2012 ICC World Twenty20 to be kicked off tomorrow (Schedule and Details)

The 2012 ICC World Twenty20 will be the fourth ICC World Twenty20 competition, an international Twenty20 cricket tournament that will be held in Sri Lanka between September 18 and October 7, 2012. The schedule The schedule has been posted by ICC. This will be the first World Twenty20 tournament held in an Asian country, the last three being held in South Africa, England and the West Indies respectively.

 

2012 ICC World Twenty20 to be kicked off tomorrow (Schedule and Details)

Twelve (12) teams are going to fight out their hearts in the latest edition of the ICC World T20. The teams include Sri Lanka (the host), Zimbabwe, Australia, Ireland, Afghanistan, India, South Africa, New Zealand, Bangladesh, West Indies, Pakistan and England.

Teams are divided into four groups for the initial round as follows:

Group A – England, India, Afghanistan
Group B – Australia, West Indies, Ireland
Group C – Sri Lanka, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Group D – Pakistan, New Zealand, Bangladesh

After the intial round two tema from each group will qualify for the second round - Super Eight (Super 8, S8 round) and two groups will be formed having 4 teams in each group.

 

For Super Eight (Super 8/S8) Round .... Continue reading below:

 

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Asia Cup Cricket 2012: India need Lankan favor to play the tournament final against Pakistan

DHAKA, Bangladesh (Tue, Mar. 20) – In the final league match of 2012 Asia Cup Cricket Tournament hosts Bangladesh will take on Sri Lanka today (Tuesday, March 20) here at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur.

Sri Lanka is already out of the tournament; but they have to play for their pride. On the other hand; the thrilling victory of Bangladesh over India on Friday not only prevented the tournament to be meaningless until the final, but it also kept India on the edge even after an exciting win over Pakistan the other day. 

Asia Cup Cricket 2012: Updated Points Table (March 19)

According to latest team positions on points table; India is placed on second spot with eight points and Sri Lanka is on the third spot with four, having one match in the pocket. If Bangladesh manages to produce the same cutthroat performance, as they did against India, they can manage to win the match that will throw India out of the contest once again. 

Continue reading below:

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Aizaz Cheema shines as Pakistan register second victory in Asia Cup

DHAKA, Bangladesh (Fri, Mar. 16) – Pakistan confirm their berth in the Asia Cup 2012 final, scheduled on March 22, beating Sri Lanka comprehensively by 6 wickets yesterday.

Aizaz Cheema shines as Pakistan register second victory in Asia Cup

Pakistan not only beat Sri Lanka; but also earned a bonus point by achieving the target of 189 under 40 overs. Now Pakistan is on top of the points table with 9 points followed by India with 4 points and Bangladesh. Sri Lanka is just out of the tournament with the recent defeat in the hands of Pakistan.

Electing to bat first, after winning the toss, Sri Lanka had a poor start; but Upul Tharanga (57) and Kumar Sangakkara (77) played well to rescue their team. After Saeed Ajmal trapped Tharanga, the wickets kept on falling due to impressive bowling by Pakistan bowlers and the whole Lankan team sent back to pavilion for just 188.

Continue reading and watch full match highlights below:

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Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir Smash Centuries to Help India Get a Winning Start in Asia Cup

DHAKA, Bangladesh (Wed, Mar. 14) – The second match of Asia Cup 2012 was played yesterday between India and Sri Lanka at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur. India comprehensively beat Sri Lanka by 50 runs and leading the points table with a better net run rate (NRR).

Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir Samsh Centuries to Help India Get a Winning Start in Asia Cup

India’s cricketing reputation was on stake after the debacle in the recent series in Australia and they fought well to restore their pride to some extent. The all-round performance by the men in blue helped the team to get confidence back a bit.

Sri Lanka won the toss and invited India to bat first, the decision which proved even worse than the one taken by Mushfiqur Rahim in the match against Pakistan on Sunday.

Though, India lost little master Sachin Tendulkar on very early stages of the innings but Gautam Gambhir and man-in-form Virat Kohli played memorable innings to help india pile up a massive score of 304 on the cost of just three wickets. Both, Kohli and Gambhir, completed their centuries with a difference of just one ball; but could last long after they overcome the pressure of nervous nineties. 

