Michael Clarke new Oz skipper, Shane Watson deputy

As was expected Michael Clarke has been appointed as the new skipper of the Australian cricket team for the tour of Bangladesh, while all-rounder Shane Watson has been appointed his deputy.

Ricky Ponting, who quit from the captaincy on Mar 29, has been included in the squad for the tour to Bangladesh which starts from April 6.

Clarke, who waited in the wings for a long time said, "It is a great honour to be appointed captain of Australia but at the same time a great surprise as I wasn't expecting Ricky Ponting to stand down...I have always respected those who have come before me in this role and humbled to think of my name being mentioned alongside theirs."

Clarke when asked about the possible uneasiness of having Ponting, in the squad said, "I certainly don't think Ricky's any elephant in any room...He's been an amazing player for a long time and I think Bangladesh is going to be a great test for that, to see how it all unfolds. I know he will allow me to do my job to the best of my ability. I have a very good working relationship with Punter and I'm confident that if he can continue to play as well as he has done for such a long time, I'm certain it can work."

About the appointment of Shane Watson as the vice-captain, Andrew Hilditch, Chairman of the selectors said, "Shane Watson is a critical player for Australia's future and has been identified over the last 12-18 months as someone with leadership potential and we are sure Shane will relish the challenge of being a part of the leadership group needed to guide Australia through this exciting but challenging time."

Vettori steps down from NZ captaincy, quits T20

Speaking after his side's five-wicket World Cup semi-final loss to Sri Lanka in Colombo on Tuesday, Vettori confirmed he would retire from T20 internationals, but said he hadn't made a decision on his one-day future. He will also continue to play in the domestic T20 circuit as he is signed up with the Indian Premier League's (IPL) Royal Challengers Bangalore for the fourth season, commencing April 6, 2011.
"It's about six months to the next one-dayer so I have a lot of time to sit down and think about it and talk to my family. I may take a break but this mightn't be my last one-dayer for New Zealand. I've played my last Twenty20 match though," stuff.co.nz quoted Vettori, as saying.

"Tests are a big part of why I play the game, for team and myself, because there is no better feeling than winning a test," he added.

While disappointed that New Zealand had failed to progress to the World Cup final, Vettori said he had seen enough from his players to give him confidence about the future.

India's spotless WC record against Pak

The air in the subcontinent is tense with anticipation as old arch foes India and Pakistan get set to slug it out for a place in final of the World Cup 2011. Both teams must be buoyant coming off convincing wins in their quarterfinal match-ups, Pakistan shooting out the West Indies by a humiliating 10 wickets and India overpowering defending World Champions Australia by 5.

But what do the history books say about these two sides in World Cups? India's victory rate is around 60%, with 37 wins and 26 losses while Pakistan is just a shade lower at 36 wins from 63 matches at a success rate of 57 per cent . These two teams are no strangers to each other on cricket's greatest stages, having met 4 times in World Cups.
But facing Pakistan, India are the proud bearers of a cent per cent victory rate, having won all their four matches against these opponents in the big tournament. Let's take a quick look at when and how those wins unfolded.

The first time India met Pakistan in a World Cup match was in the 1992 edition at Sydney. Batting first, India posted a nonthreatening total of 216/7 in 49 overs maximum, with useful innings from opener Ajay Jadeja (46), Mohammad Azharuddin (32), Sachin Tendulkar (54) and late flourish from Kapil Dev (35), while leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed took 3/59. In response, Pakistan was slow off the blocks, Aamer Sohail making 62 of 95 balls and Javed Mianded 40 off 110, as their side folded for 173, thus losing the match by 43 runs. The India pace trio of Kapil, Prabhakar and Srinath took 2 wickets a piece.

Then India knocked Pakistan out of the 1996 World Cup in the high-voltage quarterfinal played at Bangalore. Batting first again, India posted a formidable 288, thanks largely to a sheet anchor's 93 from Navjot Singh Sidhu and a swashbuckling 45 off 25 balls from Ajay Jadeja. In response, the Pakistanis got off to a blistering start with the openers Saeed Anwar (46) and Aamer Sohail (55) notching up 88 runs in the first 10 overs. But then the intervention of Venkatesh Prasad (3/45) and Anil Kumble (3/48) put the breaks on the scoring and triggered a protracted collapse as Pakistan ended up 39 runs short of India's total.

The third time these two sides crossed paths in a World Cup was in 1999 at Manchester. Yet again, India batted first with decent contributions from Sachin Tendulkar (45), Rahul Dravid (61) and Mohammad Azharuddin (59) taking the side to the somewhat modest total of 227/6 in 50 overs, while Pakistani speedsters Wasim Akram and Azhar Mahmood picked up 2 wickets each. Then a career-best of 5/27 from Venkatesh Prasad shot them out for 180 with the only noteworthy innings coming from Saeed Anwar (36), Inzamam-ul-Haq (41) and Moin Khan (34).

Finally, in 2003 at Centurion, Pakistan batted first, posting a challenging total of 273 with Saeed Anwar holding the innings together with 101 and as many as 4 cameos coming from the rest of the order, while speedsters Ashish Nehra and Zaher Khan took two wickets each. Then India's Little Master launched an onslaught of a reply, racing to 98 off 75 before Shoaib Akhtar prevented him from reaching a century, before useful follow-up knocks from Mohammad Kaif (35), Rahul Dravid (44) and Yuvraj Singh (50*) took India home by 6 wickets with 26 balls to spare.

India are raring to go to make their World Cup record against Pakistan 5-zip when the two sides meet at Mohali on Wednesday. Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has stuck it to India that Tendulkar will not be allowed to make his 100th international ton in that match. Fans will hoping Tiny Ten will prove him wrong...

Ind Vs Pak WC semis: Riaz's 5 keeps India to 260

A fantastic spell of bowling from Wahab Riaz, who took 5/46, kept India to 260/9 in their 50 overs when initially it looked like the home side would have had enough momentum to cross 300. India got off to a good start with Sehwag blazing away for his 38 off 25 balls and Sachin holding the innings together with 85. The middle order underwent a semi-collapse before Dhoni (25) and Raina with an unbeaten 36, took India to their moderately competitive total of 260/9.

The final powerplay

India took their final batting powerplay with 6 overs left in the innings. Bhajji got Saeed Ajmal fine for four after which Raina struck Umar Gul for another couple of boundaries as India moved to 231/6 in 45.4 overs. Then Bhajji got Gul fine for a third four in the over. But in the next over, Ajmal had Harbhajan stumped for 12 with India at 236/7 in 46.4 over. Then Zaheer got Riaz away for a four with an unorthodox shot. Then Raina took a single off Gul to bring up India's 250. A late flourish took India to

The fall of Dhoni

Wahab Riaz returned for another destructive spell in the 42nd over, removing Dhoni with an lbw, for 25. India were delicately placed at 205/6 in 42 overs with Harbhajan Singh the new man in the middle. The runs had dried up as the Pakistani bowlers kept bowling very tightly.

Sachin goes, finally

Sachin's streak of good fortune finally came to an end when Afridi caught him at short cover for 85 off 115 off Saeed Ajmal. India were now in a precarious position of 187/5 in 37 overs with Suresh Raina the new man at the crease. Raina and Dhoni then took India to 200/5 in 40 overs.

Sachin, Dhoni fight back

After crossing 150, Sachin and MS Dhoni buckled down to keep the score-board ticking. The former was living like a cat with 9 lives as he was dropped again, this time by the keeper off Afridi. And a short while later got a similar reprieve off Hafeez's bowling when Umar Akmal put him down. India had moved along to 185/4 in 35 overs.

India lose Kohli and Yuvraj to Riaz

Almost immediately after India reached 141/3 in 25 overs, Pakistan seriously pegged them back through a burst from Wahab Riaz. The seamer first had Kohli caught at backward of point for 9 off 21 balls and then packed off Yuvraj by bowling him for a duck in successive deliveries. Pakistan were right back in the match. But Dhoni counter-attacked with a couple off fours to take India to 150 in the 27th over.

Sachin makes 50

The Little Master reached his half-century in the 22nd over when he struck Afridi for a four. The landmark would have no doubt come as a relief after he survived an array of close shaves, including a drop catch. Tendulkar then smacked Afridi for another boundary to round off he over as India climbed to 130/2 in 22 overs.

India consolidate

Sachin then retaliated, knocking two fours off Ajmal in the 15th over. In the following over, Gambhir took a single off Afridi to bring up India's 100 and the batting duo pressed on. But then Gambhir was stumped off Mohammad Hafeez for 27 as India slipped to 116/2 in 18.5 overs.

Sehwag falls
In the 6th over, first-change bowler Wahab Riaz trapped Sehwag plumb in front for 38 off 25 and India were 48/1 in 5.5 overs. India had lost a big gun against the run of play. Then the new batsman Gautam Gambhir, took a single off Gul to bring up India's 50 in just 6.2 overs.

The bowler was still having problems with his line, as he waas glanced away fine for four by Tendulkar in the next ball. After 7 overs, India were 57/1. Tendulkar had picked up from where Sehwag leftg off, carting Riaz away for two fours in the next over. India had scaled to 73/1 in 10 overs.

Close calls for Sachin

Off-break Saeed Ajmal had Tendulkar in a tight spot twice in the 11th over. First, it looked like he had the Little Master LBW, but the review showed the ball was missing leg stump and Tendulkar survived. Then three balls later, there was an appeal for his stumping which also turned out to be not out. Pakistan in the meanwhile had pulled back the scoring rate considerably.

Tendulkar got another life when in the 14th over, he was dropped by Misbah-ul-Haq at midwicket off Shahid Afridi. India were 90/1 in 14 overs.

India get off to blazing start

India's innings started in a blazing manner. In trademark fashion, Virender Sehwag got off the mark with a four off Umar Gul in the first over. But Abdul Razzak bowled a tight second over, giving away just 2 runs. However, in the following over, Sehwag clobbered Gul away for five boundaries as India raced to 27/0 in 3 overs.

