ICC Champions Trophy 2009 - 2nd Semi-Final

New Zealand vs Pakistan

Date: October 3rd Time: 12:30 (GMT)

Pakistan. A big semifinal. Ring any bells? Minds race back to Eden Park, 1992 and the match to find the World Cup finalist to play England in Melbourne. New Zealand, with captain Martin Crowe in the form of his life, hit 262 for seven, roared on by a full house. Pakistan were behind the play until a large, and largely unknown, young man put down his cream doughnut, ambled out and belted 60 in 37 balls to rip the game from a shattered home side. The legend of Inzamam-ul-Haq, wonderful batsman, hopeless runner between the wickets and champion eater, was born. Two other semifinal contests: at Old Trafford in 1999, New Zealand's 241 for seven was no match for the outstanding Saeed Anwar and the long forgotten Wajahatullah Wasti who carried Pakistan to 242 for one. But at Nairobi in 2000, New Zealand beat Pakistan in the Champions Trophy semifinal - 255 for six overtaking 252 - en route to winning the title. New Zealand would be advised not to peruse too closely the country's ODI record on neutral turf against Pakistan. There are six wins against 18 defeats in 24 matches. A couple of the losses were abysmal, both in Sharjah which, while technically neutral, was decidedly Pakistan's patch, with conditions more to their liking, and backed by a large expatriate community. In 1986, New Zealand were rolled for 64 in 35.5 overs. Evan Gray got 17; no one else made double figures, as Abdul Qadir and Wasim Akram did for them. Four years later, same place, same opposition, same outcome. Andrew Jones made 47 out of 74. There were eight extras. Martin Crowe was next highest with five. Akram and Waqar Younis had a field day. Those two scores remain two of New Zealand's three worst in ODIs. Some days were better than others. Their first clash on neutral turf, at the World Cup in 1983 at Birmingham, produced a 52-run win in a game in which Pakistan's chase began from the unpromising 0 for 3. Pakistan has contributed its share of greats to the game. Imran Khan, among cricket's finest allrounders, was an immensely stabilising influence, most notably when he steered Pakistan to victory in the 1992 World Cup. Quick bowlers like Akram and Younis, the legspin genius Qadir, terrific batsmen such as Hanif Mohammad, Majid Khan, Javed Miandad, Zaheer Abbas, big Inzy and, of the present team, Mohammad Yousuf - formerly Yousuf Youhana - sit comfortably in the highest company. When the 1995 team arrived in New Zealand from Australia, they had two decent wicketkeepers, Rashid Latif and Moin Khan. Moin had played in the first two tests in Australia, both of which were lost. Latif came in for the final match at Sydney, and snapped up six catches and two stumpings as Pakistan won by 74 runs. Upon arrival in Christchurch, a senior player opined to a New Zealand journalist that their chances were good because "at last we have put the right wicketkeeper in the team". On the record, too. Divisions, whether based on where players hailed from, or simply built on strong personality differences, meant there were often undercurrents at work. Match-fixing and ball-tampering claims have blighted Pakistan's name from time to time, but should not hide the fact that, along with plenty of lows, they have had their glittering moments. So have New Zealand. Neither country might rate among the heavyweights, either in financial or playing terms down the generations, compared with Australia, England, South Africa and, more latterly, India. But both have frequently punched above their weight, and both have relished bloodying big brother noses. One of them will get another chance to do that in Tuesday's final. Source: www.nzherald.co.nz Let's watch who will be the winner...

ICC Champions Trophy 2009

(1st Semi-Final)

Australia vs England

Date: October 2nd Time: 12:30 (GMT)

If Test cricket is the sport's pinnacle and Twenty20 the future, it's timely the 50-over game had its pulse checked.

The Champions Trophy tournament has put the 50-over game back to the forefront of world cricket the past fortnight, but it's clear the game faces an uncertain future compared to the other two formats.

Critics of the middle version argue it needs rejuvenaton to reduce the predictability of quick start, tedious middle and slog at the finish.

Some, like Shane Warne, have called for the abolition of the one-day game, which was first played in the early 1970s and became an international staple in the 1980s.