See the updated points table and continue reading below:

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Aizaz Cheema sparkled as Pakistan outclassed Sri Lanka to win the single T20I by 5 wickets

ABU DHABI, UAE (Nov. 26) – Young Pakistani pacer Aizaz Cheema sparkled as Pakistan finishes the series against Sri Lanka in a great style winning the only Twenty20 International by 5 wickets after a nail-biting fight today (Fri-Sat, Nov. 25-26) here at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium Abu Dhabi.

Aizaz Cheema picked up 4 wickets conceding just 30 runs

Batting first after winning the toss and opting to bat first Sri Lanka got a flying start courtesy to some blazing batting by skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan (28) and Upul Tharanga (12). At one stage Sri Lanka was poised to post a huge total around 180 when they were 87/3 in 9.2 overs. But they lost their way afterwards due to some superb bowling by Pakistani bowlers and all the team sent back to pavilion on just 141.

Dinesh Chandimal played a sparkling knock of 56 runs off 4 balls. Pakistan’s right-arm medium pacer Aizaz Cheema claimed four wickets and three of them were in a single over when he picked up Dinesh Chandimal, Thissara Perera, and Lasith Malinga in 19th over. Umar Gul bagged the last two wickets in final over of Sri Lanka innings and Sri Lanka out for 141 with 3 balls to spare. Saeed Ajmal and Muhammad Hafeez also shared apiece each.

Continue reading and watch highlights below:

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Pak v SL (5th ODI) -- Final Showdown Without Shahid Afridi and Mahela Jayawardene

ABU DHABI, UAE (Nov. 23) – Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in the final One Day International (ODI) of 5-match series today at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. Pakistan has an unassailable 3-1 lead in the one-day series with the fifth and final match to be played today (Wednesday, Nov. 23). With the last victory Pakistan has improved their ODI ranking to fifth spot.

Shahid Afridi Picked up Mahela Jayawardene in 4th ODI

The last match is crucial in the sense that to maintain the fifth position in international ODI ranking Pakistan have to win the last match and if Pakistan lose the match they will slip to the sixth spot.

Fourth ODI proved to be all-Afridi match as he played a brilliant innings of 75 runs and then crushed Sri Lankan batting line-up with some superb bowling. He claimed 5 wickets in this match. Only 15 players have scored more than 50 runs and claimed 5 or more wickets in the same ODI match; but Shahid Afridi is the only one who has done it twice.

Read more … below:

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Masterly Crafted Innings by Skipper MS Dhoni Led India to Become New World Champion

MUMBAI – India emerges as the new ‘World Champions’ beating Sri Lanka by 6 wickets margin. 

Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni led India to the title after long period of 28 years; especially skipper MS Dhoni played an unforgettable innings of 91 runs off just 79 balls. 

India lost their first wicket without a single score on the board when Lasith Malinga trapped inform Virender Sehwag (0) plum in front of stumps and the second strike was even more important when little master Sachin Tendulkar (18) fell on total score of 31 runs. ..... Read More

India v Sri Lanka: Big World Cup Final Today - - No Rain Expected to Hurt Final

MUMBAI - The big final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 will be played today (Sat/Apr 02) between India and Sri Lanka at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. 

The fixture promises to be a real thriller not as big as the second semi-final between Pakistan and India; but it is expected to be a crusher as first time in the World Cup history two Asian nations will be battling it out for ultimate pride.

 

Read Full Report HERE.

Sri Lanka v India (ICC World Cup Final) - - Pre-match Analysis: Number Game, Injury Blows and Probable Squads

MUMBAI – India all set to take on Sri Lanka tomorrow (Saturday/April 02) at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The fixture promises to be a real thriller not as big as the second semi-final between Pakistan and India; but it is expected to be a crusher as first time in the World Cup history two Asian nations will be battling it out for ultimate pride.

Sri Lanka is having injury woes of spin master Muttiah Muralitharan and all rounder Angelo Mathews; but the latest news suggest that Muralitharan will take any kind of risk to play the big match; which happened to be his last appearance on International arena. Sri Lankan management has already called-up veteran seamer Chaminda Vass and off-spinner Suraj Randiv as stand-by players to fulfil any contingency vacuum subject to approval of ICC. 

Read More >>>>>>>>>>>>>> HERE.

Lasith Malinga, Muralithran, Dishan and Sangakkara Led Sri Lanka to Final of the World Cup

COLOMBO – Sri Lanka sailed through to final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 after beating New Zealand by 5 wickets. 