Then in the fourth over, Sehwag carted Razzak for a four past mid on before Sachin Tendulkar struck his first boundary a splendid cover-drive. Then Gul came in for some more punishment, getting smashed away from Sehwag for another four and then another!

Ind beat Pak by 29 runs,set up final clash with SL

In the end Pakistan were not good enough to run down India's 260/9, falling short by 29 runs as the home side go through to the summit clash against Sri Lanka at Mumbai on April 2. Pakistan got off a to a brisk start in their innings with Mohammad Hafeez leading the charge with 43, before India pegged back the visitors as Yuvraj came to the party with a double strike to remove Asad Shafiq (30) and Younis Khan (13). India kept chipping away at the Pakistani line-up as all five bowlers used, including Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, Harbhajan Singh and Munaf Patel picked up 2 wickets a piece. Pakistan middle-order stalwart Misbah-ul-Haq stuck it out to the end with a valiant 56, which of course went in vain.

Misbah's last stand

Misbah seemed to be biding his time for the batting powerplay. In the meantime, Pakistan lost Wahab Riaz to Nehra as the visitors were reduced to 199/8. Then Misbah took a single off the same bowler to bring up Pakistan's 200 in the 46th over when the powerplay was thrust upon them. But in Nehra's next over, he got Umar Gul out lbw for 2 and Pakistan had slid to 208/9 in 46.1 overs. Then in a last ditched attempt, Misbah brought up his fifty with a six off Munaf. But in the end, the task was beyond the batsman and India won by 29 runs.

Afridi to the rescue?

Abdul Razzaq came to the crease to join Misbah with the score at 142/5 in 33.3 overs. Pakistan reached 150 in the 37th over, but almost immediately lost the wicket of Razzaq when he was bowled by Munaf Patel for 3. with captain Shahid Afridi coming to the crease. Then in the 40th over, Yuvraj nearly got the wicket of Afridi, but Nehra grassed a catch in the deep as Pakistan moved to 177/6 in 40 overs. Then after Afridi and Misbah tried to stay in the hunt by consolidating, Bhajji had the former caught for 19 off 17 ball and Pakistan had slumped to 184/7 in 41.5 overs.

Umar, Misbah fight back

In the 28th over, Umar Akmal was nearly run out but Yuvraj made a mess of it, knocking off the bails without gathering the ball. In Yuvraj's next over, Umar got stuck into the bowler, carting him for a four and six and followed up with another six in Yuvi's following over as Pakistan climbed to 141/4 in 32 overs. But Umar's defiance was cut short for 29 off 24 balls, when Bhajji bowled him with a quicker doosra asPakistan slid to 142/5 in 33.3 overs.

Yuvraj's strikes

Yuvraj Singh was brought into the attack with Pakistan at 84/2 in 19 overs. But he couldn't make any immediate impact, going for 5 runs in his first over. Asad Shafiq and Younis Khan took Pakistan to 100/2 in 23 overs. But Yuvraj came back to bowl Shafiq for 30 off 39 balls as Pakistan were reduced to 103/3 in 23.5 overs. Pakistan added just 3 more runsat the halfway stage in their innings. But then they lost Younis Khan for 13 to Yuvraj.

India scrap their way into World Cup final

India's dream of a World Cup triumph at home is one step closer after their bowlers suffocated Pakistan's batsmen to set up a 29-run victory in the semi-final in Mohali. Saturday's decider will now be a battle of the hosts, and while Sri Lanka might have been surprised by the strength of India's bowling effort, they would also have taken note of a slightly lacklustre batting performance.

In the end, India's 260 for 9 was enough as their bowlers did a fine job, but had Pakistan helped themselves, the target could have been so much more gettable. Sachin Tendulkar was dropped four times in his 85, MS Dhoni was put down once and while Wahab Riaz was extremely impressive in collecting five wickets, Umar Gul had one of his most forgettable days, wilting under the pressure of a World Cup semi-final.

By contrast, India's display in the field was much more professional, and that was the difference in a match that lived up to the extreme pre-match hype. The decision to leave R Ashwin out to make room for Ashish Nehra was an odd choice on a pitch offering plenty of spin, but Nehra and his bowling colleagues built the pressure and gave Pakistan's batsmen little to attack after they made a promising start and reached 70 for 1.

The Indians didn't give away an extra until the 37th over of the innings, and the way they put together strings of dot balls and tight overs was key to their success. Munaf Patel picked up two victims and Yuvraj Singh made up for his golden duck with a pair of wickets, but the most important breakthrough came when Harbhajan Singh bowled Umar Akmal for 29.

Akmal had struck a pair of sixes off Yuvraj, driving him over the sight screen and pulling him over midwicket, and anything was possible while he was at the crease. But Dhoni called on Harbhajan to replace Yuvraj, and with the first ball of his spell he came around the wicket and pushed one across Akmal, taking the off stump when the batsman played for the spin.

Shahid Afridi also fell to Harbhajan when he skied a catch off a full toss, and the obdurate Misbah-ul-Haq was left to steer the chase. He found it difficult to lift his tempo and was the last man out, caught on the boundary for 56 in the final over, but he ate up 76 deliveries and had he shown some more intent earlier, Pakistan might have had a chance.

It was a disappointing end for Pakistan after their top order gave them hope. Mohammad Hafeez made an encouraging 43 before a string of eight dot balls from Munaf brought a brain-fade as Hafeez tried a premeditated paddle sweep from outside off stump and edged behind to Dhoni.

Soon after, the loss of Asad Shafiq brought the Mohali crowd to life, when he tried to cut a Yuvraj delivery that was much too full and straight, and the middle stump was knocked back. Shafiq had made 30 and had displayed a cool temperament until that point, but the required run-rate started to balloon, and Pakistan never recovered.

But while India have booked a place in the final, they must hope they haven't used all their good fortune too soon. Tendulkar might be the finest batsman of his generation, but today he was the luckiest, dropped on 27, 45, 70 and 81. It seemed as though he was going to bring up his 100th international century with one of his least convincing innings.

Misbah at midwicket was the first to put him down, before Younis Khan spilled a regulation chance at cover, both off the bowling of Afridi. The third opportunity came when Kamran Akmal didn't move his hands quickly enough to a thick edge, again off Afridi, and while that was a tough opportunity, a pull to Umar at mid-on from the offspin of Hafeez should have been taken.

Before he had any of those lives, Tendulkar had survived two very tight calls on 23: an lbw decision that was given out by Ian Gould but on review proved to be spinning down leg, and a near-stumping the next delivery when he just got his back foot down in time after losing his balance reaching outside off. When Tendulkar was finally taken at cover by Afridi off the bowling of Ajmal, Pakistan's relief was evident.

Soon after, a scratchy Dhoni, who was also dropped by Kamran, made the mistake of challenging Simon Taufel on an lbw decision. Dhoni had 25 when he missed a Riaz delivery that pitched just in line and was hitting the stumps. It was the second outstanding call by Taufel, who had given Virender Sehwag lbw in a similar fashion earlier, even though the left-armer's angle meant pitching outside leg was a possibility.

Riaz was the man who Afridi had to thank for keeping Pakistan in the contest after India made a strong start and reached 114 for 1 off their first 18 overs. After Gautam Gambhir was stumped wandering down the pitch against Hafeez, Riaz grabbed two wickets in two balls - Virat Kohli caught at backward point and Yuvraj bowled by a low full toss for a golden duck.

Nobody looked as fluent as the crease as Sehwag, who took 21 off Gul (0 for 69) from the third over of the innings. What looked like a 300-plus total in those early overs became 260 when Suresh Raina helped them recover from their middle-order failures.

It was enough, but India's batsmen will need to improve if they want to lift the trophy on Saturday. For now, they can dream of their first World Cup in 28 years.

Sri Lanka through to second consecutive World Cup final

A brilliant innings from Tillakaratne Dilshan and his partnership of 120 for the second wicket with Kumar Sangakkara (54) ensured that Sri Lanka overhauled the target of 218 set by New Zealand and book their second successive appearance in a World Cup final.

The victory means that regardless of the outcome of the second semi-final between India and Pakistan on Wednesday, it will be an all Asian final at the Wankhede Stadium on April 2.

Earlier, a flurry of wickets towards the end of their innings saw New Zealand, who was looking set for a competitive total at one stage, being dismissed for a paltry 217.

Chasing 218 to win, the Sri Lankan openers started off at a brisk pace as Upul Tharanga made his intentions clear by smashing Nathan McCullum for a six in the very first over.

India one step away from World Cup glory

India defeated Pakistan in World Cup thriller to script a final showdown with Sri Lanka on Saturday. India has won all the World Cup encounters against Pakistan. The victory saw the tournament favourites sending a strong warning to the Sri Lanka as Team India set sights on World Cup immortality.

Earlier India won the toss and elected to bat first. India got to a flying start as India completed their 50 runs in the 6th over. Sehwag smashed 21 runs in the 3rd over on the innings with five boundaries.

In the middle overs India lost their way with some quick wickets. But at the end Raina played a valuable innings on 36 runs and helped India to post a fightable total of 260 runs in 50 overs.

Chasing a total of 261 runs Pakistan kept on losing wickets at regular intervals and never looked to chase the score. At the end Pakistan was all out of 231 runs in the 50th over falling 29 runs short from Indian score.

Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar was declared man of the match. Now India will face off Sri Lanka in the final at Mumbai on Saturday.

World Cup Semi-Final Preview: No Ordinary Game

Sample this: on any other day when New Zealand would take on Sri Lanka at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, there wouldn't really be any doubt who is the one favourite for the game. Maybe New Zealand would win, after all the two teams do start equal. But that is a huge maybe and unless they upset the form book, or completely destroy the proverbial applecart, many people around the world might not even notice that Lanka have been beaten in their own den.

Now sample this: if in a tournament, the next day India are to play Pakistan in a high stakes match-up, then too not many people would pay attention to what else is going around two days prior. They would talk, wonder, dream and anticipate only about this epic battle and little else would matter. As one writes this, there are two days to go before this semi-final clash happens in Mohali. The hype though has already reached a crescendo and no one, absolutely no one, is even thinking about what is going to happen in the other game. It won't matter to the people until their favourite team has made it to the World Cup final. Perhaps then they will look back, and wonder, how their opponents made it there?