It is the format many fans grew up on, and the wheel that keeps television money spinning.

But at its worst it is utterly forgettable, with too many formulaic games and too many meaningless tournaments outside the World Cup.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who has spent almost a whole year of his life playing one-dayers for his country, has noticed the International Cricket Council (ICC) trying to boost the format given the surge in Twenty20's popularity.

"They're trying to pump up the 50-over game which right at the moment it probably needs," Ponting said at the Champions Trophy in South Africa.

"The Twenty20 being as successful as it has been for the world game, I think it's important that the administrators do as much as they can to promote the game, but more importantly the players play the game the right way as well."

Most players argue there is a place for one-day games, but administrators have provided an insight into the changing view of the 50-over game.

The England and South African boards have moved to scrap the format from their domestic competitions, and instead favoured 40- and 45-over competitions respectively.

Cricket Australia has no plans to follow, but no longer hosts a triangular one-day series each international summer after it became too drawn out.

Short and sharp are the buzz words in world cricket now, and to that extent, the sixth Champions Trophy has been successful.

Having the world's best eight teams in two groups of four meant all pool matches mattered.

Spicing things up further were upsets, as New Zealand and England reached the semi-finals and South Africa and India missed out.

But attendances have been low despite all the games being staged in South Africa's populous highveld and organisers making tickets cheap - entry to pool games cost 35 Rand (about $A5) and the most expensive tickets to Monday's final are 120 Rand (about $A20).

Low crowds are a far cry from this year's Twenty20 world championship in England, where packed stadia made for a great atmosphere amid slogging.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said the game's controlling body believed there was a place for 50-over cricket amid a tight schedule, and was confident the format could attract new fans.

"Provided we've got quality and the best cricketers competing, you will attract spectators," he said.

Lorgat said the ICC was always considering innovations, but ruled out introducing major changes before the 2011 World Cup.

To look at the schedule would not raise any concern over the future of 50-over matches, as games are constantly scheduled.

But before this tournament began, South Africa captain Graeme Smith said it was vital the number of meaningless matches were reduced so not to dilute the game's attraction.

So maybe a short, sharp tournament comprising the best sides is not the right time to check the one-day game's pulse.

Perhaps it would be more accurate to assess the 50-over game's worth during the monotony of too many games with little riding on results, such as Australia's recent 6-1 series over England.

Ponting felt seven games between cricket's oldest rivals was too many.

How must he feel about playing the seven against India starting late October?

© 2009 AAP

Let's watch who will be the winner...

ICC Champions Trophy 2009

(11th Match, Group A)

Australia vs Pakistan

Date: September 30th Time: 07:30 (GMT)

Australia captain Ricky Ponting is confident his side can control its destiny and beat Pakistan in Wednesday's crucial Champions Trophy match in Centurion.

A win at SuperSport Park would earn Australia top spot in the group and a semi-final against England.

Pakistan are already through to the final four, along with New Zealand.

An Australian loss would open the door for India to overtake them, as Mahendra Singh Dhoni's side plays the West Indies, the weakest side in the group.

Ponting said it was good to know Australia did not have to rely on other results and could focus solely on beating Pakistan.

"The destiny is in our own hands, we know what we have to do, we've got to continue to play well and continue to improve," he said.

"That's been the pleasing thing for me over the past few weeks, every game we've played we've been there or thereabouts, so we're heading in the right direction."

Although Australia will again be without vice-captain Michael Clarke, who is heading home because of back soreness, Ponting was confident the batsmen were in good enough form to handle Pakistan.

He was also confident opener Shane Watson could make snap his recent lean trot, which has stretched to three straight ducks - one in the last one-dayer in England and two in South Africa.

"The one-day game can grab hold of you like that," Ponting said.

"Although he hasn't made any runs I'm confident he'll make them in the next game."

Pakistan will consider resting captain Younus Khan and fellow batsman Imran Nazir, who are both nursing finger injuries.

They could also call on paceman Mohammad Asif, in what would be his first international in over a year after a series of doping issues and an arrest for possessing drugs.

Younus said the side was keen to build on its momentum.

"When you have good form you want to carry on with that and play good cricket, because if you lose you have to start again," he said.

