet return for Gautam Gambhir as Kolkata Knight Riders beat Delhi Daredevils by 17 runs to nick up their fourth win in the IPL in Delhi on Thursday.

Manoj Tiwary is the Man of the Match

Manoj Tiwary: I thank the bat sponsor for giving me a great bat, and I'm clever to get the big hits. Gambhir keeps forceful me to play till the end, and that's what I did. Shah Rukh is very helpful, he gives us the motivation. I would like to continue and add in every game.

Gambhir: It was very significant to get the impetus with us, the guys show a lot of extreme anxiety and it worked out. I didn't be expecting so much of spin, Abdulla did really well with the ball and Tiwary set it up initially, hope he continues his good run. It was very important for us to protect this practical total. My heart and soul is with KKR now, it is not with Delhi any longer and you need such changes.

Sehwag: The batsmen didn't take the everyday jobs, Kolkata played better than us and that's why they won. I am still trying to get the mixture right, it is not working at the instant and hope that we'll turn it approximately in Kochi.

The Knights make merry - They required getting a win below their belt, a fine innings from Manoj Tiwary gave them some expect, and some good bowling by Lee and Co. has helped KKR end up on the winning side. Comprehensive stuff, one must say. Sehwag in progress off really well, but wickets kept falling. It was hard for the lower order to keep up to the required run rate and they fell 17 runs short. And with this win, KKR move up to the second place in the points table.

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Misbah stay calm to secure series win

Rain delays W. Indies, Pakistan one-day cricket

Pakistan 177 for 7 (Misbah 62*, Rampaul 4-32, Bishoo 3-42) beat West Indies 171 (Simmons 51, Ajmal 3-29, Wahab 3-38)

Pakistan suffers a setback in their bid for a series-clinching victory in the third One-day International next to West Indies here at Kensington Oval Thursday.

Rain delayed the start of the match on the day that the island celebrates their national heroes, including famous former West Indies all-rounder Garfield Sobers.

The Pakistanis guide the five match series 2-0, following an eight-wicket victory in the first ODI last Saturday at the Beausejour Cricket Ground in St. Lucia, where they also won the second ODI by seven wickets.

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Harbhajan: I am existing for WI tour

Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh on Thursday said that he would be accessible for the Indian cricket team's accommodating tour of West Indies but not aware of the plans of other senior players.

"I have no idea from where the news (of senior players opting out of West Indies tour) has poured in. As far as I am concerned I am available for the tour," Harbhajan told journalists ahead of his IPL side Mumbai Indians' match against Rajasthan Royals on Friday.

"As far others are worried neither I have talked to anybody and nor any body has talked to me. We will be playing three tests there and I don't want to miss any of those," he said.

Talking about the winning streak of the Mumbai Indians, Harbhajan said that he was happy the way things were going.

"I am happy with the way belongings have gone till now. We have been throughout uneven patches but one or the other has been clever to pull us through. Like in the last match Rohit Sharma and Andrew Symonds batted well to help us to sensible score which could be protected," he said.

Asked about the good form of Rajasthan Royals captain Shane Warne, Harbhajan said, "He is great cricketer and best spinner. I myself would be talking to him and get tips so that I can extend my international career." Harbhajan praise his team-mate Ambati Rayudu, saying that the young person is a "special talent".

"It would also be a confront for youngsters like Rayudu to face a great spinner (in Warne). He (Rayudu) is a particular talent and we always knew that. He was unluckily lost in between but lately he has been performing arts well. He is capable of filling in the big shoes of great Indian batsmen like VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid," he added.

Talking about his own role in the side, Harbhajan said that it had not distorted much. "Me and seniors like Sachin try and build the team like an element and inspire confidence in the youngsters by telling them to be part of think tank," said Harbhajan.

Asked about the sharp fielding of Mumbai Indians which has help them win a few matches, Harbhajan said that the players have respond to the drills of field coach Jonty Rhodes.

"We have South African Jonty Rhodes as the fielding coach and boys have respond well. In the preceding match it was the fielding rather my five wickets haul which had won the match for us."

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Shahid Afridi not happy with ranking system

Pakistan's incomplete overs captain Shahid Afridi on Thursday said that he is not fulfilled with the One-day rankings system, presently practical by the ICC.

