Australia beat Sri Lanka, win third straight title
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: Australia won an unprecedented third straight title and fourth overall when they beat Sri Lanka by 53 runs under Duckworth & Lewis method in the rain-curtailed final of the World Cup 2007 here at the Kensington Oval on Saturday.

Sri Lanka, Australia face-to-face in World Cup final today
JAMAICA: It will be 'oriental' magic versus professionalism when Sri Lanka and Australia clash in the $5 million ninth World Cup final here Saturday.

We can achieve something different, says Murali
Muttiah Muralitharan hopes that a Sri Lanka victory in Saturday's World Cup final against champions Australia can help heal the war wounds of his strife-torn country.

Sri Lanka will have to play out of their skins: Clarke
Australian batsman Michael Clarke says his side is in almost unbeatable form heading into tomorrow night's World Cup cricket final against Sri Lanka.

Fernando could be axed for final
Sri Lanka's cricket selectors have hinted they will replace fast bowler Dilhara Fernando with Farveez Maharoof for Saturday's World Cup final.

Aussies ready for Sri Lanka: Ponting
Australian captain Ricky Ponting insists the world champions are ready to face down Sri Lanka's veteran bowlers Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas in the World Cup final beginning Saturday night in Barbados.

McGrath and Tait fire Australia into World Cup final
GROS ISLET, St Lucia : Glenn McGrath and Shaun Tait struck it rich as Australia stormed into a fourth successive World Cup final with a crushing seven-wicket win over South Africa on Wednesday.

South Africa hope to make own luck in semi-final against Aussies today
JAMAICA: South Africa will hope luck will finally smile on them in their unenviable World Cup semi-final against holders Australia.

Fleming resigns as New Zealand one-day skipper
New Zealand's Stephen Fleming said he will resign as captain of his country's one-day team after the 81-run defeat to Sri Lanka in the World Cup semi-finals in Jamaica this morning.

Jayawardene guides Sri Lanka into World Cup final
KINGSTON, Jamaica : Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene led his side into the World Cup final with a maiden tournament hundred as the 1996 champions beat New Zealand by 81 runs at Sabina Park on Tuesday.

Fleming targets SL top-order
New Zealand captain Ste-phen Fle-ming belie-ves Sri Lan-ka's top-or-der batting is a weakness the Black Caps can expose when the teams meet in Tuesday's first World Cup semifinal.

Hayden looking to savage Proteas attack again
Matthew Hayden batted on Monday until even the bowling machine had had enough before pronouncing himself fit and ready to add to his World Cup tally of 580 runs.

Lankans back up team for Cup win
COLOMBO: Sri Lankan sports stars are rallying behind the national team competing for the cricket World Cup in the West Indies with a mass gathering set for Monday.

Aussie record counts for nothing, says Kallis
BRIDGETOWN: South Africa vice-captain Jacques Kallis has warned that Australia’s unbeaten record in the World Cup will count for nothing when the sides meet in the semi-final in St Lucia on Wednesday.

Proteas try to forget 1999 nightmare
South Africa say their agonising exit against Australia in the 1999 World Cup will not weigh them down in their repeat semi-final clash on Wednesday evening.

Australia planning end to Styris run spree
Australian captain Ricky Ponting has promised the world champions have plans to curb the run-scoring of New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris.

Sarwan leads West Indies to emphatic win over Bangladesh
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados : Ramnaresh Sarwan missed a hundred but still guided the West Indies to a resounding 99-run World Cup win over Bangladesh at Kensington Oval here on Thursday to ensure they would not finish in the bottom two of the Super Eights table.

Maharoof gives Sri Lanka selection headache
Seamer Farveez Maharoof gave Sri Lanka a World Cup semi-final selection headache after he claimed four victims in his team's Super Eights eight-wicket win over Ireland.

Johnston looking for a repeat Irish performance
Ireland captain Trent Johnston is looking for his side to repeat the effort they showed in defeating Bangladesh when they face Sri Lanka in their final World Cup Super Eights match starting tonight in Grenada.

Hall and Smith fire South Africa into World Cup semi-finals
BRIDGETOWN : South Africa rode on Andrew Hall's maiden five-wicket burst to storm into the World Cup semi-finals with an emphatic nine-wicket win which humiliated England on Tuesday.

South Africa play down players' drinking
South Africa's team management have attempted to play down a controversy over a number of their players staying out drinking late on Saturday night (local time) after a World Cup defeat against New Zealand.

Ponting follows up Hogg double in win over Lankans
Grenada : Australia captain Ricky Ponting scored an unbeaten 66 as the champions stretched their unbeaten run at the World Cup to 26 games and 20 consecutive wins with a seven-wicket Super Eights victory against an under-strength Sri Lanka .

World Cup Super-8s:Australia-Sri Lanka clash today
GRENADA: In the World Cup Super Eights stage, defending champions Australia will play against Sri Lanka today at the National Stadium.

Watson to miss Sri Lanka match
Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting says injured all-rounder Shane Watson will not play in tonight's World Cup match against Sri Lanka.

Ireland upstage Bangladesh in their Cup final
BRIDGETOWN:Ireland put up a spirited show to beat Bangladesh by 74 runs to win the battle of the giantkillers and raise their hopes of avoiding the World Cup Super Eights wooden-spoon.

South Africa aim to outplay Kiwis in today's crucial match
GRENADA: South Africa aim to put more daylight between themselves and England when they take on New Zealand in a do-or-die match here today .