Australia (from): Ricky Ponting (capt), Shane Watson, Tim Paine, Mike Hussey, Cameron White, Callum Ferguson, James Hopes, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Nathan Hauritz, Peter Siddle, Adam Voges, Ben Hilfenhaus, Doug Bollinger.

Pakistan (from): Younus Khan (capt), Fawad Alam, Iftikhar Anjum, Imran Nazir, Kamran Akmal, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Aamer, Mohammad Yousuf, Mohammad Asif, Naved-ul-Hasan, Saeed Ajmal, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Umar Gul.

The match is scheduled to start at 9.30am (5.30pm AEST).

© 2009 AAP

Let's watch who will be the winner...

ICC Champions Trophy 2009

(12th Match, Group A)

India vs West Indies

Date: September 30th Time: 12:30 (GMT)

As the bookmakers have clearly showed with their tight odds, India should face no challenge when they meet the West Indies in the final pool match of this year’s Champions Trophy on Wednesday.

The under strength and final team of the Champions Trophy format, which includes the top eight cricket playing nations, the West Indies were always going to struggle against the top nations considering the likes of captain Chris Gayle decided to sit out the tournament due to a contract dispute.

That left a team of Calypso kids led by journeyman captain Floyd Reifer to battle the world’s best and they haven’t disgraced themselves either. If their batsmen could have put on a few more runs they might have snuck home with a victory against Pakistan while their match against Australia was a decent hit out.

India should make light work of the team however and need to if they are any chance of making the semi-finals.

The washout against Australia in their last match was the worst possible outcome after an earlier loss to Pakistan.

India must now not only flog the West Indies but also hope Pakistan beat Australia.

The sub-continent juggernauts have the batting power to do just that with Gautam Gambhir, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni all of which can score a century and if another batsman can get at least half of that well they are on their way to a big total.

The West Indies pace attack of Gavin Tonge, Tino Best, and Nikita Miller will need to strike early and make India push the runs which will in turn cause more wickets to fall because as the cricketing world knows, India has a tendency to be a house of cards once the pressure is applied.

The Caribbean batsmen have nothing to lose and will want to cement a claim to be considered for selection once the contract disputes are resolved. That means Devon Smith, Travis Dowlin, Floyd Reifer and Andre Fletcher can simply launch an all-out attack against India’s quicks.

Ashish Nera, Ishant Sharma and Praveen Kumar will want the exact opposite and will need to pitch the ball up in Johannesburg if they want to victory to give them a shot at claiming the world number one spot.

Let's watch who will be the winner...

ICC Champions Trophy 2009

(10th Match, Group B)

England vs New Zealand

Date: September 29th Time: 12:30 (GMT) Ground: New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

England have already qualified for the semi-finals while New Zealand need to win this game to move ahead. In case of an England victory, Sri Lanka are in with a chance to go ahead depending upon the overall net run rates. So keeping in view all the permutations, it's hard to predict anything as yet. England have been playing really well beating both Sri Lanka and South Africa. They looked a completely different team than the one which recently lost to Australia 6-1 at home. With a winning streak on, England will be going all out for a win. The batting has clicked well and Owais Shah and Paul Collingwood's good form give good hope. While Eoin Morgan has proved to be a revelation for England scoring consistently and briskly. England will hope that their openers score more runs as the tournament gets into the business end. In bowling it has been a case of so far so good for England but they will have to keep working hard as New Zealand batsmen will be giving it their all today. After a good show against Sri Lanka, Black Caps have got their destiny in their own hands now. However, the loss of Jesse Ryder will be a big one who will miss out due to injury. New Zealand need to give another fine all round display as it's a do or die game for them. In bowling they need some more oomph as Shane Bond hasn't been able to make a substantial impression.

Let's watch who will be the winner...