His sadness stem from the recent statement by the ICC that even if Pakistan, which lead the five-match ODI series 2-0 against the West Indies, manage to whitewash the series, it will not earn them a single rating point and they will still be placed at its current ranked sixth position.

"I can't recognize this system. There should be some advantage for the visiting sides as winning a sequence is never easy for them no matter who they're playing against," Afridi told "The Express Tribune" newspaper from Bridgetown.

Afridi question the system that offers little prize against lower-ranked opponent. Even a 4-1 or 3-2 win against the ninth-placed West Indies means a drop in points for Pakistan since they are probable to beat the hosts.

"It's really hard to prosper under the current ranking system. I have little clued what it is based on," Afridi said. Afridi is not the first captain to criticize the ICC Ranking System, which also drew criticism from past Sri Lanka captain Kumara Sangakkara who termed it as unjust.

Afridi, however, said that in spite of the dissatisfaction over the ratings system, his team remained listening carefully on winning the series next to the West Indies. "We'll give our best to seal the series, which is our main focus. It will boost the confidence of the young team."

He also spoke his approval over the presentation of the young people on the tour. "I'm happy with the presentation of the young players and they are step up to the challenge," said Afridi.

Afridi said he is hopeful for a better show from left-arm fast-bowler Junaid Khan, who made his international first appearance on the continuing tour and has played two ODIs and a Twenty20 but is yet to take a wicket.

"It's not appropriate to wait for a youngster to become a star overnight. He needs time and optimistically he would get better in the remaining matches," he said.

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Sania Mirza bats for Indo-Pak cricket tie

Sania Mirza advocate continuation of cricketing ties between India and Pakistan, saying such a move can help in humanizing relations between the two countries.

"The very fact is evidently people love it. You say that in the (ICC Cricket World Cup) semifinal (in Mohali between the two teams). I think it can make the relations between the two countries better. It's understandable, you have the two Prime Ministers watching (together), so it's good stuff," Sania said.

"I don't know why not. I am telling there is scarcely any difference whether I am married to an Indian or a Pakistani person." Sania, who got married to Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik in April last year, also emphasised on the positives of getting married to a sportsman.

"Being wedded to a sportsman, it's actually is a approval in a lot of ways. Because a lot of times, you don't need to explain a lot of things and they just go with it. You don't need to explain the force; you don't need to give details why you need to sleep at 10. These are things that are small, but they do reason issues," the tennis ace said.

Sania also thanked Shoaib for his hold up in times of need. "The fact is that Shoaib has been a huge support to me, he has helped me a lot coming out of a difficult stage, when I didn't know what to do. As far as personalities are worried, both are different.

"We have our share of... We are very different personality. He is extremely calm and I almost get motivated because of that," she said.

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Today Matches : Upcoming

West Indies v Pakistan (09:30 local | 13:30 GMT | 19:00 IST)

Delhi v Kolkata (20:00 local | 14:30 GMT)

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KKR coach: We are eye top-four stain

Kolkata Knight Riders' coach Dav Whatmore on Wednesday said that his main task at the direct is to take his team to the top four in the Indian Premier League.

KKR will be distressed to get their IPL campaign back on track when they take on Delhi Daredevils at the Ferozeshah Kotla here on Thursday, but the coach said he was not too concerned about his team's two back-to-back losses.

"We do not want to read too much into the circumstances right now. This is such a format where you win a couple and lose a couple. At the end of it, making it to the top four will matter," Whatmore said on the eve of the match on Wednesday.

While Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman Virat Kohli term the Kotla wicket as the best he has ever played on, Delhi captain Virender Sehwag affirmed that the track was not to his liking.

Whatmore, however, said that the wicket looks good. "It looks to be a good wicket. Watch the last two matches and it look as if it help faster bowlers."
On whether it will be attractive to see Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir most important their respective teams in the IPL next to each other, Whatmore said some "good competition is on cards".

"They know each other's game very well. They will share the secrets with their respective teams to their advantage. Viru is a much appreciated player, Gautam is also very good. There is good contest on cards," said Whatmore.

Insisting that apart from Mumbai Indians, all the other teams have been not in agreement in the contest, Whatmore said, "I would suggest that you do not look at the table and go into the match, rather you should win a few and then look at the table.

"At this point of time, way onward is to win as many matches as likely," he said. Asked if batting all-rounder Rajat Bhatia was a weak link in the Kolkata outfit, Whatmore said it was unjust to single him out.