Australia beat Ireland to reach semi-finals
BRIDGETOWN: Australia required just five overs of hostile pace to storm into the World Cup semi-finals with a crushing nine-wicket win over a hapless Ireland in a Super Eights match here on Friday.

Aussies set to experiment against Irish
Australian captain Ricky Ponting says he may use the World Cup match against debutants Ireland starting tonight in Bridgetown, Barbados, to give some of his lesser-used players a chance to see some action.

Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by six wickets
ST GEORGE'S: Chaminda Vaas ensured Sri Lanka didn't miss Lasith Malinga by removing New Zealand's top three in a six-wicket World Cup Super Eights win at Grenada's National Stadium.

Kiwis face Lankans today in Super Eights
GRENADA: New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming believes his side can win the World Cup and their Super Eights match against fellow contenders Sri Lanka in Grenada Thursday (today) will go a long way to seeing if he is right.

Malinga out of Black Caps encounter
An ankle injury has ruled Lasith Malinga out of Sri Lanka's Super Eights clash against New Zealand in St George's, Grenada, starting tonight .

England outlast Bangladesh to keep hopes alive
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados : England thwarted another strong challenge from Bangladesh's spinners to register a much-needed four-wicket win in a World Cup Super Eights match on Wednesday.

Giant-killers Bangladesh look for England scalp today
BRIDGETOWN: Bangladesh hope their spin king trio can bamboozle England, just like they did South Africa, and boost their bid for a World Cup semi-final place on Wednesday.

England fined for slow over rate against Australia
Michael Vaughan's troubles in the Caribbean have continued with England being fined for their slow over-rate during the seven-wicket defeat by Australia in the World Cup Super Eights match in Antigua.

Lara apologises for Windies flop
ST GEORGE'S, Grenada: Brian Lara apologised for West Indies' miserable World Cup campaign on Tuesday after a 67-run defeat against South Africa virtually ensured their elimination from the tournament.

Hobbling de Villiers wrecks West Indian dream
ST GEORGE'S, Grenada : AB de Villiers slammed a maiden one-day international as South Africa beat the West Indies by 67 runs in a World Cup Super Eights match at the Grenada National Stadium on Tuesday.

Fleming says NZ on course for Cup
Guyana - After a comfortable win over Ireland today, Stephen Fleming finally voiced what cricket World Cup observers have been harping on about for weeks -- New Zealand are genuine title contenders.

Captaincy getting to Vaughan: Fletcher
England coach Duncan Fletcher says Michael Vaughan's string of low scores may be down to the captaincy weighing on him.

Proteas suffer Gibbs injury blow
South Africa's Herschelle Gibbs is almost certain to miss the crucial World Cup clash with the West Indies beginning in Grenada tonight (Australian time) because of a calf strain.

Fulton, Vettori star in big Kiwi victory
Guyana : Peter Fulton hit a solid 83 as New Zealand boosted their chances of qualifying for the World Cup semi-finals with an emphatic 129-run win over Ireland in a Super Eights match on Monday.

Sobers backs under-fire Lara
West Indies legends Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Everton Weekes have thrown their support behind under-fire skipper Brian Lara as the hosts faced up to a make-or-break World Cup week.

Aussies cruise to 7-wkt victory over England
NORTH SOUND, Antigua: Australia has maintained their unbeaten record by defeating England by seven wickets in the Super Eights World Cup match here at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Sunday.

Ravi Bopara is a cricketer of immense substance
In Sri Lanka’s last-ball win by just two runs in a Super Eights World Cup 2007 match on Wednesday, none could have been more proud than England’s Ravi Bopara, who showed himself to be a cricketer of immense substance, in spite of the fact that, at a month short of his 22nd birthday, he had never yet been in a situation to compare with the one he was thrust into on the day.

Hopes on standby for Australia's Watson
ST JOHN'S, Antigua: Reigning champions Australia have placed James Hopes on World Cup standby cover for injured Queensland team-mate Shane Watson, it was announced here.

Sri Lanka’s thrilling 2-run win over England
NORTH SOUND, Antigua: Sri Lanka recorded a sensational two runs victory over England in a thrilling finish in their Super Eights World Cup match here at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Sri Lanka face England in crucial Super Eight match
ST JOHN'S, Antigua: In-form Sri Lanka meet stuttering England in the World Cup Super Eights later on Wednesday and although the tournament still has a long way to go the clash could be crucial.

Kallis guides SA to easy 7-wkt victory over Ireland
PROVIDENCE, Guyana: Jacques Kallis with an unbeaten 66 runs from 86 deliveries cruised South Africa to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Ireland here at the Providence Stadium. He hit eight boundaries and was deservedly declared the man-of-the-match.

Flintoff eases fitness worries in nets
England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff bowled and batted in the nets in Antigua overnight (local time), easing concerns about an ankle problem ahead of Wednesday's World Cup Super Eights clash with Sri Lanka.

South Africa ready for serious Ireland challenge
GEORGETOWN: South Africa will treat their next World Cup Super Eight matches against Ireland and Bangladesh as "huge" games which could clear the way to the semi-finals, according to coach Mickey Arthur.

New Zealand beat Bangladesh by nine wickets
ANTIGUA: New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming's 102 not out set the seal on a comprehensive nine wicket victory against Bangladesh in the World Cup Super Eights match here as his side moved a step nearer the semi-finals.

New Zealand to face Bangladesh in WC fixture today
ANTIGUA: In Super Eight round of World Cup Cricket Tournament, New Zealand would take on Bangladesh today (Monday).