ICC Champions Trophy 2009 - 9th Match, Group A

Australia vs India

Date: September 28th Time: 12:30 (GMT)

Allrounder James Hopes admits Australia will draw on the incentive to eliminate India from the Champions Trophy cricket tournament by winning Monday's day-night clash at Centurion. Australia can secure a semi-final berth with victory, which would also ensure Pakistan reach the final four, while India would miss out. Hopes admitted the rivalry Australia had with India in recent years would add to the contest, especially given the high stakes. "They're one of the favourites to win the tournament I would assume, so we've been given the chance to put them out and we're looking forward to hopefully doing that," he said. "Now it comes down to one game to see whether we have to win on Wednesday (against Pakistan) to get into the semi-finals, or whether we can go straight through and put India out. "It's going to be a high-pressure game, it's going to be good to play in." Australia won their opening pool game against the West Indies, while India lost their opener to Pakistan. Hopes said Australia were capable of improving even though they had won seven of their past eight one-dayers. "While we're not playing outstanding cricket we're not losing too many games," he said. "That's becoming a bit contagious around the group and we're not expecting to lose tomorrow." Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke is in doubt to play because of back stiffness. Australia (from): Ricky Ponting (capt), Tim Paine, Shane Watson, Mike Hussey, Callum Ferguson, Shane Watson, Adam Voges, James Hopes, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Nathan Hauritz, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus. India (from): Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt), Abhishek Nayar, Amit Mishra, Ashish Nehra, Dinesh Karthik, Gautam Gambhir, Harbhajan Singh, Ishant Sharma, Praveen Kumar, Rahul Dravid, Rudra Pratap Singh, Sachin Tendulkar, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan. The match is scheduled to start at 2.30pm (2230 AEST). © 2009 AAP Let's watch who will be the winner... WATCH MORE CHANNELS

ICC Champions Trophy 2009

South Africa vs England

Date: September 27th Time: 12:30 (GMT)

England coach Andy Flower has revealed that he didn't support captain Andrew Strauss's decision to reprieve Sri Lankan batsmen Angelo Mathews during the victory in the Champions Trophy on Friday night. Strauss withdrew England's appeal after Mathews had been run out following a collision with Graham Onions while going for a second run, allowing the Sri Lankan to return to the crease. It was act of sportsmanship that has garnered much praise for Strauss, but Flower feels his captain was overly generous. "I would definitely have not recalled him," said Flower. "But Strauss is a good man and I trust him completely. "He made his decision and I back him on that, I just wouldn't have done it myself. I would have sent the batsman on his way. He ran into the bowler. Simple deal." England take on hosts South Africa today in the day-night encounter at Centurion would send England into the final four of the mini-World Cup at the earliest opportunity. Victory would be a tall order but England have made a habit recently of winning when not fancied having arrived at the competition as one of the outsiders, given their one-day thrashing by Australia, but humbled in-form Sri Lanka by six wickets with plenty to spare. "Look, we are huge underdogs going into [the game]," said Flower. "Everyone realises that. It doesn't mean we can't win the game - we were underdogs going into the game against Sri Lanka, we were underdogs going into the Ashes series - but we will have to be right on top of our game to do so." Source: www.guardian.co.uk Let's watch who will be the winner... WATCH MORE CHANNELS

ICC Champions Trophy 2009

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka

Date: September 27th Time: 07:30 (GMT)

Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara is looking forward to an improved performance from his team in a crucial Champions Trophy match against New Zealand here on Sunday. Sri Lanka's batting display against England on a lively track here on Friday left a lot to be desired as they could make just 212 before losing by six wickets. "No defeat is good. We like to win every game. We've got to do a lot better and we can do a lot better. Everyone knows that. We have one day to review things and get back," Sangakkara said after his team's defeat. Sri Lanka will strengthen their chances of making it to the semi-finals with a victory on Sunday, having already beaten South Africa by 55 runs in their opening match. South Africa and Sri Lanka both have one win apiece after two matches in the four-team group, while England won their opening game. New Zealand have lost their first match. The top two teams will qualify for the semi-finals. "Every game is important in the Champions Trophy. We need to improve our fielding. If we beat New Zealand we are in the semi-finals, almost there," said the Sri Lankan captain. "The key is to get the processes right and make sure that we cover all the areas. Everyone has got skills, but it's a matter of what you do with it on the match day." Sangakkara said his team needed to adjust quickly to the conditions here. "If there's a bit of movement for the bowlers, I am sure captains will bowl first. But once you see the wicket, you need to adjust quickly," said the Sri Lankan skipper. Sri Lanka found England's pace too hot to handle on Friday as they lost four wickets for a meagre 17 runs before Thilina Kandamby and Angelo Mathew steadied the innings with half-centuries. "It's always tough when you are 17 for four. But you've got to make sure that you adjust quickly. We need to fight back in the next game (against New Zealand)," said Sangakkara. Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved Let's watch who will be the winner... WATCH MORE CHANNELS