The first semi-final on 29th March is no ordinary game though. It is not a match where Sri Lanka will go in thinking that they will walk over the opposition and catch a straight flight to Mumbai. It is not a match that doesn�t matter in the context of the humongous contest lined up for the next day. For, winning at Mohali may be termed 'the final before the final', yet the silverware will only be doled out on Saturday.

And one of the two teams competing then will be decided on the morrow. The hosts would do well to remember what they are up against. If Pakistan were a high flying team in international cricket last season, that would make New Zealand giant killers. That the former were not, doesn�t take away from the latter's glory however. How many of us were willing to bet on this team reaching the World Cup semis back in autumn last year?

Remember it was a time when they were being drubbed not by India, but by Bangladesh. Then they went home and got beaten by Pakistan in their own backyard. When they showed up again, bruised and everything, Australia rubbed salt in their wounds.

They are still here though and it proves that they are mentally tough and resilient on the field. You may be playing at home, in favourable conditions and on tailor made tracks, but that is one virtue in the opposition that will negate your strengths to a large extent. Against South Africa, did it matter that on a sluggish pitch their batting nearly came unstuck against one of the best attacks in the world?

That their bowling only found teeth when the Proteas lost their nerve? In fact it is a moment that we should freeze upon the one with the near-squabble between the two bunches of players. AB de Villiers had just been run-out and Faf du Plessis was getting some remarks from Daniel Vettori and his mates, and then the scenes got a bit charged up. After having suffered everything they did in the months leading up to the tournament, would you have expected them to fight it out street-style?

Fight they did and this is where the work of one John Wright should come in for heady praise. That man knows how to mentor cricketers and teams. Under him India in the 2003 World Cup made steady progress and they too had to dust off many cobwebs, despite considerable success. In comparison, at the risk of repetition, the Kiwis were down and beat. So if one were to pinpoint a turning point in their fortunes, it was the match against Pakistan and therein, Kamran Akmal's dropped catch of Ross Taylor.

The carnage that followed will go down in folklore, yet the more important context here is of what the coach could have possibly said to his wards. That this is a team that lifts its game against bigger and better sides, they have that quality! Beat the Pakistanis and you prove your ability, and let us take it from there on! Is there a doubt that New Zealand didn't follow these probable words?

The thing about encouragement is that such words can be spoken again and again, and Wright is but a master at it. Getting Vettori and his men up for the Lankan challenge wouldn't be tough for him. Having said that, a mad man will bet against Kumar Sangakkar's side trumping only if he were forced to place money at gun-point ahead of the game.

A top order that can score at will, the world's best upcoming all-round talent who is looking to burst out with energy always, a spin attack that can wind any opposition into a web and a couple of fast bowlers who know their art well that is how you would describe this Lankan side and as such they are pretty good not to be beaten by New Zealand at home. But stranger things have happened in cricket because there are weaknesses inherent in that line-up, naturally.

Their opening pair may have scored more runs than any in the competition but there is always the law of averages. If they fail, the batting is pretty much dependent on Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, and even Angelo Mathews alone cannot do much about it. Their group-stage encounter at Mumbai is evidence enough of such a collapse, just that the Kiwis weren't prepared to zero-in then. Ever since, their rise has been for all to see. One could etch out weaknesses in their probable line-up too, but that's of no use, for man to man they are inevitably lesser cricketers than their opposition.

However this is not a battle of talent. It is one of mind over matter.

Ponting to step down as Australia captain

Ricky Ponting, the most successful captain in test cricket, will step down as Australia skipper later on Tuesday but continue as a batsman with the team, local media reported.

The 36-year-old, who has led Australia in one day internationals since 2002 and tests since 2004, has been under pressure after an Ashes defeat to England earlier this year and a quarter-final exit as defending champions at the World Cup.

Cricket Australia has called a news conference for 1pm local time (0200 GMT), promising a "major announcement" involving a "senior Australian cricketer."

Michael Clarke, who stood in for the injured Ponting in the final Ashes test and for the one-day series against England that followed it, is expected to replace his mentor as skipper.

Ponting stands down as Australia captain, to play on

Ricky Ponting, the most successful captain in 134 years of test cricket, has resigned as Australia's test and one-day skipper but will continue as a batsman with the teams, he said in a statement on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old, who has led Australia in one day internationals since 2002 and tests since 2004, would relinquish both positions with immediate effect.

Sri Lanka may exploit worn pitch with three spinners

Sri Lanka may exploit a pitch used three days earlier and employ three specialist spinners for the second match in a row in Tuesday's World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in Colombo.

To New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori's consternation, the match will be played on the pitch used in last Saturday's quarter-final against England.

"They told us we are playing on the same one as England which is very surprising for us," Vettori told a news conference on Monday. "We would have thought it is mandatory to prepare a fresh wicket, but obviously not."

Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara said pace bowler Nuwan Kulasekara, who did not play against England, had performed well against New Zealand.

"Playing three spinners is a question we have to ask ourselves today. Nuwan Kulasekara has done exceptionally well against New Zealand every single time he has gone out there so he is a strong contender to play," he said.

"But the role of spinners seems to overshadow the role of pacers due to the matches being played in pitches where a lot of matches have been already played."

New Zealand have a good overall one-day record against Sri Lanka, due primarily to their home matches where green pitches and cool weather provide alien conditions for Asian teams.

The reverse will apply on Tuesday with heat, stifling humidity and a low, slow pitch.

To compound New Zealand's difficulties, Sri Lanka have the best-balanced attack in the tournament with Lasith Malinga's fast, slingy yorkers supplementing the spin attack.

MURALITHARAN DOUBT

Sri Lanka will decide in the morning whether or not to play Muttiah Muralitharan, who is suffering from knee and quadricep problems.

Sangakkara said there no question of resting Muralitharan in anticipation of a final in Mumbai on Saturday between the winners of Wednesday's clash between India and Pakistan.

But he said Sri Lanka still had plenty of spinning options if Muralitharan, who will retire from international cricket after the tournament, was not available.

New Zealand will need everything to go in their favour if they are to become the first team from their nation to advance to the final in six attempts.

Cricket-Sri Lanka v New Zealand - World Cup semi-final

Facts and figures relating to the World Cup semi-final between Sri Lanka and New Zealand (0900 GMT) at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Tuesday.

Head-to-head record:

New Zealand lead 35-33 (Tied: 1; NR: 4)

In the World Cups: Sri Lanka lead 5-3

In the sub-continent, Sri Lanka lead 16-5 (NR: 2)

Results in last five head-to-head ODIs

8 Sept 2009 Sri Lanka won by 97 runs in Colombo

27 Sept 2009 New Zealand won by 38 runs in Johannesburg

13 Aug 2009 Sri Lanka won by three wickets in Dambulla

19 Aug 2009 No result in Dambulla

18 March 2011 Sri Lanka won by 112 runs in Mumbai

* New Zealand have not beaten Sri Lanka in their last four World Cup encounters. Their last win in the tournament over the co-hosts was in 1992.

* Sri Lanka (WWW, NR, WLW) have romped into the semi-finals. Besides a slip against Pakistan when they lost by 11 runs and a washout against Australia, they have easily won their other games, including a 10-wicket quarter-final thrashing of England.

* Tillakaratne Dilshan seems to be Sri Lanka's talisman. He is the second highest scorer in the tournament with 394 runs at a strike rate of 96.33. He has so far scored two centuries, one fifty and taken six wickets at an economy of 3.66.

Cricket-Ponting steps down as Australia captain

Ricky Ponting, the most successful captain in 134 years of test cricket, resigned as the Australian test and one-day skipper on Tuesday but will continue as a batsman with the team.

The 36-year-old, who has led Australia in one day internationals since 2002 and tests since 2004, has been under increasing pressure after an Ashes defeat to England and a quarter-final exit as defending champions at the World Cup.

"Today I've decided to stand down as captain of the test team and the one-day team as of now," he told a news conference at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

"The main reason for me is I think it's the right time ... I wanted to make sure that I gave the next captain every opportunity I possibly could to make sure he has as much experience going forward in the next couple of big events that we will play."

"I will continue to play and am available for both the one day and test teams," he said earlier in a statement.

While Ponting's batting record brooks no argument, his captaincy has often been criticised as Australia has declined as a force in world cricket, with three Ashes series defeats to England in particular damaging his reputation.

Australia went to the World Cup as double defending champions but returned home after defeat to India in the last eight, their unbeaten run of matches in the tournament having been ended at 34 by Pakistan in the group stage.

On his return to Australia at the weekend, Ponting acknowledged the pressure on him and said he would consider his position before the squad to tour Bangladesh was announced on Wednesday.

Ponting bucked a poor run of form to hit a defiant century in the quarter-final defeat to India in Ahmedabad, which will only have increased his determination to continue playing international cricket.

Michael Clarke, who stood in for the injured Ponting in the final Ashes test and for the one-day series against England that followed it, is expected to replace his mentor as skipper.

Australia will play three one-dayers in Bangladesh next month with trips to Sri Lanka and South Africa scheduled for later in the southern hemisphere winter.

Ricky Ponting retires as Australia captain

Factbox on Ricky Ponting after he announced on Tuesday he was resigning as captain of Australia's test and one-day teams.

Played his first test and one-day international in 1995 and has gone on to establish himself as the one of the greatest batsmen and most successful captains the game has seen.

Has scored 12,363 test runs, including 39 centuries, and 13,288 ODI runs, including 30 centuries. Only India's Sachin Tendulkar has scored more international runs and hundreds than the Tasmanian.

Ponting has won almost every individual award on offer in the game, including being named as the ICC player of the year in 2006 and 2007, the only man to win the award twice. He was also named the ICC's test player of the year in 2006 and captain of the year in 2007.