Sri Lanka humble West Indies by 113 runs
PROVIDENCE, Guyana: Sri Lanka defeated the West Indies by 113 runs by bowling them out for 190 in 44.3 overs in the Super Eights World Cup match here on Sunday.

Australia wary of threat from Bangladesh
Australia captain Ricky Ponting could be forgiven for a hint of exasperation after being reminded of his team's shock loss to Bangladesh in Cardiff two years ago.

England beat Ireland by 48 runs
GEORGETOWN, Guyana : England rode on Paul Collingwood's fighting half-century and four wickets by Andrew Flintoff to beat Ireland by 48 runs in their Super Eights match here on Friday.

Kiwis too good for Windies
ANTIGUA: The unbeaten 102-run fourth wicket partnership between Scott Styris and Craig McMillan guided New Zealand home to beat the West Indies by seven wickets in 39.2 overs in their first Super Eights World Cup match here at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

South Africa escape Malinga's bowling magic, beat Sri Lanka by 1 wicket
GEORGETOWN, Guyana: Sri Lanka fast bowler Lasith Malinga took four wickets in four balls before South Africa scrambled a one-wicket win in their World Cup Super Eight match at the Guyana National Stadium Wednesday.

Marshall to replace injured Lou Vincent
Hamish Marshall was given permission by the ICC on Tuesday to join New Zealand's ICC CWC squad as a replacement for Lou Vincent who has broken his wrist.

Mystery pitch for SA, Lanka
South Africa and Sri Lanka will be entering new territory when they meet in ICC Cricket World Cup Super Eights match at the Guyana National Stadium.

Ireland deny Pakistan win fixed
GEORGETOWN, Guyana: Ireland captain Trent Johnston has dismissed suggestions his side’s shock victory over Pakistan was a fix.

McGrath on brink of record after Australia beat West Indies
ST JOHN'S, Antigua : Glenn McGrath was on the verge of making more cricket history as world champions Australia got their Super Eight campaign off to a winning start with a 103-run defeat of World Cup hosts West Indies on Wednesday.

Rain-hit match to continue on reserve day
ST. ANTIGUA: Rain started as soon the Australian team finished its 50 overs, having made 322 runs for six wickets here at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Tuesday.

Australia, West Indies open the Super 8s
West Indies captain Brian Lara will use all the weapons at his command on Tuesday including history, crowd support and his own special skills in the World Cup Super Eights match against champions Australia.

Bangladesh joy is despair for India
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad : Bangladesh made history when they qualified for the World Cup second round with a seven-wicket victory over debutants Bermuda on Sunday and eliminated mighty India in the process.

Sri Lanka qualify as India face World Cup exit
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad : Sri Lanka stormed into the World Cup Super Eights after virtually knocking India out of the tournament with an emphatic 69-run win here on Friday.

India in make-or-break clash with Sri Lanka today
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad: India are determined to ward off the spectre of an early exit and its repercussions as they gear up for their do-or-die clash with Sri Lanka in the World Cup here on Friday (today).

Netherlands beat Scotland by 8 wickets
BASSETTERE, St Kitts: Netherlands beat Scotland by 8 wickets in their World Cup Group A match at Warner Park here on Thursday.

Vincent ends drought as New Zealand overpower Canada
GROS ISLET, St Lucia: Lou Vincent found his form after two noughts with a hundred as New Zealand made it three World Cup wins out of three in Group C with a 114-run success against Canada at the Beausejour Cricket Ground here.

Pak team imbalanced, lacked fighting spirit in World cup: Moin Khan
ISLAMABAD: The former captain Pakistan cricket team Moin Khan has demanded President Gen Pervez Musharraf to interfere in the matters concerning Pakistan cricket and termed the current team for the world cup as an imbalanced team lacking fighting spirit.

Tearful Inzamam dedicates final win to Woolmer
Inzamam-ul-Haq broke down in tears this morning as he dedicated his last match as Pakistan captain to Bob Woolmer, the team coach who died on Monday morning .

NZ tighten security after Woolmer death
GROS ISLET, St Lucia - Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer's mysterious hotel room death has prompted an unobtrusive tightening of security around New Zealand World Cup cricketers.

NZ tighten security after Woolmer death
GROS ISLET, St Lucia - Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer's mysterious hotel room death has prompted an unobtrusive tightening of security around New Zealand World Cup cricketers.

India desperate for victory in Sri Lanka clash
India are determined to ward off the spectre of an early World Cup exit as they gear up for their do-or-die clash with Sri Lanka on Saturday morning.

Sri Lanka demolish Bangladesh by 198 runs
TRINIDAD, JAMAICA: Sri Lanka has qualified for Super-eight stage of the World Cup Bangladesh by a large margin of 198 runs in their group ‘B’ World Cup match here today.

Pakistan’s consolation victory over Zimbabwe
KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Pakistan emerged victorious for the first time in the 2007 World Cup after being ousted from the mega event when they beat Zimbabwe by 93 runs under D/L system in their last group ‘D’ World Cup match here.

Pakistan struggling without Woolmer, says Mushtaq
Mushtaq Ahmed admitted that the Pakistan team is having a hard time coming out from under the depression that has engulfed them following the death of coach Bob Woolmer.

Dravid asks team to ignore fan fury
PORT-OF-SPAIN : India captain Rahul Dravid has called on his players to stay strong and ignore the boorish behaviour of their supporters back at home.

Harmy against flintoff decision
Steve Harmison fears England could rue the decision to strip Andrew Flintoff of the vice-captaincy if Michael Vaughan picks up an injury at the World Cup.