"I believe it is unjust to single out Rajat because I don't think he has got honest enough opportunities where he could have made a difference. He is as precious a player as others," explain Whatmore.

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BCCI discards Pune, Kochi's demand

The BCCI Working commission on Wednesday discarded Kochi and Pune franchises demand for a decrease in the franchisee fee.

The two franchises had sought after decrease on the ground that the BCCI did not fulfill the terms in the invite to tender with look upon to the number of matches this season.

They have already paid 75 per cent of the annual payment of total fee amount, and had sought waiver of the balance. However, the pleas were discarded in the Working Committee’s meeting on Wednesday.

Kochi and Pune franchises had argue that as per the agreement, each team was to play 18 matches on a home and away basis, but the BCCI reduced the number to 14, and bring down the total number of matches from 94 to 74 to avoid a player burn-out.

Pune and Kochi franchises were bought with bids of US$ 370 million and US$ 333 million in that order. Franchises have to pay this fee in installment, 10 per cent per year.

Meanwhile, sources said the issue of resting senior cricketers for the West Indies tour after a hectic cricket season did not come up for conversation during the meeting. India is listed to play a Twenty20, five ODIs and three Tests in the Caribbean from June 4-July 10.

The final of the ongoing IPL season, which began six days after the close of the six-week long ICC World Cup on April 2, will be played in Chennai on May 28.

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Ishant Sharma taken five-Wickets for DC Win

Deccan Chargers 129 for 7 (Sangakkara 65, Vinay 3-27) strike Kochi Tuskers 74 (Ishant 5-12, Steyn 3-16) by 55 runs

Ishant: Working with Zaheer helped :


As Ishant Sharma rediscovers himself with a five-wicket haul next to the Kochi Tuskers Kerala, the paceman accredited Zaheer Khan for improvement in his bowling. Ishant took five wickets at the expenditure of just 12 runs to help Deccan Chargers score an forceful 55-run win as they bundle out Kochi side for a paltry 74.

"I need to say thanks to Zaheer Khan because he told me to keep working hard on my strength. Working with him is really wonderful for me," Ishant said after earn the Man-of-the-match award for his special spell.
Asked what stirred him to come out with that kind of presentation, Ishant said, "It's not about motivation. When we were sitting in the dressing room, we thought 130 is a good total. When RP's first ball hit the gloves (of Sunny Sohal), we thought we won't mind bowling first on this track."

Winning skipper Kumar Sangakkara said he was content with the total on the board and confident of defensive that. "Once we started batting, we thought 130-140 is a competitive score. Both Steyn and Ishant were wonderful in the first six overs," he said. Sangakkara also qualified their coach Darren Lehman for instilling self-assurance in the side.

"He has a lot of common sense when it comes to cricket, nothing flash, just go out there and hit your lengths. We need to keep playing good cricket," he said. Kochi skipper Mahela Jayawardene said they knew they have to compete with fire while batting and praised Dale Steyn and Ishant for their wonderful spells.

"I thought it was a good attempt by the bowlers. We knew they had quality bowlers upfront and we had to get throughout that spell. Ishant bowled very well truthful. The pitch had a bit more group than we expected," he said.

"It is complicated to come back when you are six for five," he added.

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Chennai beat pune again by chasing

Chennai Super Kings 145 for 2 (Badrinath 63*) beat Pune Warriors 141 for 6 (Yuvraj 62*, Bollinger 3-21) by eight wickets

'Nice platform to reach last four'

Doug Bollinger hail Chennai Super Kings' victory over Pune Warriors, saying the win has laid a good platform for the defensive champions to complete the play-offs.

"It's a pair of good wins. We just want to get reliability and get really good starts. We have nine games (actually only 7) which is a really good stage to get into top four and then top two," said the Australian pacer who grab three for 21, including two wickets in succeeding balls, at the DY Patil stadium here on Wednesday.

Bollinger praised Subramaniam Badrinath for grab the occasion with a 44-ball victorious 63 his second half century in three innings.

"Badri has been batting extremely. He’s really grabbing his chances up the order. Am actually happy with him, with the way he's going about his game. He's just doing everything so simple and sticks to his strength. He's doing a great job. He got another sixty tonight and he's been a very, very vital part of our team," the bowler said.