Nicknamed "Punter", he took over from Steve Waugh as Australian one-day skipper in 2002 and led his team to victory in the 2003 World Cup, scoring an unbeaten 140 in the final. He led Australia to back-to-back World Cup titles in 2007. The only other captain to win successive World Cups was West Indian Clive Lloyd.

Ponting captained Australia in 228 ODIs for 164 wins, 50 losses and 14 ties or no results. His 164 wins remains a record for any ODI captain.

Ponting took over as Australia's 42nd test captain when Steve Waugh retired in 2004 and enjoyed instant success but his leadership soon came under question when Australia lost the Ashes to England in 2005.

Ponting avenged that defeat by steering Australia to a ruthless 5-0 whitewash against England in the 2006-7 Ashes series but the retirements of his senior players, including Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer, suddenly left him leading a young and inexperienced team.

Australia lost a rare test series at home to South Africa and were then beaten in each of the next two Ashes series, slipping down the world rankings and leading to calls for Ponting to step aside.

Ponting captained Australia in a total of 77 tests for 48 wins, 16 losses and 13 draws. His 48 wins remains a record for any international skipper, but his success was largely overshadowed by his losses and he ended his test captaincy as the only Australian skipper to lose three Ashes series.

Cricket-Most successful test captains

Ricky Ponting, who holds the record for
most wins as a captain in 134 years of test cricket, announced
his retirement as Australian test and one-day skipper on Tuesday
. Here is a list of the most successful test
captains.


Captain (country) Matches Won Lost Tied Draw
Ponting 77 48 16 0 13
Steve Waugh (Australia) 57 41 9 0 7
Graeme Smith (Sth Africa) 83 38 24 0 21
Clive Lloyd (West Indies) 74 36 12 0 26
Allan Border (Australia) 93 32 22 1 38

India superior team: By Vettori

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori today admitted that India were the superior team in the ODI series and his side lacked consistency to challenge a strong and balanced opposition.

"India scored over us because it struck a balance in every department of the game in the Test as well as ODI series," a disappointed Vettori said after New Zealand lost the fifth and final ODI here by eight wickets to suffer a 0-5 series whitewash.

Vettori, however, did not agree that his position as captain is in danger after the disappointing show. New Zealand under Vettori had lost 0-5 in their ODI series in Bangladesh before coming to India.

"I think I have led the team as well as I can. We understand the result. They change me if they feel there is a need to do it," he said at the post-match press conference.

'Tendulkar is a great ambassador of the game'

South Africa captain Graeme Smith had termed Sachin Tendulkar as "great ambassador of the game" and said his desire to become a cricketer got wings after watching the Indian batting maestro during his childhood.

Smith was a 11-year-old kid when Tendulkar first toured the Rainbow nation following the country's readmission to the international fold after decades of isolation because of apartheid.

But on Thursday, Smith will lead South Africa in the first Test against India at Centurion in what could well be Tendulkar's last tour to the country.

"He (Tendulkar) is a world class player and a great ambassador for the game," Smith said as he reminisced at an official reception for the Indian cricket team here last night.

"As a youngster I watched the games and that's where all my dreams started.

Akhar should play semis vs India: Akram

Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram feels retiring pacer Shoaib Akhtar should be included in the team for the World Cup semifinal against India even though he conceded that having the temperamental bowler in the line-up is a "big risk".

"Maybe Pakistan will play Shoaib Akhtar against India. I feel he deserves a place for sure. Wahab Riaz is bowling well but he is nothing exceptional and Shoaib could take his place.

Shoaib''s only problem in this ICC CWC has been his second spell. I have advised him to warm up before the second spell and that will help him," Akram said.

The express bowler, who would retire after the World Cup, dismissed Sachin Tendulkar in the 2003 edition to deny the Indian a century. Akram said the 35-year-old Akhtar is at his best against India.

"Shoaib against the Indians is always very dangerous. I know it is a big risk, but luck favours the brave. Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag are top-class players but against Shoaib it''s a different duel altogether. He is an entertainer and he loves the big stage," said Akram

"Saeed Ajmal bowled well against Australia. Though Pakistan can even revert to Abdur Rehman for the semis.

Probably Shahid will asses the Mohali pitch and then take a call. When a team is performing well, these are good problems to have," Akram told ''Mobile ESPN''.

India have won all the four World Cup encounters against Pakistan since 1992 and Akram predicted a close game even this time when the two sides clash on March 30 in Mohali.

"I feel that India are the favourites against Pakistan.

Though Pakistan are also playing good cricket. India are definitely strong on paper, are an experienced side. Pakistan have an edge in the bowling department, they have a better variety.

"India-Pakistan match is always a pressure-cooker affair, whether you play in front of an empty stand or in Timbuktu. It will certainly be a close game," said Akram.

No pressure for Pak in semis: Hafeez

Ahead of the highly-anticipated World Cup semi-final between India and Pakistan, Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has expressed confidence in his team, asserting that the players are under no pressure at all.

The semi-final would be held at Mohali on March 30.

Addressing the media in Chandigarh, Hafeez said that the Pakistan team was all set to take on India, armed with a battery of explosive hitters and lethal bowlers.

"We have undergone rigorous training sessions to prepare well for the World Cup tournament since the past six months. We have really worked hard to improve our cricket. Obviously, the pressure factor would be there in the World Cup, but since we are happy with our preparations, I do not think there is any extra pressure on the team just because we are up against India," Hafeez said.

"We have handled the pressure well by focusing only on the matches that we are playing, and win on that given day," he added.

Hafeez further conceded that taming an unleashed Sachin Tendulkar would be a tough challenge for Pakistan.

"The brilliance of Sachin Tendulkar cannot be expressed in words. He is a great player. Obviously, on any day, it is natural to make strategies against any opponent that you feel is strong. We will follow whatever strategies the captain and the coach of the Pakistan team tell us to follow," the all-rounder said.

"However, as a player, I think Sachin is great and no team can stop him from reaching the heights of success. Every player has certain cricket skills, and Sachin has all the skills, which make him such a tough opponent. We all should admire his skills," he added.

Meanwhile, terming the decision of the International Cricket Council (ICC) to remove Pakistan as one of the hosts of the tournament due to security concerns as disappointing, Hafeez said that the team had vowed to give their best in reviving cricket in the strife-ridden nation.

"Obviously, the fact that the World Cup is not happening in Pakistan is a major disappointment for all the cricket fans over there. It was a setback even for us as a team. However, we are doing our bit by giving our best in the tournament and performing well by playing good cricket," Hafeez said.

"By playing well in the World Cup, we are representing the strength of Pakistan and the resilient spirit of our country and we want to show the world that we are strong as a nation and that cricket will be revived in Pakistan," he added.

Afridi has united team: Misbah

Pakistan's Test captain Misbah-ul Haq feels that Shahid Afridi's greatest quality has been to bring unity in the team which has always been in the news for all wrong reasons.

"He (Afridi) listens to senior players, he takes senior players and the coaches into confidence. We decide everything with a good co-ordination, and that's why everything is going well. It's a big thing actually. There is always differences of opinion, but we always go with the captain. Everyone is standing behind him," Misbah told media persons ahead of his side's much-anticipated semi-final clash against arch-rivals India, on Wednesday.

"He has led the team by example and his aggression has been exemplary. He has bowled superbly giving us breakthroughs at the right time. It helps the team when captain is performing," Misbah added.

Misbah said the team is gelling well with the senior players, including another former captain Younis Khan, helping out the juniors.

"The team members are gelling well. The big plus is that the team is playing as a unit. Everyone is chipping in, putting the right input at the right time. Everyone is fulfilling the roles the team demands of them," said Misbah after his team's three-hour practice session at Punjab Cricket Association grounds.

He also said that presence of manager and former skipper Intikhab Alam was helping the team as he brings in wealth of experience.

Misbah said that any player-specific plan against India may backfire as "all of them are world-class."

"You cannot just single out any one individual player. All the eleven are important and we need to have strategy for all of them. We cannot take anyone lightly, all are world class players," Haq said when asked what strategy his team will adopt to tackle players like Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan.

Asked if Shoaib Akhtar will play against India, Misbah said the management is yet to give any thought on the team composition but described the retiring fast bowler as somebody who gives a "psychological advantage" against the opponents.

"He is a world class bowler who has come up with numerous match-winning performances on a number of occasions including the 1999 World Cup. Batsmen get to prepare well against pace bowling when they face him at the nets. If he does play in the coming matches, I feel it will give us a psychological advantage," Misbah said.

He said any India-Pakistan encounter becomes such a big match as the people of both the countries are involved in it.

"Every game is important in the World Cup. This game is really important, there is big fan following in both the countries and people are so involved. I think it is important for us to play well against India and the same goes for them," said the 36-year-old right hander.

Asked if there would be extra pressure on the team to perform even better in the presence of Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Misbah said, "I think that is a good thing (Gilani coming here), there is no pressure. He's helping to support us. And I think it's a good gesture from the Indian Prime Minister that he invites him (Gilani) to come here and watch the game."

No Pakistani batsman figures among the top 20 highest run-getters in the tournament but Misbah is not bothered by that stat.

"It does not matter. Most important is winning. It does not matter even if not one century is scored, but as long as we win the World Cup that's fine. If century is scored, but we are out of the tournament, then that is of no use.

"Nonetheless it helps when your batsman are scoring big 100s and are in good form. But as long as our batsmen are even making 50s, 20s, 30s and contributing to the team's win, that's good enough for the team," said Misbah, whose highest score in ODIs is 93.

On Pakistan winning their quarterfinal match easily while India had a close game against Australia, Misbah said that no game was easy even though it may look like one.

"All eight teams in the quarterfinals were top teams of the world and one could not say that playing England is easy or playing against Sri Lanka is tough as all were equally good teams," he said.

On the predictions before the World Cup that the tournament would belong to batsmen, Misbah he, "For teams, especially those outside the sub-continent, batting on slow, low bounce and less pacy wickets was an art, where one needs to build one's innings."