Scotland reach their highest World Cup score
BASSETERRE, St Kitts: Scotland gave South Africa’s attack a surprise workout on Tuesday when they registered their highest World Cup score of 186-8 in the Group A match here at Warner Park.

Pakistan to play final World Cup game against Zimbabwe
KINGSTON, Jamaica: Pakistan will play their final World Cup group D game against Zimbabwe at Sabina Park on Wednesday, the team spokesman said.

Smith leads Proteas into Super Eights
Captain Graeme Smith just missed out his first World Cup century but still led South Africa to a seven-wicket win over Scotland and into the World Cup Super Eights in Basseterre, St Kitts this morning.

Kiwis crush Kenya by 148 runs
GROS ISLET, ST. LUCIA: New Zealand defeated Kenya by an impressive margin of 148 runs in their group ‘C’ World Cup match to qualify for the super-8 stage here today.

Flintoff keen to make amends
Andrew Flintoff is focusing on reproducing his best form for the team and will not contemplate his chances of captaining England again.

Fletcher banks on united force
Coach Duncan Fletcher believes England’s off-field problems can “pull the side together” as they bid to get their World Cup challenge back on track.

Ponting's rejuvenated troops ready to look after No.1
WITH confidence restored by a couple of easy wins, Ricky Ponting has warned South Africa to expect the full force of Australia's desire to reassert their world superiority when the two top teams meet in St Kitts on Saturday.

We all owe debt to Woolmer, says Irish coach
Ireland coach Adrian Birrell says the minor cricketing nations owe Bob Woolmer a debt of gratitude after his efforts to promote the sport around the world.

South Africa plan Woolmer tribute win over Scots
South African captain Graeme Smith said his team would make their Group A match against Scotland tomorrow morning a tribute to Bob Woolmer.

West Indies beat Zimbabwe by 6 wkts
KINGSTON, JAMAICA: The West Indies have qualified for the super eiWith a winning six, the West Indies captain, Brian Lara made his team beat Zimbabwe by six wickets with 13 balls left here today.

India set twin records in Bermuda thrashing
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad : Virender Sehwag roared back into form with a blazing century as record-setting India thrashed debutants Bermuda by 257 runs in their second World Cup match on Monday.

Former players call for new leadership after World Cup exit
KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan has called for a complete overhaul of the national team in the wake of the shock World Cup defeat to Ireland on Saturday that sent them crashing out of the tournament.

West Indies eye Super Eights
KINGSTON, Jamaica: Hosts West Indies could become the first side to confirm a place in the Super Eights at the World Cup, when they face Zimbabwe at Sabina Park here on Monday (today).

Flintoff sacked as vice captain and dropped
England's Andrew Flintoff was sacked as World Cup vice-captain and dropped for their Group C game against Canada on Sunday after a late-night drinking session.

Australia complete crushing win over Dutch
Australia crushed the Netherlands by 229 runs in Basseterre, St Kitts this morning to record the third-largest winning margin in the history of the World Cup.

Woolmer death an 'unbelievable shock': Ponting
Ricky Ponting has extended the Australian cricket team's sympathies to the family of Pakistan cricket coach Bob Woolmer, who died in Jamaica early this morning.

England embarrassed despite beating Canada with 51-run
GROS ISLET, St Lucia: England tried to make light of Andrew Flintoff's absence with a 51-run victory against Canada in their World Cup Group C match here Sunday.

Pakistan sent home by bold Ireland
KINGSTON (Jamaica): A magnificent performance from Ireland, and an innings of real class from their wicketkeeper, Niall O'Brien, sent Pakistan crashing out of the World Cup.

South Africa set to ignore spinning option throughout WC
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (AP) - South Africa appears certain to buck the trend and become the only World Cup team not to play a specialist spinner.

First match pivotal for England, NZ
GROS ISLET, St. Lucia (AP) - England and New Zealand know their first World Cup match on Friday is the most important of the group and could shape the rest of the tournament.

Windies have a long way to go: Lloyd
KINGSTON, Jamaica: West Indian legend Clive Lloyd believes his players have a long way to go in their bid for a third World Cup crown saying that the home team has too many players without enough international experience.

New Zealand's McMillan injured
GROS ISLET: New Zealand suffered an injury setback ahead of their World Cup opener against England when batsman Craig McMillan was hit on the foot by a yorker from fast bowling team-mate Shane Bond during practice here Wednesday.

‘Big three’ mull over new batting order
KINGSTON, Jamaica: Just days before Pakistan left home for the Caribbean, Inzamam-ul-Haq announced that he is planning to promote himself up the order to provide greater stability to the team’s batting line in the World Cup.

Flower demands sporting sanctions against Zimbabwe
Former Zimbabwean captain Andy Flower has called for sporting sanctions against the regime of Robert Mugabe following the vicious beating of opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

Sri Lanka demolish Bermuda by 243 runs
PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Sri Lanka defeated debutants Bermuda by a large margin of 243 runs in their group ‘B’ match at Queen’s Park Oval here today.

Ireland record shock tie with Zimbabwe
KINGSTON, Jamaica: Ireland and Zimbabwe tied dramatically their World Cup Group D match at Sabina Park here on Thursday.

Symonds eyes return against Netherlands
All-rounder Andrew Symonds is set to return to the Australian side for Monday morning's World Cup clash with the Netherlands.

Jayasuriya aims to inspire 1996 repeat
In his fifth and final World Cup, Sanath Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka’s veteran opener, says his batting is as explosive as it was in Sri Lanka’s 1996 title triumph. Jayasuriya briefly retired from the game in 2005, but said the memory of that World Cup victory pushed him back.