Semi-final stage is proved to be the last stage for New Zealand yet again on sixth time in the world cup history. The Black Caps appeared in their sixth World Cup semi-final since losing to eventual winners the West Indies in the inaugural edition held in England in 1975. Since then New Zealand lost to England (1979), Pakistan (1992 and 1999) and Sri Lanka (2007) and today in 2011 they lost to Sri Lanka.

New Zealand fought hard but just managed to delay the inevitable as Sri Lanka reached the target of 218 runs in 48^th over. Sri Lanka was 160/1 at one stage and but quick three wickets fall with addition of just nine runs made them feel some heat of the semi-final. New Zealand got their hopes back to qualify fro dream final; but sensible innings by Thilan Samaraweera and Angelo Mathews led Sri Lanka through with 13 balls to spare. 

Read More >>>>>>>>>>>>. HERE.

Will New Zealand Qualify for their First Ever World Cup Final ..?? - - Ross Taylor is Confident (Analysis and Prediction)

COLOMBO – ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 is heading towards it end. Last three matches are still to be played that will decide the new champion of the world of cricket. 

In the first of the two semi-finals co-host Sri Lanka will take on confident Black Caps. New Zealand team came to the World Cup when cricket pundits were grading them as maximum-quarterfinal team; but the way they fought back from no where it’s quite impressive. 

The Black Caps will appear in their sixth World Cup semi-final since losing to eventual winners the West Indies in the inaugural edition held in England in 1975.

Since then New Zealand lost to England (1979), Pakistan (1992 and 1999) and Sri Lanka (2007) but ace batsman Ross Taylor believes New Zealand can make history by qualifying for a first World Cup final by beating co-hosts Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

 

Read More >>>>>>>>> HERE.

England Back to Pavillion After Humiliating Loss in Quarterfinal Against Sri Lanka

COLOMBO – Sri Lanka set a semi-final clash against New Zealand beating England by huge margin of 10 wickets at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Sri Lankan openers, Tillakaratne Dilshan (108*) and Upul Tharanga (102*), smashed blazing unbeaten centuries to lead Sri Lanka to an easy victory. 

England never looked like in the match from the beginning; while Sri Lanka seemed on the top in both of the innings, first with the ball and then with the bat.

 

Read More >>>>>>>>>>>>>. HERE.

World Cup (March 18): Sri Lanka v New Zealand (Watch Highlights)

MUMBAI – Watch the exciting moments of the match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand after the Jump.

The magic of Muttiah Muralitharan works as Black Caps topple on 153 and lost the match by huge margin of 112 runs. Spin wizard claimed 4 wickets, including important wicket of inform batsman Ross Taylor; while Nuwan Kulasekara, Angelo Mathews, and Tillakaratne Dilshan picked up one wicket each. Ajantha Mandis picked 2 Kiwi batsmen. 

Earlier, Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara played an important knock of 111 runs to take Sri Lanka to a formidable total to challenge New Zealand batting line up. He was very well accompanied by his deputy Mahela Jayawadene with his 66 runs. Angelo Mathews also played a handy unbeaten knock of 41 runs.

Tillakaratne Dilshan shines with ball and bat in the victory against Zimbabwe

KANDY – Zimbabwe after showing a brave fight in the start fell short of 139 runs to huge target of 328 set by Sri Lanka. Brendon Taylor and Regis Chakabva provided a solid start 116 runs; but the middle-order and lower order couldn’t able to take the same spirit.

Actually the day totally belongs to Tillakaratne Dilshan. First he dominated the Zimbabwe by the bat and then with the ball claiming 4 wickets. Muttiah Muralitharan also picked up three wickets.

Earlier, Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan set a new first wicket partnership record in the world cups. This is first ever first wicket double century partnership for Sri Lanka.

Read More and check updated Group 'A' Points table >>>>>> HERE.

Record of Saeed Anwar and Wajahat Wasti is Broken by Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan in match against Zimbabwe

KANDY – Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan set a new first wicket partnership record in the world cups. Both of the Sri Lankan openers are playing confident innings and after 35 overs Sri Lanka is on 213/0. 

This is first ever first wicket double century partnership for Sri Lanka.

Partnership of Tharanga and Dilshan broke the record of 194 by Pakistani openers Saeed Anwar and Wajahat Ullah Wasti, made against New Zealand at Manchester in 1999 World Cup. 