Be grateful for the wicket, Bollinger said everyone would like to enfold it up and take it to their backyards.
"This wicket was very good, turned a bit but it was very reliable. Chennai was friendlier towards spin bowling, a lot slower and lower. This wicket was unbelievable and you would like such wickets in your backyard," he said.

He also lavish praise on the payment of the bowlers. "The bowlers have been bowling very well. Ashwin is bowling fantastically. Everyone is adapting to circumstances. They have been bowling with a lot of self-assurance which you need in a rivalry like this as even one game can modify the scene," he remark.

Bollinger said Albie Morkel, who misses the game because of a stressed bicep, will be back for the next match. "It's just one game, he has stressed his biceps. It was only a warning (move). He should be OK," he said.

Bollinger felt that the Australians playing in the IPL would gain in assurance after their early exit in the ICC Cricket World Cup. "We did not have a good World Cup, but we are still figure one by a long way. After not doing well in the World Cup we have approach here to try and get some form, get some runs and wickets before the Sri Lanka tour. This is kind of a stage to get some assurance under our game," he said.

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Sangakkara asks for IPL window in FTP

Deccan Chargers skipper Kumar Sangakkara on Tuesday said country vs club circumstances could be avoid if a window is created for the IPL in the ICC's FTP calender. Sri Lankan players, playing in the IPL, were prepared by their Cricket Board to return to the country to get ready for the England tour.

Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga, playing for Mumbai Indians, had announce his Test retirement when the SLC asked him to leave the IPL mid-way and return for a treatment programme. It re-ignited the discuss whether players should give priority to country or prefer playing in the cash-rich leagues like IPL.

Sangakkara said such conflict could be avoided if there is a normal window for the IPL in the FTP calender. "There should be a exact window for the IPL and the BCCI should look to ensure that enough Test cricket is played," Sangakkara told the media here ahead of their match against Kochi Tuskers Kerala.

"We always do our best to honour the national contract. But players should not be asked to choose. The country is forever the first," he added. Although SLC has decided to let their play in the IPL till May 18, Sangakkara said he would leave little early for England tour arrangements and reports also say that Sri Lanka skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan and Mahela Jayawardene are also packing their bags for an early return.

"We have been given time till May 20. We have a match on May 16 and on May 21. I will return near the beginning after the match on May 16," Sangakkara said. Jayawardene, captain of the Kochi Tuskers Kerala, said, "We have to be in England by May 18. Since, there is a match on May 19, I have to see. Right now, I have not determined how to go about it. I have to sort out the dates."

Talking about Wednesday's match, Sangakkara was up-front in admit that they need to pull up their socks. "Every game is important. We have to go out and try not to replicate the mistake that we devoted against Mumbai Indians and get better on whatever we have already skillful.

"The bowlers should look to hit a good length and the batsman has to build partnerships and capitalise on opportunity," he said. Meanwhile, the Kochi Tuskers, who had been on a charge, having register three back-to-back victories, were congested by the Rajasthan Royals in their last game.

Jayawardene said hard-hitting New Zealander Brendon McCullum, who missed out on the match next to Rajasthan due to injury, will be fit for Wednesday's clash. "He is fit and ready to go." Asked if unreliable Indian pacer S Sreesanth would find a place in the playing eleven, he said, "We will see after looking at the wicket. We will pick the best playing eleven."

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ICC desire to India players for WI tour

The ICC said it would be unacceptable if all of India's star cricketers skip the West Indies tour to rest after a confused schedule. Media information has said that players like Sachin Tendulkar, skipper M S Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan and Gautam Gambhir may be rested.

Senior players have already written to the BCCI to allow them to skip the West Indies tour, connecting three Tests and five ODIs and a one-off Twenty20 game.

The players have been playing continuously for the last two-and-a-half-months.

There was a gap of just six days between the ICC Cricket World Cup and the IPL and immediately after the end of the Twenty20 league on May 28, the West Indies tour is planned to start on June 4.

Players are keen to take rest but the ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat said it would not be good for the West Indies.

"I think it affect the brand of cricket. Everybody wants to see full strength sides. Same applies to the IPL and any of the FTP commitments. Because of the volume of cricket, every entity player has to be managed.