Fleming vows to erase bad England memories
Stephen Fleming will have revenge on his mind when New Zealand open their World Cup campaign against England in St Lucia on Friday. Both teams were involved in the CB series in Australia, with England winning and Fleming's side failing to make the finals.

Moody bats for minnows
SRI Lanka coach Tom Moody said today he would not be surprised if the minnows stretched top sides in the World Cup.

Smith won't fall for Aussie hype
South African captain Graeme Smith refused to be drawn into a slanging match with Australia, saying his focus is on playing the Netherlands and Scotland before facing the world champions.

Anderson in England injury scare
England was given an injury scare ahead of its World Cup opener against New Zealand when fast bowler James Anderson was taken to hospital with a finger injury.

Zimbabwe and Ireland eye crucial edge
JAMAICA: Under-strength Zimbabwe and debutants Ireland may look like a lightweight contest in a World Cup group which also includes West Indies and Pakistan, but for the captains, its serious business.

Afridi’s record tough to beat: Jacob Oram
ST LUCIA: Big-hitting New Zealand all-rounder Jacob Oram does not believe Shahid Afridi’s record 37-ball hundred will be bettered at this World Cup.

Tikolo on top as Kenya cruises
KENYA captain Steve Tikolo led from the front as his side beat fellow minnows Canada by seven wickets in the opening Group C World Cup match on Wednesday.

Australia romp to victory over Scots
BASSETERRE, St Kitts: Australian skipper Ricky Ponting cracked his fourth World Cup century to guide his side to a 203-run thrashing of Scotland in their opening Group A match on Wednesday.

Aussies could get whacked in a bar: Gavaskar
NEW DELHI: Sunil Gavaskar delivered a strong retort in what was the latest in his media-driven verbal-joust with Australia’s captain Ricky Ponting.

Smith to Punter: we're proud to be number one
South Africa skipper Graeme Smith has opened the World Cup psychological battle with rival Ricky Ponting by insisting that being the best in the world does matter.

Canada and Kenya aim for early lifeline
GROS ISLET, St Lucia: Canada and Kenya may be the two minnows in a Group C featuring England and New Zealand, but they will both fancy their chances of beating the other in St Lucia’s first match of the World Cup proper at the Beausejour Cricket Ground here on Wednesday (today).

India need all players’ performance to win: Dravid
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica: India captain Rahul Dravid launched a passionate defence of under-fire teammate Virender Sehwag on Sunday following the opening batsman's struggle to find World Cup form.

McGrath targets Wasim’s World Cup record
BASSETERRE, St Kitts: Playing his final tournament, Glenn McGrath has one remaining personal target.

ICC summons Umer, Rana for random dope test after WC opener
KINGSTON, Jamaica: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has summoned Pakistani pacers Umer Gul and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan for a random dope test after the World Cup opening match .

Windies beat Pakis by 54 runs in World Cup opener
KINGSTON, Jamaica: The West Indies, aiming to be the first team to win cricket's World Cup in front of its own fans, beat Pakistan by 54 runs in today's opening match of the competition in Sabina Park here.

Lloyd prescribes winning formula for Windies
West Indies legend Clive Lloyd has prescribed a formula which he says could aid the team in becoming the first hosts to win a cricket World Cup.

Ponting convinced Aussies have gold blend
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica: Australia captain Ricky Ponting is confident that his two-time defending champions have the right blend of experience and youth to snatch a third successive World Cup.

Vaughan backs youth brigade
Michael Vaughan has urged his young side to play with “no fear” if they are to emulate England’s class of 1992 and reach the latter stages of the World Cup.

Mystery man Mason lifts lid on cup hopes
ST LUCIA: It's little wonder Michael Mason was a star turn at the New Zealand cricket squad's peer review session – a management strategy designed for team-mates to get to know each other better.

Both teams have equal chances to win WC opener: Woolmer
KINGSTON, Jamaica: Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer has warned against over-confidence, however, said: "If there's any subconscious complacency, we're going to knock it out of them this evening."

India better prepared than 2003: Wright
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: Former India coach John Wright believes Rahul Dravid’s 2007 team are better prepared for a World Cup title assault than they were four years when they reached the final.

Pak, WI face-to-face in World Cup opener today
JAMAICA: Pakistan will open its quest tomorrow against host West Indies in the ninth World Cup opener here at Sabina Park Tuesday (today).

Lara denies ‘partying’ allegations
Jamaica: West Indian captain Brian Lara has rejected rumours that his players partied hard on the night before their embarrassing defeat against India in Montego Bay on Friday.

Ponting believes We are still favourites
Ricky Ponting believes completing a World Cup hat-trick would be 'ultra special' for holders Australia.

No favourites in World Cup: Fleming
Montego Bay: New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming says that there are no clear favourites in the World Cup and all the top teams will fancy themselves winning the coveted trophy.

Real game starts tomorrow: Woolmer
KINGSTON, Jamaica: Pakistan may have posted impressive back-to-back wins in a couple of warm-up matches in Trinidad this week but coach Bob Woolmer is fully aware that the real game would begin with the World Cup opener against the hosts here at the Sabina park tomorrow.

India need all players’ performance to win: Dravid
Jamaica: India captain Rahul Dravid launched a passionate defence of under-fire teammate Virender Sehwag on Sunday following the opening batsman's struggle to find World Cup form.

Inzamam positive ahead of WI clash
Jamaica: Inzamam-ul-Haq says he would be in a positive frame of mind when Pakistan take the field against the West Indians in the World Cup opener tomorrow here at the Sabina Park.