Tillakaratne Dilshan has completed his century in the process and playing on 113 while Tharanga is batting on 92.   

Earlier, Zimbabwe has won the toss and invited Sri Lanka to bat first. Tillakaratne Dilshan is the part of the team; as the news about positive test of Dilshan just proved to be a rumour.

Sri Lanka Off to a Flyer Courtesy to Tillakaratne Dilshan Against Zimbabwe

 

PALLEKELE – Sri Lanka off to a flying start mashing 24 in first two overs at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Tillakaratne Dilshan on the swing here and in furious mood.

Earlier, Zimbabwe has won the toss and invited Sri Lanka to bat first. Tillakaratne Dilshan is the part of the team; as the news about positive test of Dilshan just proved to be a rumour.

Both teams have announced their final eleven for the match as follows:

Teams:

Zimbabwe (Playing XI): Brendan Taylor, Regis Chakabva, Tatenda Taibu(w), Craig Ervine, Elton Chigumbura(c), Gregory Lamb, Graeme Cremer, Ray Price, Prosper Utseya, Chris Mpofu, Tinashe Panyangara

Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara(w/c), Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Silva, Angelo Mathews, Nuwan Kulasekara, Thissara Perera, Lasith Malinga, Muttiah Muralitharan

March 10 (World Cup): Today's Match Summary, Group Position and Tomorrow's Match Schedule

NEW DELHI - - India won their match against Netherlands by 5 wickets. Netherlands did a good job to let Indians feel some heat in the middle when they picked up 5 wickets on 139 on the board. But MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh led India to an easy victory at the end. Yuvraj Singh completed his second successive half century and claimed man of the match award yet again for his confident batting and impressive bowling as he claimed 2 wickets today. 

The victory of India doesn’t change the team positions in the Group B team standing rather India made their 1^st position even strong by bettering their Net Run Rate from 0.77 to 0.99. See the points table above for all team positions in Group A.

 

Read more for today's result and points table:

India v Netherlands (Group A) - March 09: India won by 5 wickets (Match Summary and Team Positions in Group B)

 For Tomorrow's match schedule and probable squads:

March 10: World Cup Schedule - Sri Lanka will take on Zimbabwe (Live Streaming)

Tillakaratne Dilshan used prohibited medicines: Dope Test Result

KANDY, Sri Lanka – As per the latest reports about Cricket World Cup; Sri Lankan opener Tillakaratne Dilshan has been positively tested for using of prohibited medicines/substance.

According to Sri Lankan media; the news came after the positive results of doping test of the Sri Lankan opener. Further investigation is underway but the ICC has not commented on the issue.

Australia-Sri Lanka World Cup Fixture Washed Out Due To Heavy Rain at Colombo

COLOMBO – One of the most important and much-awaited match between co-host Sri Lanka and defending champions Australia was destroyed by heavy rain today at R. Premadasa Stadium at Colombo.

Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first; but the openers Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne DilshanTillakaratne Dilshan perished early in the innings. Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar SangakkaraKumar Sangakkara had a good little partnership if 40 odd runs before Jayawardene fell short of a direct throw from Steven SmithSteven Smith, who had a stunning catch of Upul Tharanga in the start of the innings.

 

 

Read More >>>>>>>>>>>>> HERE. 

Now the World Cup group round is heading towards finishing and all the teams are trying to establish their positions in the respective groups to qualify for the knock out round. To know the latest team positions in both of the groups, click HERE.

Sri Lanka Treated Kenya Brutally to Get on The Top of Group 'A'

COLOMBO – Sri Lanka thrashed Kenya by 9 wickets. Openers, Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan, started the 143-run chase in a brutal way smashing Kenyan bowlers all over the park. They just lost Dilshan after scoring 44 runs off just 30 balls before reaching trivial target. Kumar Sangakkara (27 runs off 24 balls) joined Tharanga (67 runs off 59 balls) in the same fashion and finished the game in just 18.4 overs.  

Earlier, Kenya won the toss and elected to bat first. Kenyan innings wrapped up for paltry 142 courtesy to half centuries by Obuya brothers. Collins Obuya scored 52 off 100 balls; while David Obuya made 51 runs off 106 balls. No other batsman succeeded to enter into double figure score.    

To Know Updated Group 'A' Position and Read More Click HERE.