Mohali turns into fortress with 2200 cops deployed

The Punjab Cricket Association stadium has turned into fortress with nearly 2200 cops being put on duty for the high-profile World Cup semi-final clash between India and Pakistan which will be attended by Prime Ministers from both nations.

Anti-aircraft guns will be deployed and NSG commandos will join a large number of security personnel to provide security at the stadium, which will be primarily taken over by the elite Special Protection Group.

Police and paramilitary forces were today deployed along the routes leading to the stadium, which is about 12 km from Chandigarh's Hotel Taj, where the two teams are staying.

Security personnel also positioned themselves on the rooftops in the adjoining buildings of the stadium to maintain strict vigil.

Cricketing ties between the two countries were suspended in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008. Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has accepted his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh's invitation to watch the high-voltage match.

"Five SSPs will be posted to look into overall security. We are leaving nothing to chance. The security will be multi-layered and inner ring will be taken care of by the SPG, NSG while the outer ring will be manned by the paramilitary forces and outermost cordon by the police," Mohali's SSP, GPS Bhullar told PTI.

He said that anti-sabotage teams, teams of mounted police, 150 CCTV cameras, Quick Reaction Teams, bomb disposal and sniffer dog squads would be in place as part of foolproof security, which also included drawing up of contingency plans to meet any untoward situation.

In addition to the two premiers, a large number of top politicians from India and business tycoons including Mukesh Ambani and Vijay Mallya and other top dignitaries including those from the ICC, BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board and other member countries are expected to be present on March 30. A heavy posse of undercover securitymen have also fanned out and will remain on high alert during the match.

The City is also witnessing a surge of fans who have booked most of the hotel rooms, with virtually all star and budget accommodations being lapped up within a radius of 50 km from Mohali and Chandigarh.

A large number of fans descended at the PCA stadium today too, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars and hoping against hope to get a ticket to watch. The security has also been beefed up in neighbouring Chandigarh.

"We have made foolproof security arrangements. We have also requested members of the cricket teams and other VIP guests to inform us four hours in advance if they wish to go outside their hotel rooms so that adequate measures are made well in advance," Chandigarh's Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic and Security) H S Doon informed.

"We have deployed nearly 1200 cops around Hotel Taj and put more than double the figure on patrol duty."

According to travel agents, hotels for all budgets have been fully booked for March 29 and 30.

The stadium is expected jam-packed stands, including many Pakistani fans. Over 16,000 match tickets were sold in less than two days in the 28,000-capacity stadium while the rest were bought by the ICC to be distributed to its officials and guests.

For the first time, Chandigarh police is using jammer-installed vehicles to escort the team buses, Doon said and guests going inside the hotel are being subjected to intense frisking while media persons are not being allowed inside ever since the Indian team arrived yesterday.

Coach Wright backs New Zealand 'aggression'

New Zealand coach John Wright has praised his team's aggressive approach ahead of Tuesday's World Cup semi-final against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Wright brushed aside criticism of New Zealand's conduct in its shock quarter-final win over South Africa on Friday, when several Black Caps clashed with Proteas batsman Faf du Plessis at the end of the 28th over.

"I liked the aggression of the team," Wright told New Zealand media on Sunday. "They were very aggressive, particularly in the field. I think that's important.

"The odd thing happened but these things happen in international sport. I really like players who play with aggression and passion."

Wright, who has turned around one of the worst form slumps in New Zealand's history since his appointment last December, was more concerned by his side's batting performance.

With the Black Caps forced to defend a below-par 221 against South Africa, Wright said an improvement against Sri Lanka was crucial.

"We have to bat well, that's the key for us," he said.

"I think the boys are learning -- you need those wickets in hand going into the last overs and you set those targets.

"We'll look inwards and focus very much on trying to get better as a unit."

The International Cricket Council slapped New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori and paceman Kyle Mills with heavy fines over the ugly bust-up with du Plessis, while the South African batsman was also penalised.

Mills, who was not part of the playing eleven and only on the field as a drinks carrier at the time, has since been ruled out of the rest of the tournament with a leg injury.

The New Zealand Herald said the altercation was a "black mark" against the national side, marring a gutsy win from the underdogs.

"The New Zealanders need to ensure they don't look infantile when milling around goading the opposition. It resembles bullying," the newspaper said.

Australia sets Ponting captaincy deadline

Under-fire Australia captain Ricky Ponting was given just three days to decide his future Monday as selectors said the next one-day squad would be announced on Wednesday.

Ponting, who let slip Australia's 12-year grasp on the World Cup last week -- just three months after their heavy Ashes defeat -- has already hinted that he may step down.

Cricket Australia said a squad for next month's three-match one-day tour of Bangladesh was expected to be announced on Wednesday, effectively setting a deadline for the veteran skipper.

Ponting, 36, returned home on Sunday following Australia's quarter-final exit from the World Cup at the hands of India, saying he was considering his position this week.

"I'll have the opportunity over the next couple of days to reflect on where things are headed for me and certainly what direction I feel things are heading for the betterment of Australian cricket," the Test and one-day captain told reporters.

"I have to really decide what I think is right for me and the team going forward."

Australia play three one-day matches against Bangladesh on April 9, 11 and 13, with Ponting previously stating that he wanted to lead the team on the tour.

But Ponting has since suggested he could quit as captain, saying he was prepared to play on under the likely leadership of his deputy Michael Clarke and bat anywhere in the order.

"I see myself as a leader around the group, simple as that, whether I'm captain or not I still think I've got a lot to offer as far as leadership qualities go," he said.

Though heartened by support of team-mates and senior officials, Ponting said he was "absolutely" prepared to drop down the order and step down as captain "if that's what they (CA) and I believe is the best way forward".

Ponting, who has been under attack since the 3-1 Ashes series defeat to England, scored a fighting 104 but it was not enough to prevent India from knocking the champions out in last Thursday's quarter-final in Ahmedabad.

He has now presided over the end of Australia's 12-year run as World Cup champions after his third Ashes series defeat as captain to England.

Ponting, who has been captain for nine years, had a difficult World Cup, taking a reprimand from the International Cricket Council after smashing a dressing-room TV in a fit of fury after being run out against Zimbabwe.

He was also criticised for angrily throwing the ball to the ground after colliding with team-mate Steven Smith during their victory against Canada, and for failing to walk in the group match defeat by Pakistan.

Pitch might help seamers under lights

It will be batting-friendly for most part but the pitch at the PCA Stadium, which will host the eagerly-anticipated ICC World Cup 2011 semifinal between India and Pakistan on Wednesday, would assist seam bowlers under the floodlights.

"The ball will seam a bit under the lights," Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) curator Daljeet Singh told PTI.

He said it will be a typical Mohali wicket, with generally good pace and bounce, which is its basic nature.

Singh said the strip to be used in the game will be the same which was used for Ireland-West Indies game of the World Cup here on March 11.

India may have been undefeated against Pakistan in World Cup history, but they have been beaten by the arch foes at this venue on two previous occasions.

Singh said as dew could be a factor they would stop watering the ground three days before the match.

"We have just started to observe how much dew falls during these days," he said.

"We have also cut the grass blades low so that minimum dew sticks to them. If need arises, we may use vetting agent APSA-80, which helps to minimize dew though it does not entirely eliminate it," he added.

Asked if there were any instructions to have a particular type of wicket, he said, "We adhere to the general ICC guidelines that the pitch should generally be batsman-friendly."

He also said ICC's pitch consultant Andy Atkinson was expected to arrive here.

"I have also ensured not to over prepare the wicket as it is the end of season. I have had light rollers used for the wicket," he said.

Singh, a former player, said he was excited though not nervous before the mega match.

"I am not anxious or nervous, but I am really excited. It is those few overs that you tend to watch keenly how the wicket is behaving. I am confident that we should have a good game," he hoped.

New Zealand PM to miss WC semi-final

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key was "delighted" with an invitation to witness his country play Sri Lanka in Tuesday's World Cup semi-final, but logistics will keep him away.

Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapakse, who invited Key on Sunday, said the New Zealand premier was keen to visit, but he had just returned to the capital and there was no possibility that he could make Sri Lanka by Tuesday.

"He has said that he was delighted with the invitation, but he is unable to make it in time due to logistical problems," the president told foreign correspondents at his residence Monday.

The 1996 champions will tackle New Zealand on Tuesday for a place in the final. The Black Caps had knocked South Africa out of the World Cup by defeating them by 49 runs on Friday.

Sri Lanka will meet New Zealand for a second time in the current World Cup after their 112 run victory over the Black Caps in their Group A match in Mumbai on March 18.

The winner of Tuesday's semi-final will meet the winners of Wednesday's clash between India and Pakistan.

All roads lead to Mohali for "mother of all contests"

A tiny north Indian city has overnight become a hottest tourist destination, drawing Prime Ministers, corporate czars, showbiz celebrities and passionate fans for what is touted as the "mother of all cricket contests".

Nothing gets bigger in this part of the globe than a cricket match featuring India and Pakistan, who fought three wars since their independence from Britain in 1947.

The rivalry would be renewed in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final in Mohali in the state of Punjab and the city administration is already bracing for a logistical nightmare.

Many government and cricket officials fear the match could be a potential tinderbox given the emotions involved and some have urged the fans and the media not to hype what is essentially a cricket contest.

"It's like any other match. The media hype around the match, I think, is totally unnecessary," Pakistan team manager Intikhab Alam told CNN-IBN channel.

"We have come here to play cricket. This is not war field or anything. I'm sure you will see a great game of cricket," said the former Pakistan captain, who has coached the Punjab team in Ranji trophy.

Even South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis hoped the high-profile match would pass without anything untoward.

CRICKET DIPLOMACY

"India v Pakistan in Mohali is a spectacle not to be ignored. Like everyone else, my greatest wish is that the match takes place without any 'incident', either on or off the field," he wrote in a column that appeared in Sunday's Hindustan Times newspaper.

Former India pace bowler Javagal Srinath advised the Indian team not to let the "dream semi-final" to distract them from their ultimate goal of winning the title.