Bangladeshis mark successive victory in WC warm-ups
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: After defeating a major team New Zealand by two wickets on Tuesday, Bangladesh easily beat Scotland by seven wickets in their second warm-up match today.

Dutch collapse to spin of Tikolo as Kenya win warm-up match by 9 runs
DANIEL TOWN, Jamaica: A terrific performance by the Netherlands top order was ruined by a catastrophic collapse as Kenya beat them by nine runs in Jamaica on Friday.

India and Windies in World Cup trial of strength
India and hosts West Indies will face each other in a trial of strength before the Cricket World Cup in a warm-up on Friday.

Vaughan braced for Australia test
England captain Michael Vaughan will field for 20 or 30 overs in Friday's final World Cup warm-up match against Australia in St Vincent.

‘No plan to retire from cricket’: Gilchrist
JAMAICA: Australia’s vice-captain Adam Gilchrist said he has no plan to retire from One-day International or Test cricket now or even after the World Cup. However, this will be his last World Cup.

Waqar asks Pathan to view old footage to rediscover form
MUMBAI: Former Pakistan pace spearhead Waqar Younis suggested struggling India seamer Irfan Pathan should view his old footage to draw inspiration ahead of next week’s World Cup.

Zimbabwe bowl Bermuda out for 136
KINGSTOWN, ST. VINCENT: Bermuda were all out for 136 in exact 50 overs against Zimbabwe in their second warm-up match here today at Arnos Vale Ground.

Pakistan aiming for tough show against South Africa
KARACHI: Replacement players Mohammad Sami and Yasir Arafat were available to feature in Pakistan’s second pre-World Cup warm-up game against South Africa to be played at the Frank Worrell Memorial Ground in Trinidad today (Friday).

Pietersen Ready For Spin
Key England batsman Kevin Pietersen is ready to suppress his natural attacking instincts at the World Cup and instead nurdle his way to good scores on the slow Caribbean wickets.

Ricky Ponting unsure on bowling attack
ST VINCENT: Ricky Ponting goes into Friday’s World Cup warm-up against England still unsure of his best bowling line-up, in spite of Tuesday’s win over Zimbabwe.

Mohammed Sami, Yasir Arafat allowed to play in WC
DUBAI: International cricket Council (ICC) allowed Wednesday pacers Mohammed Sami and Yasir Arafat to play in World Cup as replacement for Mohammed Asif and Shoaib Akhtar.

Gilchrist backs bowlers to bounce back
Adam Gilchrist says aggressive batsmen like himself won't have it all their own way at the World Cup, despite fellow Australia opener Matthew Hayden's prediction that a landmark score of 500 runs in a one-day international innings is now in sight.

Kiwi Gillespie numbed by virus
New Zealand pace bowler Mark Gillespie has contracted a virus that has numbed his bowling arm and may threaten his chances of playing in the opening round of ICC Cricket World Cup matches next week.

Punter pleased enough by win
Australia captain Ricky Ponting declared himself content with his side's return to winning ways despite failing to dismiss Zimbabwe.

They’ve done it again: Bangladesh shock Kiwis
Bangladesh pulled off a major shock on Tuesday when they defeated New Zealand by two wickets here in an ICC Cricket World Cup warm-up.

Australia thrash Zimbabwe by 106 runs in WC warm-up match
KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent: Australia thrashed Zimbabwe by 106 runs in their first warm-up match of the world Cup here today.

India thrash Holland in WC warm-up
New Delhi: India beat the Netherlands by 182 runs in their first World Cup warm-up match at the Trelawny in Jamaica on Tuesday with important contributions from Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Yuvraj Singh.

Pakistan too much for Canada
Pakistan's batting power proved too much for Canada in their warm-up match in Trinidad as the Asian side eased to a 77-run victory in Trinidad.

West Indies get the perfect warm-up
Bridgetown (Barbados): Marlon Samuels and Chris Gayle bludgeoned Kenya's bowling attack on Monday, hoping it will be a sample for long-waiting West Indies fans of what to expect at the World Cup.

Pakistan start World Cup campaign today
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: Rahul Dravid, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Ricky Ponting take their first tentative World Cup steps on Tuesday (today) against teams destined to be amongst the whipping boys of the 2007 tournament.

India warm-up against the Netherlands
Montego Bay: Team India are getting ready for the biggest cricket tournament.

South Africa beat Ireland by 36 runs
TRINIDAD: All-rounder Andrew Hall rode to South Africa's rescue with bat and ball in their World Cup warm-up match against Ireland in St Augustine on Monday.

bermuda short of quality
England completed their expected emphatic victory over Bermuda after gaining useful practice for the majority of their squad in the opening warm-up match for the World Cup.

Sri Lanka cruise to 159-run win over Scots
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: Sri Lanka cruised to a comfortable 159-run win over Scotland at the Three Ws Oval here in their opening World Cup warm-up match.

Bermuda World Cup Squad and Players to Watch
For the outside world, Bermuda cricket team is as mysterious as the Bermuda triangle with one striking difference, that is, former isn’t as formidable as the latter.

Greg Chappell Believes Australia Will Star At World Cup
India coach and former Australia captain Greg Chappell said on Tuesday Australia's chances of defending their World Cup title should not be written off despite losing their last five one-day internationals.

Inzamam seeks Waugh-style swansong
KARACHI: Many believed Inzamam-ul-Haq’s career was over in 2003, but now he is not only leading Pakistan’s challenge in the Caribbean but also seeks a Steve Waugh-style Cup swansong.