"One or two stars, asking for a rest is okay. If five or six stars do not want to go to West Indies, then I think, it's not appropriate execution of what has been dedicated to the FTP," Lorgat said in a news show.

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Sehwag: Poor bowling allow us down

Delhi skipper Virender Sehwag said the pitch for Tuesday's match next to the Bangalore was not to their liking. Chasing 161 to win, Bangalore romped home with three balls to standby.

"The ball was not coming on to the bat. It's not easy to hit boundaries, awaiting the ball is there to be hit. They cut a lot of grass, which we didn't want, but we have to carry on with whatever wicket we get," Sehwag said after the match.

The Delhi skipper responsible poor attempt by his bowlers for the defeat.

"I think we gave too many border balls in the first six overs. They were not beating boundaries but still they were receiving boundaries because of our bad bowling.

"After they got 65 in first six overs, we came back well. Morne Morkel bowled well, Yogesh Nagar took one wickets for us. At the end also we didn't bowl well," he said.

Sehwag admitted that they will be under tremendous pressure now in the tournament as they cannot pay for to lose from here on. "Pressure on Delhi now so expectantly we will do well in next games. We have to back ourselves and truthful our basics," he said.

Bangalore captain Daniel Vettori said the 82-run stand between Virat Kohli (56) and Chris Gayle (26) was vital to team's win.

“Kohli played an amazing innings. That partnership at the start set it up for us. Delhi fought back hard, lucky Syed Mohamad came out and played with a cool head... he's been a good find for us so far. Today was out best bowling presentation as well," he said.

Man-of-the-match Virat Kohli said, "I've always looked to bat No. 3, I can get myself in and play my shots. I love it. I was really keen we win this match. We lost three in a row and now winning two back to back gives us some impetus."

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Malinga distress at fake injury claims

Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga is dissatisfied by reports suggestive of he faked injury claims in order to keep away from playing for his country.Malinga, whose sling-arm bowling action and upsetting yorkers proved to be a frightening for batsmen the world over, announced his departure from Test cricket because of a "long-standing degenerative" knee injury.

His decision to pull out of the Sri Lanka’s Test tour of England annoyed Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) officials, who found it "awkward" that he was ongoing to play in IPL though he was not fit for national duty.

The 27 year old pacer on Tuesday denied Sri lanka officials ever asked him to go back from the ongoing IPL.

"There were heaps of reports in the media clever that I might be feigning an injury to play in the IPL," Malinga said. "This was very hurtful as I have always been totally dedicated to playing for Sri Lanka."

"I assured them that I remain totally dedicated to playing for Sri Lanka," he added. Ranatunga-led committee to be blamed? Meanwhile, Lasith Malinga responsible the country's cricket management led by the former captain Arjuna Ranatunga for infuriating his knee injury that forced him to retire from Test cricket.

Without naming Ranatunga he said,"The 2008 temporary committee did not care for my well being," Malinga said adding that due to his knees injury he could not even go up the stairs of his house.

He didn't hide his anger at being treated scruffily by the 2008 interim committee. "I was offered a basic agreement when I deserved better." As Ranatunga led the committee, it is well silent that Malinga's grievance is pointed towards whom. "My knees are receiving weaker," Malinga said explanation his decision to quit playing Test cricket.

The slinger is confident that he will be selected for the ODI and T20 series in England and also to play the shorter description of the game when the Australians will tour Sri Lanka in August. As a long-term plan, he intend to play in next year's World T20 championship in Sri Lanka and 2015 World Cup in Australia.

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2nd ODI: Shehzad century take up Pakistan to win

GROS ISLET : Opener Ahmed Shehzad struck his second one-day international hundred to anchor Pakistan to a sure seven-wicket win over West Indies.

Shehzad hit seven fours and one six in his 102 from 148 balls as Pakistan effectively chase 221 for victory in the second ODI at the Beausejour Cricket Ground.

Umar Akmal passed the visitors over the doorstep with 12 balls remaining when he lost a delivery from Dwayne Bravo to long-off for the final boundary of the match. The result earnings that Pakistan take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series after winning the first game by eight wickets on Saturday at the same ground.

Pakistan has now won their last seven ODIs next to West Indies, a sequence extend over the last four years. "We complete a plan at our team meeting and our guys wedged to it and that was good," said Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi.

"Shehzad is a very brilliant guy and he show that he is competent of drama. He took his time, but chases a small total, he could afford to do that and we won the game.