"The general perception among the Indian fans that beating Pakistan is the be-all and end-all must change," Srinath wrote in the same newspaper.

"We have to move out of that line of thinking. As a nation we have evolved and I don't think there can be any compromise on winning the final."

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Yusuf Raza Gilani will watch the match in what is billed as "cricket diplomacy".

Industry moguls are not lagging behind either.

Afridi has brought Pakistan team together, says Misbah

Captain Shahid Afridi has brought aggression and leadership to the Pakistan team at just the right time, senior batsman Misbah-ul-Haq said on Sunday.

The 1992 world champions have been unable to play international matches at home since the 2009 armed attack on the Sri Lanka cricketers in Lahore, and the recent spot-fixing scandal raised doubts about their players' integrity. The scandal deprived them of the services of Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, and there were few prepared to bet on Pakistan winning the World Cup for the second time.

But under Afridi they topped their group and then made short work of West Indies in the quarter-final to set up Wednesday's semi-final against rivals India in Mohali.

"What we needed was aggression, and Afridi, I feel, has shown enough aggression on the field. Most importantly, he leads by example," Misbah told reporters.

"He is taking wickets and coming out at the right moment to do what the team needs. He also stands by a player and encourages him to perform better."

Afridi is the leading wicket-taker in the tournament, with 21 scalps from seven matches.

Pakistan have shown plenty of discipline and teamwork despite the presence of a couple of former captains.

"There is difference of opinion at times but we finally go by what the captain says," said Misbah, who led Pakistan in the last test series against New Zealand.

"At the same time, the captain discusses things with the coach and senior players before taking a major decision. There is a good coordination among us.

"We are a well-knit unit and everyone is chipping in at the right moment and every player is fulfilling his role in the side."

The World Cup final takes place on April 2 in Mumbai.

Bangladesh ring changes for Australia one-day series

Bangladesh rang the changes in a 14-man squad named on Sunday for next month's one-day series against Australia following their disappointing World Cup campaign.

Former captain Mashrafe Mortaza and batsman Alok Kapali were recalled and Mohammad Ashraful, Junaid Siddique, Naeem Islam and Nazmul were dropped.

Uncapped batsman Shuvagoto Hom was the only newcomer included for the three-match series beginning on April 9.

World Cup co-hosts Bangladesh failed to reach the quarter-finals.

Australia, whose World Cup defence was ended by India at the quarter-final stage, are due to arrive in Bangladesh on April 4.

The three one-dayers will be held at Dhaka's Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on April 9, 11 and 13.

Bangladesh squad: Shakib Al Hasan (captain), Tamim Iqbal (vice-captain), Mashrafe Mortaza, Imrul Kayes, Shahriar Nafees, Roqibul Hassan, Alok Kapali, Shuvagoto Hom, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Abdur Razzak, Suhrawadi Shuvo, Rubel Hossain and Shafiul Islam

Match Officials For World Cup Semi-Finals Revealed

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed which umpires and match referees will be taking charge of the semi-finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

Steve Davis and Aleem Dar will stand during the clash between New Zealand and Sri Lanka and the India-Pakistan match will be overseen by Simon Taufel and Ian Gould.

Chris Broad will be the match referee for the first semi-final with Ranjan Madugalle taking over for the second game.

The full list of appointments is as follows:

29 March:Sri Lanka v New Zealand, Colombo

Chris Broad (match referee), Steve Davis and Aleem Dar (both on-field), Marais Erasmus (third umpire), Billy Doctrove (fourth umpire)

30 March:India v Pakistan, Mohali

Ranjan Madugalle (match referee), Simon Taufel and Ian Gould (both on-field), Billy Bowden (third umpire), Rod Tucker (fourth umpire)

Cricket-South Africa World Cup knockout failures

South Africa have been beaten in
each of their five appearances in the World Cup knockout stages
since their first tournament in 1992.



2011

Quarter-final, Dhaka

New Zealand 221 for eight off 50 overs beat South Africa 172
off 43.2 overs by 49 runs.

* South Africa were 108-2 with Jacques Kallis and AB de
Villiers in command but lost their next six wickets for 38 runs.

- -



2007

Semi-final, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia

South Africa 149 off 43.5 overs lost to Australia 153 for
three off 31.3 overs by seven wickets.

* Australian paceman Glenn McGrath took 3-18 off eight overs
to lead his country's attack as they skittled South Africa for a
meagre 149 which the defending champions had little problem
overhauling in just over 30 overs.

- -

2003

Did not reach knockout phase.

- -

1999

Semi-final, Edgbaston, England

Australia 213 off 49.2 overs tied with South Africa 213 off
49.4 overs.

Australia progressed to the final because they finished
higher than South Africa in the Super Six table.

* An extraordinary match ended with Lance Klusener and Allan
Donald at the crease for South Africa, needing nine runs off the
final over. Klusener promptly smashed two fours off the first
two deliveries but, following a dot ball on the third delivery,
he set off for a single on the fourth and Donald was run out
while stranded at the bowler's end.

- -

1996

Quarter-final, Karachi, Pakistan

West Indies 264 for eight off 50 overs beat South Africa 245
off 49.3 overs by 19 runs.

* A magnificent 111 off 94 balls by Brian Lara helped the
West Indies post a decent total that South Africa never really
threatened.

- -

1992

Semi-final, Sydney, Australia

England 252 for six off 45 overs beat South Africa 232 for
six off 43 overs by 19 runs under the then rain rule.

* In a weather-interrupted game, South Africa batted second
and required 22 runs off 13 balls for victory before two overs
were lost to rain and the target was reduced to 21 runs from a
single delivery.

Strauss wants his men to block out off-field setbacks

England skipper Andrew Strauss was confident his men would not get distracted by the injury and illness setbacks that have hit the team and urged them to play "intelligent cricket" in their World Cup quarter-final against Sri Lanka on Saturday.

As if losing Kevin Pietersen (hernia), Stuart Broad (side strain) and Ajmal Shahzad (hamstring) was not bad enough, all-rounder Michael Yardy was the latest to fly back home suffering from depression.

Asked if Yardy's abrupt return would impact the side, Strauss said on Friday: "I hope not... It's a massive game of cricket and a one off event. If we lose, we're on a plane home. If we win, we are in the World Cup semi-finals.

"I think as player, you are quite used to switching on and off when the situation demands it."

There is also some concern about pace bowler Tim Bresnan who underwent a precautionary scan on his calf in his right leg.

"Tim Bresnan seems to have recovered well. At this stage we are quite confident he will be fit, otherwise everyone else is fit."

The off-field events added another twist to England's rollercoaster World Cup campaign.

Their Group B tussles included a narrow escape against the Netherlands, tie against India and defeats by Ireland and Bangladesh.

The also pulled off narrow wins over South Africa and West Indies and Strauss want his men to be prepared if Saturday's match also goes down to the wire.

"We were not expecting to create high drama. We were expecting to play good cricket and qualify for the quarter-finals... It's great for the spectators that our games were close," Strauss said.

"We don't know what drama is about to unfold (on Saturday)...We have stuck together in close encounters but you never know what this game is going to throw at you.

"The wicket has been relaid, so I am not entirely sure how it is going to play. Now is the time to play good, smart and intelligent cricket."

Bowling variety gives Sri Lanka edge over England

The variety in their bowling will give Sri Lanka an edge over an inconsistent England team in Saturday's World Cup quarter-final in Colombo.

The winner of the match will fill the last available spot in the semi-final line-up and will play New Zealand on Tuesday in Colombo.

The 1996 champions have dispelled most doubts about their chances of bagging a second title with a strong batting line-up ably supporting their potent bowling attack.

An attack comprised of Lasith Malinga, Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis will delight most captains and the home conditions will make them even more dangerous.

Muralitharan, 38, who will retire after the World Cup, had a week to recover from a hamstring injury and is raring to roll his arm again.

"Murali is a guy who rises to the occasion and does really well in the big games," said Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara.

"He is fine to play and one hundred percent okay which is great for us. The side feels confident about what he can produce for us in important games and that's exactly the way we are going to look at it and that's exactly how we are going to try and play this game."

Not good news for England who have struggled throughout the tournament with inconsistency stemming maybe from a number of injuries.

In the group stages, they narrowly escaped an upset against the Netherlands, tied with India, went down to Ireland before losing to Bangladesh but somehow scraped through to the quarter-finals.

England, trying to win the trophy for the first time, lost Kevin Pietersen (hernia), Stuart Broad (side strain) and Ajmal Shahzad (hamstring) to injuries and all-rounder Michael Yardy was the latest to fly back home suffering from depression.

While Tim Bresnan is supposed to be available after an injury scare, captain Andrew Strauss refused to name his opening partner for the do-or-die match.

England have struggled with their opening pair after the departure of Pietersen and Matt Prior has failed to shine in the role so far.

"It's a big challenge for us. Sri Lanka is a good side with a lot of attacking options with both ball and bat. We are very excited about the challenge and I still think we are going out with very positive attitude," captain Andrew Strauss told reporters.

"At this stage there is nothing to lose, you got to go and win games. That sort of a mindset served us very well in the past."

The organisers will hope that rain does not play spoilsport in the humdinger as dark clouds engulfed the Colombo sky during Friday evening.

Comment: Indian Excellence Sets Up Dream Semi-Final

India answered a lot of searching questions during the course of their five-wicket win over Australia in their World Cup quarter-final in Ahmedabad. The majority of the 42,000 fans in the stadium went away happy with what they had seen and for the first time in 15 years, an Australian captain will not be lifting the World Cup trophy.

Going into the match, many questioned India's temperament - did they have what it takes to beat Australia in a match that really mattered in the latter stages of a competition? They proved they did thanks to an outstanding bowling, fielding and batting display.

Led by Yuvraj Singh's unbeaten 57 and brace of wickets, the only blemish was the mix-up which saw Gautam Gambhir run out; but Yuvraj made sure that he was there at the end to see the game through.