Clark confirmed to replace Brett Lee
SYDNEY: The International Cricket Council has approved Australia's request to include Stuart Clark in its World Cup squad as a replacement for the injured Brett Lee.

mccullum heralds gilchrist
New Zealand star Brendon McCullum believes Adam Gilchrist has raised the bar for wicketkeepers around the world ahead of the World Cup, which gets underway in the Caribbean next month.

hamilton bats away holding remarks
Scotland batsman Gavin Hamilton has hit back at Michael Holding after the West Indies legend claimed there are too many minor cricketing nations heading to the World Cup.

India up for any challenge: Dravid
Rahul Dravid, the Indian captain, has refused to be drawn in to speculating about the World Cup pitches, most of which have been re-laid for the tournament beginning on March 13, and has said that his team was “fully equipped” to deal with any conditions.

Zimbabwe cricket team leaves for World Cup
The Zimbabwe national cricket team is expected to leave the country on Wednesday for Jamaica to take part in the 2007 Cricket World Cup being hosted by the West Indies.

Bangladesh thrashes Bermuda
Bermuda's lead-up to the World Cup couldn't get any worse. After losing to Antigua and Barbuda, largely regarded as one of the lesser domestic sides in the West Indies last week in a warm-up match.

Pathan declared fit for World Cup
NEW DELHI: Indian fast bowler Irfan Pathan has been declared Sunday fit and he would be available for his country in the forthcoming World Cup

New Zealand name World Cup squad
WELLINGTON: The New Zealand cricket selectors on Tuesday remained loyal to the established members of their one-day cricket squad for the World Cup in the West Indies, despite a disappointing summer.

Aussies name WC squad, Symonds in
New Delhi: The Australian selectors announced their squad for the World Cup early on Tuesday.

West Indies name 30-man squad for cricket World Cup
Teenager Keiron Pollard was among five newcomers named to the West Indies 30-man squad for the cricket World Cup.

Bermuda's Trinidad tour hit by more rain
Heavy rain continued to hamper Bermuda's World Cup cricket preparation in Trinidad over the weekend. On Saturday wet conditions resulted in postponement of the national squad's third practice match against local league side Police CC.

Tigers announce World Cup 30
Teenage openers Tamim Iqbal and Junaid Siddique are among the names on Bangladesh's 30-man shortlist for the World Cup.

Harris and Tuffey still in the hunt
Chris Harris and Daryl Tuffey are still in the frame for World Cup selection after both players were named in New Zealand's 30 man squad for the World Cup.

McGrath targets historic win
Glenn McGrath has set his heart on winning an unprecedented third successive World Cup in March, as he looks to bow out for Australia in style.

England to gauge World Cup preparations against Australia
MELBOURNE: Opener Andrew Strauss is one of the England cricketers determined to settle some scores from the Ashes debacle in the limited-overs tri-series against Australia and New Zealand.

The list of 30 World Cup probables
Rajkot: The National Selectors on Friday picked the 30 probables for the World Cup to be played in March-April in the West Indies.

Zimbabwe announces Cricket World Cup squad
Zimbabwe Cricket has announced the preliminary 30-man squad for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup in the West Indies beginning in March.

Harris in Proteas provisional WC squad
Durban: Left-arm spinner Paul Harris, who made an impressive debut in the third Test against India at Cape Town last week, was on Tuesday included in South Africa's provisional squad for the World Cup in the West Indies.

Door open for Ganguly return in World Cup season
New Delhi: Sourav Ganguly is set to return to India's One-day squad after 15 months out as selectors move to infuse life into a battered team ahead of the World Cup.

Pakistan opt for ‘tried and tested players’ for World Cup
KARACHI: Pakistan on Wednesday announced their 30-man preliminary squad for this March’s World Cup in the West Indies, deciding against including any new face in the list.

Kapil looks towards the World Cup after defeats in SA
Chennai: Former Indian cricketer Kapil Dev said he hoped the national team would have learned lessons from defeat in South Africa and would prepare well for the World Cup.

Pakistan include rookie all-rounder in WC probables
Karachi: Karachi's young all-rounder Fawad Alam was the only notable inclusion in Pakistan's provisional squad for the upcoming cricket World Cup which otherwise contained no surprise.

Australia win maiden Champions Trophy title
MUMBAI: Australia defeated the West Indies by eight wickets on Sunday to win the 10-nation Champions Trophy for the first time in five attempts.

Australia win maiden Champions Trophy title
MUMBAI: Australia defeated the West Indies by eight wickets on Sunday to win the 10-nation Champions Trophy for the first time in five attempts.

Awesome Gayle powers West Indies into final
JAIPUR, India: Chris Gayle smashed 133 not out to power holders West Indies into their third International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy final with a six-wicket victory over South Africa at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium here on Thursday.

WI beat SA in second semi-final
JAIPUR: South Africa made 258-8 and lost Thursday to West Indies 262-4.Chris Gayle hit an explosive 15th ODI century as West Indies surged to 224-1 after 37 overs in pursuit of 259 to win the Champions Trophy semi-final.

ICC takes a swipe at under-performing India
NEW DELHI: India's long-running dispute with the International Cricket Council (ICC) flared up Wednesday after the world governing body poked fun at the losing Indian team.

Pakistan bans dope-tainted Akhtar, Asif
LAHORE: A doping tribunal on Wednesday banned Pakistan's top fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar from international and domestic cricket for two years for using performance enhancing medicines, the tribunal's chief said.