"I think our bowlers are doing a great job, and the fielding has better because it is a very important area for us. Our batting has shown liability and we hope to maintain this regulation right all through the series."

The visitors' spin bowling trio of Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Hafeez and Afridi had conquered on another passive pitch. After Pakistan chose to field, West Indies were dismissing for 220 in their 50 overs - one less than the total they made in the first ODI.

Ajmal, Hafeez and Afridi public six wickets for 102 runs in 30 overs among them, and only West Indies opener Lendl Simmons looked close to receiving on top of them, leading the way with 51 from 48 balls, which built-in four fours and two sixes.

"We didn't make use of the key moment in the match," said West Indies captain Darren Sammy. "We could have tried to wring their batsmen more and when we bat we got a good start, but did not capitalize on it.

"The spinners carry on swamping us down, and we could have got a lot more on the board. It seems that whatever approach we have taken, we seem only able to get the same brand of total on the board. We have a lot more work to do."

Shehzad shared three succeeding half-century partnerships with Mohammad Hafeez, Asad Shafiq and Misbah-ul-Haq that put Pakistan resolutely on course for their victory.

He glance a delivery in the 44th over from Dwayne Bravo to bottomless fine leg for a single to reach his milestone from 143 balls.

"We try to keep wickets in hand. It was not a huge total so I knew that I had to manage my stroke-play and not get approved away," said Shehzad.

He was fortunate on 30 when he came close to being run out after pulling a release from Bravo to mid-wicket and Hafeez twisted down the chance of going for a single.Sammy fired his throw from mid-wicket wide of the stump and the opener was clever to regain his ground.

By the time he become the second wicket for leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo in the 46th over, Pakistan necessary just 30 from the final 28 deliveries which came with little problem.

The third and fourth matches of the series will be played on Thursday and Monday at Kensington Oval in Barbados, with the final game coming three days later at the Guyana National Stadium.

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Andy Flower may not be existing for Team India

LONDON: Contrary to reports earlier this month, England's cricket coach, Andy Flower is doubtful to be a candidate to replace Gary Kirsten in the same position with the Indian team. This was disclosing to TOI by a senior supervisory of the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB), who is well informed on the matter.

The ECB and Flower have not sign on the dotted line yet to renew the obtainable contract, but the ECB source said "matters were at a superior stage". He also said the terms for renewal were virtually agreed. More appropriately, the ECB official explained that Flower has to serve out a one-year notice period, if he wants to quit. This would, effectively, make him a non-starter to step into Kirsten's shoes.

Flower is well settled in England, where he played county cricket for Essex for many years before originally joining the English squad as an assistant coach. He is also said to own a house in the county Worcestershire.

If Flower has any doubts about ongoing as England's coach, it would be because of the kind of scheduling undertaken by the ECB last winter; as a result of which he was in a row on the road for practically five months and, therefore, away from his young family.

The issue being what it is, the ridiculous journey of 10 months of cricket in a year set by the BCCI for the Indian side would, if anything, act as prevention to Flower's inclination to handle MS Dhoni and his men.

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Chennai Super Kings hit Pune Warriors by 25 runs

Yuvraj Singh can win matches with an ask rate of 10 in the last five overs a good figure of times, but not on Monday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

The left-hander, who scored his only World Cup century here regarding a month back, just couldn’t find his magic touch and Chennai Super Kings reap the harvest. Yuvi huff and winded to 34 off 43 balls as Pune Warriors fell 26 runs little of the 143-run target after having the upper hand for a major part of the match.

Yuvi survive a examine leg-before decision, missed full-tosses, missed out on singles at a time when it seem that the left-hander might run away with the game. Dhoni knew if his Team India replacement got going, there was no chance at all. But the canny skipper also unspoken that Yuvi was stressed in the Chennai clamminess and he made sure that the boundaries were not given away.

The CSK fielders had a brilliant day in the field, saving boundaries out of nowhere and complete Pune fight for every run. And it was appropriate that Shadab Jakati pull off a blinder at mid-off in the 19th over to carry an end to Yuvi’s tender stay at the wicket.

The CSK bowlers too wedged to their task with Albie Morkel judgment some bowling form to come to an end with figures of 3-26. Offies R Ashwin and Suraj Randiv, too, were right on the money as the Warriors struggle in the unassuming chase.