We also questioned whether India's batsmen could cope with the extreme pace offered by Australia's bowling attack - Shaun Tait, Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson - but they dealt with the challenge admirably. And Sachin Tendulkar shone through once again, his half-century taking him past the mark of 18,000 One-Day International runs. It is surely inconceivable that anyone will ever score that many again.

A word for Ricky Ponting, who came into the game in no sort of form and under intense pressure - not something he has become unused to following the recent dip in his side's performances - only to produce a fine century.

Although he was able to deliver when his country needed it most, few of his colleagues, with the honourable exceptions of Brad Haddin and David Hussey, were also able to weigh in, resulting in Australia setting India a target that they always knew, provided they didn't lose wickets in the way they have been throughout the tournament, would be attainable.

Yuvraj, on the other hand, in and out of the side in the last 12 months, has come into form at just the right moment. He has now scored 341 runs in the tournament, with a century and four half-centuries to his name. He averages the small matter of 113.66 and has also taken 11 wickets at 24.63 including a maiden five-wicket haul against Ireland.

What we now have in store is the match-up that many cricket fans will have been dreaming of as India and Pakistan meet in what promises to be an unmissable semi-final in Mohali on 30th March.

Yuvraj has an excellent record against Pakistan and India have never lost a 50-over match in a World Cup against their arch-rivals. However, Pakistan showed how strong they were with a ruthless demolition job against the West Indies in the opening quarter-final having finished on top of a competitive Group A.

They do have recent history of beating India in Mohali and have already gone way further in the tournament than they did in both 2003 and 2007. Aiming for a repeat of 1992, when they won, and 1999 when they reached the final, they will need their own talisman - Shahid Afridi - to inspire them as Yuvray has been inspiring India thus far.

As far as predictions go - as Chetan Narula says during his latest Cricket World @ The World Cup podcast, it will come down to who handles the pressure and the situation the best on the day.

One thing is for sure - it is a game nobody can afford to miss.

Lorgat Welcomes Newspaper Apology For Fictional Claim

International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Haroon Lorgat has welcomed a front-page apology from The Times of India after the newspaper published a fictional story alleging corruption during the ICC Cricket World Cup.

The paper ran a story on its website on 22nd March claiming alleged spot-fixing during the group game between Australia and Zimbabwe.

The apology read as follows: "The Times Of India carried a story on its website on March 22 alleging that the match between Australia and Zimbabwe had been spot-fixed.

"We apologise to Australia, Cricket Australia and the ICC for any embarrassment caused by this. We also accept that at no stage has the ICC ever confirmed or suggested the match was fixed. The story has since been taken off the website."

Lorgat added: "The story was not only fictional but was also damaging to the image of cricket. I am pleased that the Times Of India, took a responsible step and corrected the facts at its earliest opportunity."

Following the match, which Australia won by 91 runs, Australian team officials strongly denied that the slow start to their innings had been investigated by the ACSU.

Oram Bowls New Zealand To Win Over South Africa

Jacob Oram took four wickets to bowl New Zealand to a 49-run ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 quarter-final victory over South Africa in Dhaka.

At the halfway stage of the game, South Africa looking in a good position having restricted New Zealand to 221 for eight but the Black Caps hit back to bowl the Proteas out for 172 in 43.2 overs.

Only Jesse Ryder, who made 83, had many answers to a stern examination offered by South Africa's bowlers, for whom Morne Morkel returned three for 36 but the New Zealand bowlers then produced an even more impressive display.

Fellow quick bowler Dale Steyn and leg-spinner Imran Tahir both grabbed a brace of wickets with left-arm sopnner Robin Peterson striking early, removing Brendon McCullum caught and bowled for four, to also pick up a wicket.

Neither New Zealand opener was able to get going as Martin Guptill was caught by Johan Botha off Steyn for one to leave the Black Caps in early trouble at 16 for two.

However, Ryder, who faced 121 balls in a necessarily patient half-century, and Ross Taylor, who made 43 in 72 deliveries, put the innings back together with an important 114-run stand for the third wicket.

Although they batted as the situation demanded, they would both have been disappointed to have been dismissed within range of milestones that might have pushed the New Zealand team up to a far bigger total; both men succumbing to catches off the bowling of the impressive Tahir, who has now taken 14 wickets in the tournament.

Kane Williamson was the only other batsman to make a start, ending the innings unbeaten on 38 in 41 balls as wickets tumbled at the other end.

Morkel bowled scott Styris (16), Jacob Oram (7) and Daniel Vettori (6) while Steyn had Nathan McCullum caught by JP Duminy for six.

Unbeaten on three was Luke Woodcock as New Zealand, like South Africa, opted for a three-pronged spin attack.

However, it proved to be Oram who was the star man with the ball, as he dismissed Graeme Smith (28), Francois du Plessis (36), Johan Botha (2) and Robin Peterson without scoring to deny South Africa the chance of any further progression in the tournament.

New Zealand got a stroke of luck early on in South Africa's innings when Hashim Amla (7) chopped Nathan McCullum onto wicket-keeper Brendon McCullum's boot with the rebound being safely taken by Daniel Vettori at slip.

Oram then took a superb catch to dismiss Jacques Kallis off the bowling off Tim Southee for 47 and McCullum starred again, returning three for 24 with the wickets of JP Duminy (3) and Steyn (8).

The key wicket for New Zealand was that of du Plessis, who was holding the innings together and although wickets were falling at the other end, his knock of 36 in 43 balls gave South Africa a ray of hope.

That was extinguished when he was caught by Southee off Oram in the 43rd over and the curtain came down on South Africa's campaign when Morkel was caught off the bowling of Woodcock for three.

New Zealand will now play the winners of the quarter-final between England and Sri Lanka.

India-Pak WC semifinal a dream match: Yuvraj

His dream of guiding India to a win over Australia in the World Cup realised, star batsman Yuvraj Singh is now focussing on the semifinal clash against arch-rivals Pakistan, saying the much-anticipated game would be a battle of equals.

Yuvraj struck an unbeaten half century after claiming two wickets last night to collect his fourth man of the match trophy in the ongoing World Cup.

Looking ahead to the semifinal clash against Pakistan at Mohali on March 30, Yuvraj said it would be another dream game.

"The India-Pakistan game is going to be another dream game after India-Australia. It's a great victory for India today. We would be playing our best cricket against Pakistan.

Sachin Tendulkar completes 18,000 runs in ODIs

Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar completed 18,000 runs in limited-overs internationals on Thursday during his innings against Australia in the World Cup quarterfinal.

Tendulkar, who has scored the most runs and centuries in both Test and one-day cricket, pushed a delivery from pace bowler Brett Lee through covers to get to the mark as he moved from 44 to 45.

The 37-year-old Tendulkar had a reprieve on 47, his skied edge off Brett Lee falling inches in front of Jason Krezja at third man.

He pulled Shaun Tait for two in his next over to bring up his 94th ODI 50.

But then his innings came to and. He almost got another life on 53 when he edged Tait behind and started walking, but was called back so the umpire could check for no-ball, suspecting Tait may have bowled from too wide in the crease.

A lengthy review by the TV umpire showed Tait's delivery was legal and Tendulkar was out, making India 94-2 in the 19th over chasing 261 to beat the four-time champion Australians.

Tendulkar is a long way clear of the other batsmen in the ODI scoring list.

Sri Lankan Sanath Jayasuriya is second with 13,428 runs, while Australian captain Ricky Ponting is third on 13,288. Ponting scored 104 on Thursday.

New Zealand vs South Africa world cup 2011 3rd Quarter Final at Mirpur Preview

The 3rd Quarter Final of the world cup 2011 will be played tomorrow between one of the world cup favorite South Africa and New Zealand at Mirpur. South Africa has played one of there best world cup so far and had looked the most dominant team while New Zealand has pulled couple of good performances after beating Pakistan and Canada convincingly.

For the proteas for the 1st time there bowling has looked more dangerous than there batting. Whether its there spinners or there pacers all of them have performed in atleast 1 match. What it has been witnessed for the 1st time from South Africa is that they have played 3 spinners together and all of them have complimented each other while New Zealand bowling has looked thin in the absence of Daniel Vettori and the kiwis would be looking for there captain to return for the big match. The most satisfying thing for New Zealand is that Ross Taylor has come back into the form with his blistering innings against Pakistan and Canada.

Pitch and conditions

The pitch would play as it usual low annd slow but there is well amount of grass that has been left. Hot and humid weather is expected, and so dew could come into play if evening is cloudless, although its impact should be minimal.

South Africa (probable): 1 Graeme Smith (capt), 2 Hashim Amla, 3 Jacques Kallis, 4 AB de Villiers, 5 JP Duminy, 6 Morne van Wyk (wk), 7 Johan Botha, 8 Robin Peterson, 9 Dale Steyn, 10 Morne Morkel, 11 Imran Tahir

New Zealand (probable): 1 Brendon McCullum (wk), 2 Martin Guptill, 3 Jesse Ryder, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Kane Williamson, 6 Scott Styris, 7 Jacob Oram, 8 Nathan McCullum, 9 Daniel Vettori (capt), 10 Tim Southee, 11 Kyle Mills.

Cricket-Midas Yuvraj powers India to dream semis

Australia shed sweat and even blood in a desperate bid to prolong their 12-year reign as world champions but Yuvraj Singh's Midas touch sustained India's billion dreams in Thursday's see-saw quarter-final.

The 29-year-old southpaw claimed 2-44 and returned to smash an unbeaten 57 to script India's five-wicket victory that set up a blockbuster World Cup semi-final against arch-rivals Pakistan on Wednesday.

He collected his fourth man-of-the-match trophy in the tournament and the left-hander reckoned he probably is going through the best phase of his career.

"I think so," Yuvraj told a news conference after receiving a standing ovation from the assembled media.

"Earlier, whatever I was touching was turning into mud. Definitely things have changed," he said, referring to his bad patch prior to the tournament.

Yuvraj said he was playing the tournament for a "special person".

"That I will tell you if we reach the final," he said, refusing to reveal the identity of the mystery person.