Australia beat New Zealand to enter final
MOHALI: Australia secured a first appearance in a Champions Trophy final with a 34-run victory over New Zealand in Mohali.

Australia beat New Zealand to enter final
MOHALI: Australia secured a first appearance in a Champions Trophy final with a 34-run victory over New Zealand in Mohali.

Gayle talks about his batting success
Jaipur: In-form West Indies opener Chris Gayle said the key to his success in the ICC Champions Trophy was quick adjustment to Indian pitches.

Gayle talks about his batting success
Jaipur: In-form West Indies opener Chris Gayle said the key to his success in the ICC Champions Trophy was quick adjustment to Indian pitches.

Australia keen to clip New Zealand wings in slog overs
MOHALI: Australia captain Ricky Ponting said his team will need to restrict New Zealand's big-hitting batsmen in the slog overs of Wednesday's Champions Trophy semi-final.

Australia keen to clip New Zealand wings in slog overs
MOHALI: Australia captain Ricky Ponting said his team will need to restrict New Zealand's big-hitting batsmen in the slog overs of Wednesday's Champions Trophy semi-final.

Dwayne Bravo cleared over England ‘catch’
AHMEDABAD: The West Indies player Dwayne Bravo was on Sunday found not guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct after his controversial catch in the Champions Trophy match against England.

Dwayne Bravo cleared over England ‘catch’
AHMEDABAD: The West Indies player Dwayne Bravo was on Sunday found not guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct after his controversial catch in the Champions Trophy match against England.

Bravo not guilty of code of conduct breach
New Delhi: West Indies player Dwayne Bravo has been found not guilty of breaching the ICC code of conduct during his team's ODI in the champions trophy against England, the ICC said today.

Bravo not guilty of code of conduct breach
New Delhi: West Indies player Dwayne Bravo has been found not guilty of breaching the ICC code of conduct during his team's ODI in the champions trophy against England, the ICC said today.

Afridi offers apology to the nation on poor showing
KARACHI: National cricket team’s all rounder Shahid Afridi has begged excuse from the nation for his failing to perform in the ICC Champions Trophy.

Aussies cruise into semifinals
Mohali: Australia cruised to a six-wicket win over India in their final league match at Mohali on Sunday to enter the semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy.

Aussies cruise into semifinals
Mohali: Australia cruised to a six-wicket win over India in their final league match at Mohali on Sunday to enter the semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy.

Injured Agarkar out, India want Sreesanth as replacement
Medium pacer Ajit Agarkar was today ruled out of India's crucial Champions Trophy match against Australia after a fractured left thumb.

Injured Agarkar out, India want Sreesanth as replacement
Medium pacer Ajit Agarkar was today ruled out of India's crucial Champions Trophy match against Australia after a fractured left thumb.

Ntini 'bounces' Pakistan out of Champions Trophy
Makhaya Ntini registered his fourth five-wicket haul in ODI cricket as South Africa joined New Zealand and the West Indies in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy by beating Pakistan by 124 runs at the PCA Stadium in Mohali.

Ntini 'bounces' Pakistan out of Champions Trophy
Makhaya Ntini registered his fourth five-wicket haul in ODI cricket as South Africa joined New Zealand and the West Indies in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy by beating Pakistan by 124 runs at the PCA Stadium in Mohali.

SA team support UN fight against HIV/AIDS
INDIA: Members of the South African cricket team took time away from their busy training schedule as they prepare for next Tuesday’s must-win ICC Champions Trophy match against Sri Lanka to lend their support to some young fans who are living with HIV and AIDS.

SA team support UN fight against HIV/AIDS
INDIA: Members of the South African cricket team took time away from their busy training schedule as they prepare for next Tuesday’s must-win ICC Champions Trophy match against Sri Lanka to lend their support to some young fans who are living with HIV and AIDS.

Harmison aiming for redemption
LONDON: England fast bowler Steve Harmison is viewing Saturday’s (today’s) ICC Champions Trophy clash against Australia as an opportunity for redemption.

Harmison aiming for redemption
LONDON: England fast bowler Steve Harmison is viewing Saturday’s (today’s) ICC Champions Trophy clash against Australia as an opportunity for redemption.

Ponting, Flintoff downplay Ashes
JAIPUR: Australia captain Ricky Ponting and his England counterpart Andrew Flintoff do not believe their vital Champions Trophy match here on Saturday (today) is a prelude to next month’s Ashes.

Ponting, Flintoff downplay Ashes
JAIPUR: Australia captain Ricky Ponting and his England counterpart Andrew Flintoff do not believe their vital Champions Trophy match here on Saturday (today) is a prelude to next month’s Ashes.

Sri Lanka beat Kiwis to keep hopes alive
Mumbai: Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by seven wickets at Mumbai on Friday to keep their hopes alive of making to the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy.

Sri Lanka beat Kiwis to keep hopes alive
Mumbai: Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by seven wickets at Mumbai on Friday to keep their hopes alive of making to the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy.

India set to pardon Azharuddin
MUMBAI: India’s cricket chiefs said on Thursday they would go ahead and resurrect former captain Mohammad Azharuddin from a life of shame despite objections from the sport’s world governing body.

Harmison under no pressure ahead of vital Australia clash
JAIPUR, India: England fast bowler Steve Harmison says he will feel no extra pressure when his team clash with Ashes rivals Australia in a crucial Champions Trophy match here on Saturday.

Harmison under no pressure ahead of vital Australia clash
JAIPUR, India: England fast bowler Steve Harm