ICC Champions Trophy 2009 - 6th Match, Group A

India vs Pakistan

Date: September 26th Time: 12:30 (GMT)

CENTURION, South Africa — Pressure will be the name of the game when Pakistan clash with arch-rivals India in a Champions Trophy match here on Saturday. "We have a balanced side, but it depends on the day how we handle pressure against a side like India. Whoever handles the pressure will win," Pakistan captain Younus Khan told reporters on the eve of the match. "It will be a big game, but I want to take it as a normal game. When you put a lot of pressure on yourself, you collapse. At the moment, I will just try to motivate my boys that it is another game." Younus, who returned to lead the side after missing the opening match against the West Indies due a finger injury, said he was lucky that his team had talented youngsters who knew nothing about pressure. Pakistan were well-served by teenagers Mohammad Aamer and Umar Akmal in their five-wicket victory over an under-strength West Indies side. While left-arm seamer Aamer grabbed three wickets, man-of-the-match Akmal scored an unbeaten 41. "They (youngsters) don't know about the pressure and that's a good thing. When I was young I also had no fear. I am lucky I have players who don't know about pressure. That is a plus point," said Younus. "Youngsters play for themselves and the country without pressure. I will not put pressure on them. This is a key thing." Younus said he was keen to play in the big match despite not having recovered fully from the injury, suffered during a warm-up game. "Maybe if it wasn't India I would've skipped this match. I had a fracture and could have skipped the matches against India and Australia, but these are big games," said the Pakistani captain. "If you don't perform in a big tournament you have to face the consequences. I have been told to rest for four weeks, but I am looking at the big picture. "Who knows I may perform tomorrow and that performance will be remembered because I played with a broken finger. If I score a hundred and become man of the match and win the match. That is the big picture." Younus said he was ready to play through pain and perform for the country. "I needed to motivate myself for this. Maybe an injection tomorrow and I might play in pain. We're all used to playing in pain. Self-motivation has to be there to get up and play for the country. "I am not 100 per cent fit, but the big picture is why not come out and do something for the country which they will remember for ages." Younus said his team needed a win not only against India, but also against other big teams. "Not only against India, we also need a couple of good wins against Australia, Sri Lanka and South Africa, like in the Twenty20 World Cup (in England this year) when we won it," said Younus. "We're not fighting as it's sport. Myself and (India captain) Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be happy and calm." Source: Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved Let's watch who will be the winner... WATCH MORE CHANNELS

ICC Champions Trophy 2009 - 5th Match, Group A

Australia vs West Indies

Date: September 26th Time: 07:30 (GMT)

Australia and New Zealand have both been given permission to replace injured players Nathan Bracken and Jacob Oram in their respective Champions Trophy squads. The International Cricket Council's technical committee confirmed Australia could replace Bracken with fellow New South Wales seamer Doug Bollinger, while the Black Caps have brought James Franklin in for all-rounder Oram. Bracken was ruled out of the tournament on Thursday due to a long-term knee problem while Oram strained his left hamstring to allow Franklin the chance to make his first ODI appearance since the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean. Bollinger, 28, has played just three ODIs for his country all of which came during Australia's series against Pakistan in United Arab Emirates earlier this year. The 28-year-old is now free to play in Australia's first game of their Champions Trophy defence against West Indies in Johannesburg on Saturday. Franklin could make his return in New Zealand's second game of the tournament against Sri Lanka on Sunday. The Black Caps lost their opener to tournament hosts South Africa yesterday by five wickets. Source: Copyright © 2009 The Press Association. All rights reserved. Let's watch who will be the winner... WATCH MORE CHANNELS