Ricky Ponting's 30th one-day international century in what was probably his last World Cup match powered the four-times champions to 260-6 and India initially produced a fumbling response despite half-centuries from Sachin Tendulkar (53) and Gautam Gambhir (50).

Brett Lee's dive to save a boundary that left him with a nasty cut near his eyebrow and a bloodied cheek symbolised Australia's desperation but Yuvraj's unbeaten 74-run partnership with Suresh Raina ended a glorious Australian era.

Ponting, however, disagreed.

"I don't think so. I think it's premature to say that it was an era in cricket. It was a brilliant game tonight... against a very good Indian side on their home soil," he said.

Cricket-Australia v India - World Cup scoreboard

Scoreboard in the World Cup
quarter-final between Australia and India at the Sardar Patel
Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday.



Australia innings
S. Watson b Ashwin 25
B. Haddin c Raina b Yuvraj Singh 53
R. Ponting c Zaheer Khan b Ashwin 104
M. Clarke c Zaheer Khan b Yuvraj Singh 8
M. Hussey b Zaheer Khan 3
C. White c & b Zaheer Khan 12
D. Hussey not out 38
M. Johnson not out 6
Extras: (lb-2 w-9) 11
Total: (for six wickets, 50 overs) 260

Did not bat: B. Lee, J. Krejza, S. Tait

Fall of wickets: 1-40 2-110 3-140 4-150 5-190 6-245

Bowling: Ashwin 10-0-52-2 (1w), Zaheer Khan 10-0-53-2,
Harbhajan Singh 10-0-50-0 (4w), Patel 7-0-44-0, Yuvraj Singh
10-0-44-2, Tendulkar 2-0-9-0, Kohli 1-0-6-0



India innings
V. Sehwag c Hussey b Watson 15
S. Tendulkar c Haddin b Tait 53
G. Gambhir run out 50
V. Kohli c Clarke b D. Hussey 24
Yuvraj Singh not out 57
M.S. Dhoni c Clarke b Lee 7
S. Raina not out 34
Extras: (lb 3 w 16 nb 2) 21
Total: (for five wickets; 47.4 overs) 261

Did not bat: Ravichandran Ashwin, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer
Khan, Munaf Patel

Fall of wickets: 1-44 2-94 3-143 4-168 5-187

Bowling: Lee 8.4-1-45-1 (3w), Tait 7-0-52-1 (2nb, 6w),
Johnson 8-0-41-0 (2w), Watson 7-0-37-1 (1w), Krejza 9-0-45-0,
Clarke 3-0-19-0, Hussey 5-0-19-1



Result: India won by five wickets

Australia won the toss and decided to bat first

India defeat Australia, will play Pakistan in semis

Yuvraj Singh played an innings of a lifetime to steer India to a historic World Cup quarterfinal victory over title holders Australia by 5 wickets. The win sets-up a dream semi-final between India and Pakistan on the green Mohali.

After winning the toss, Australia managed to post an extremely competitive total of 260/6 against India on a spinning Motera pitch, setting up the most exciting World Cup match so far. Australian captain Ricky Ponting stood-up to the task with his fifth World Cup century, sixth against India.

It was India's first win over Australia in a World Cup tie since the 1987 Reliance Cup where Allan Border's men went all the way. Yuvraj Singh was declared man of the match.

India and Australia prepared for do or die game

An epic battle is on the cards between the top two ODI teams when India cross swords with three-time defending champions Australia in what promises to be a high-voltage quarterfinal of the cricket World Cup here on Thursday.

The two ageing warriors would like to stamp their superiority and propel their side to the last four stage on March 24 at Motera's Sardar Patel Stadium.

Both teams have had a chequered run into the second stage of the competition and are also conscious of the fact that from here on there`s no second chance to bounce back unlike in the group stage which is bound to create extra pressure and produce jangled nerves.

Australia, the highest ranked ODI team in the world, have clearly lost that aura of invincibility even in this format after having been toppled from their high perch in the Test arena.

India, Australia game is a mini final: Tim Nielsen

Australian coach Tim Nielsen said that his team was hoping to meet India in the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and would be treating the quarter final as mini final against the co-host India in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

"The adrenaline will certainly be flowing and playing in front of their home crowd in Ahmedabad will be exciting and a challenge for us," Nielsen said. "We've got no fear now; we know we're in the knockout stage.

India has played Australia in 15 one-dayers at home in the last five years, and Australia have won nine of those matches. Nielsen said he remembered the pressure Australia faced when they played the World Cup at home in 1992, and said things would be no different for India.

''We need to get a platform for our batting to expand and score quickly. The grounds are huge, the outfields lightning fast. If you can get in, then when the ball is changed after 34 overs you've really got an opportunity to score quickly.''

Five important things India must do to beat Aussies

Playing in the subcontinent, Australia not the Australia of old, a World Cup semifinal at stake and a chance to fulfil Sachin Tendulkar's dream, India can not ask for better opportunity to show defending champions the door out of the tournament.

To beat Aussies India should focus and cover these five important things:

Sehwag must fire

Virender Sehwag is pivotal to India's semifinal dream that he slits the Aussies like he did against the Bangladesh in the inaugural game. We know he wants to bat 50 overs but even if he stays for half, Australia will be taken care of.

Open bowling attack with spin from one end

Dhoni opened the bowling attack with spinner at one end against the West Indies. The Indian skipper should continue with that tactic on two counts: first, Australia's indecisiveness against spin and second, no other pacer except Zaheer living up to the challenge.

Use Zaheer more with old ball

Zaheer Khan is the good bowler of old ball and that he showed many time in the recent games. Dhoni should use him more with the old ball to get benefit from his reverse swing.

Bring in Sreesanth to fight fire with fire

India should bring in Sreesanth in the place of Munaf. The suggestion might raise a few eyebrows but it can't be denied that if Sreesanth can get his skill and brain to sync, he can douse the Aussies with his spark.

Do not think too much about batting powerplay

Much has been said and written about it and India's dismal show in those tricky five overs, which led to their repeated collapses in the group stage. But India don't need to strategise about it and instead should think that if they play the rest of the 45 overs as well as they can, these five will automatically fall in place.

World Cup is the most important tournament of my life: Sachin

Months before the start of the 2011 World Cup, the entire cricket community was abuzz with the talk of how this was one of the most important tournaments for the genius of Indian cricket, Sachin Tendulkar.

Sachin is playing his last World Cup and is focusing on the task on hand. But, just a day before Team India's all important quarter-final against defending champions Australia, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar has finally came out in the open and conceded that the ongoing cricket World Cup in the sub-continent is indeed the most important tournament of his illustrious cricket career.

A victory in what in all probability is his last World Cup would be the icing on the cake and would be the ideal parting gift for the man who has done more for Indian cricket than any other cricketer.

"Yes, it is the most important tournament of my life," Sachin said. "Everyone wants the team to do well. I need to focus all my energies on how to go about doing my job," he added.

No further role for Shoaib Akhtar in WC

Pakistan's fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who is set to retire from international cricket after the ICC World Cup 2011, is unlikely to play any further role for Pakistan in the ongoing tournament.

Akhtar seems to have lost favour with the team management, including skipper Shahid Afridi, after conceding 28 runs in a single over in the World Cup league match against New Zealand on March 8.

"Shoaib basically has lost favour of the captain, coach and some of the other players after the game against New Zealand," The Nation quoted a well-informed source, as saying.

"Some of the players are not happy with the way he reacted after the New Zealand innings in Pallekele and behaved with wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal," the source added.

According to sources, the Rawalpindi Express is unlikely to feature in Pakistan's quarterfinal match against West Indies on Wednesday.

Shoaib had a heated argument with Kamran after the wicketkeeper dropped catches off his bowling during their World Cup Group A game against New Zealand, leading to a tense atmosphere in the dressing room.

However, Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi dismissed suggestions that Akhtar had come to blows with Kamran after he dropped Ross Taylor twice in the space of three deliveries.

"Nothing happened between Shoaib Akhtar and Kamran Akmal. Nothing serious," Afridi was quoted as saying.

Ponting's captaincy could face its Waterloo at Ahmedabad

Captain Ricky Ponting is the likely casualty if co-hosts India end Australia's 12-year World Cup dominance in their Ahmedabad quarter-final on Thursday.

Former players and pundits have been urging the stubborn Tasmanian to step down since the test side's Ashes defeat to England on home soil in January. There were further calls for his resignation after the Australians lost to Pakistan in the World Cup group stages last Saturday.

All-rounder Brendon Julian, who played 25 one-day matches for Australia, said on Wednesday that Ponting should quit the one-day game but remain as test captain.

"He owes nothing more to one-day cricket...I think it's an ideal time for him to step out of one-day cricket," Julian told Fox Sports.

"I don't think he really needs to step down and keep playing for Australia (in one-day internationals).

"I think there are good enough players out there now that can step into that spot and do it quite well."

Julian's comments follow calls from former captain Ian Chappell, batsman Doug Walters and fast bowler Geoff Lawson for Ponting to fall on his sword.

Rarely a study in tranquility at the best of times, the pressure has appeared to tell on Ponting, who was dismissed cheaply during the loss to Pakistan which ended Australia's record 34-match unbeaten streak.

The 36-year-old has struggled for runs and was also rapped by the International Cricket Council for damaging a television in the team's dressing room after he was run out during their victory over Zimbabwe.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

He then lost his temper after a collision with all-rounder Steve Smith when taking a catch during the win over Canada last week, glaring at his team mate before slamming the ball into the turf in anger.

Ponting has managed a highest score of only 36 in five innings at the tournament and has gone the last 17 ODI innings without a century. His last half-century came in June.

A loss to India would represent the first time that Australia have failed to make a World Cup final since 1992 and would place pressure on Cricket Australia to make quick changes at the top.

The governing body ordered a review into the team's performance following the Ashes defeat, with former captains Allan Border, Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh commissioned to find ways to make Australia more competitive.

Further pressure on Ponting has come from Michael Clarke's form as the one-day captain. The 29-year-old batsman led Australia to a 6-1 series defeat over England prior to the World Cup.