Earlier, things look like going downward for CSK after a bright start. Openers M Vijay (31, 29b, 2x4, 1x6) and Michael Hussey (61, 48b, 4x6, 1x6) put up 64 for the first wicket but formerly the partnership was broken, the impetus was lost. Pune Warriors’ veteran South African all-rounder Alfonso Thomas (4-0-29-2) made sudden inroads to take away Vijay and Suresh Raina in quick series. The damage was done and CSK, in spite of a solid performance by Hussey, could only manage 142 for 6.

For Pune, Jerome Taylor (4-0-30-3) too came to party to take Hussey’s wicket and the final grow never happen for CSK. The pitch was a little on the slower side and it was a planned move by the CSK openers to keep wickets in hands. 66 was the lowest total in the first 10 overs for the defensive champions, but one would have probable them to carry on once they got set.

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ICC World T20 Records

• ICC World T20 Series Winner
• ICC World T20 Highest Total
• ICC World T20 Most Runs
• ICC World T20 High Score
• ICC World T20 Most Fifties
• ICC World T20 Most Hundreds
• ICC World T20 Most Sixes
• ICC World T20 Most Wickets
• ICC World T20 Most Five Wickets

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ICC World T20 - Most Five Wickets

Player	Mat	Overs	Mdns	Runs	Wkts	BBI	Ave	Econ	4	5
Umar Gul (Pak)	14	52.1	0	313	26	5/6	12.03	6.00	1	1

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ICC World T20 - Most Wickets

Player	Mat	Overs	Mdns	Runs	Wkts	BBI	Ave	Econ	4	5
Shahid Afridi (Pak)	20	80.0	1	519	27	4/11	19.22	6.48	2	0
Umar Gul (Pak)	14	52.1	0	313	26	5/6	12.03	6.00	1	1
SL Malinga (SL)	18	60.1	0	446	25	3/17	17.84	7.41	0	0
Saeed Ajmal (Pak)	13	50.2	0	332	23	4/19	14.43	6.59	2	0
MG Johnson (Aus)	14	52.1	0	351	20	3/15	17.55	6.72	0	0
SCJ Broad (Eng)	17	55.5	0	428	19	3/17	22.52	7.66	0	0
DL Vettori (NZ)	13	51.1	0	289	18	4/20	16.05	5.64	1	0
M Morkel (SA)	10	39.0	0	262	17	4/17	15.41	6.71	2	0
BAW Mendis (SL)	12	44.0	0	271	16	3/9	16.93	6.15	0	0
DP Nannes (Aus/Neth)	9	34.0	1	239	15	4/18	15.93	7.02	1	0
GP Swann (Eng)	11	36.0	0	241	15	3/24	16.06	6.69	0	0
DJ Bravo (WI)	13	39.4	0	373	15	4/38	24.86	9.40	1	0
RP Singh (India)	9	29.0	0	186	14	4/13	13.28	6.41	1	0
DW Steyn (SA)	11	41.0	0	276	14	2/6	19.71	6.73	0	0
Mohammad Amir (Pak)	13	47.0	2	327	14	3/23	23.35	6.95	0	0
RJ Sidebottom (Eng)	10	30.5	0	229	13	3/23	17.61	7.42	0	0
SR Clark (Aus)	6	24.0	0	144	12	4/20	12.00	6.00	1	0
NL McCullum (NZ)	11	31.1	0	190	12	3/15	15.83	6.09	0	0
Shakib Al Hasan (Ban)	9	32.0	0	214	12	4/34	17.83	6.68	1	0
SE Bond (NZ)	11	43.0	1	325	12	2/12	27.08	7.55	0	0
Harbhajan Singh (India)	17	63.0	2	436	12	3/30	36.33	6.92	0	0
CK Langeveldt (SA)	4	16.0	0	104	11	4/19	9.45	6.50	1	0
SPD Smith (Aus)	7	23.0	1	163	11	3/20	14.81	7.08	0	0
IK Pathan (India)	10	29.0	1	200	11	3/16	18.18	6.89	0	0
RE van der Merwe (SA)	9	31.0	0	202	11	2/14	18.36	6.51	0	0
M Muralitharan (SL)	9	35.0	0	209	11	3/29	19.00	5.97	0	0

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