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Scorecard and ball-by-ball details

Jamaica claimed a thrilling one-run win over defending champions Guyana, who failed to score the 12 runs required off the final over bowled by Marlon Samuels, to move into the final of the Stanford 20/20. Jamaica will now face Trinidad and Tobago in Sunday’s title clash.Guyana had a pathetic start to their chase of 143. They slumped to 42 for 5 by the 11th over against some tight bowling by the pace duo of Jerome Taylor and Darren Powell and the spin of Marlon Samuels. Travis Dowlin hit a boundary on the first delivery of Guyana’s innnings but he made a quick return to the pavilion after miscuing a shot off Taylor. Samuels was introduced into the attack as early as the fifth over and he found success first-ball, dismissing Sewnarine Chattergoon. Powell then struck twice in the next over; he cleaned up Shivnarine Chanderpaul (10) with a yorker before having Lennox Cush caught behind. Guyana were staring down the barrel when captain Ramnaresh Sarwan holed out to Shawn Findlay at long-off while stepping out against Samuels.However, Guyana’s lower order adapted themselves to the task better than the top half. Royston Crandon took the lead by dispatching three sixes and a boundary in his 14-ball 35 as he attempted to bring down the required run-rate. By the time he was dismissed, Guyana needed 28 off 21 with three wickets in hand. Mahendra Nagamootoo struck a couple of fours in his 15 and the Jamaican think-tank decided to hand over the last-over duties to Samuels. A boundary was conceded on the first ball, but only two runs came off the next three deliveries. Derwin Christian took a couple off the fifth ball, and with a last-ball four needed, he only managed to hit the ball one-bounce to long-on to set about frenetic celebrations by the Jamaican team.Put in, Jamaica were pegged back when Findlay was dismissed without scoring by Esuan Crandon, who returned to trap Gayle in the fifth over. But Samuels changed the course of their inning when he took 11 runs off a Crandon over before he chopped a delivery from left-am spinner Neil McGarrell onto his stumps for a run-a-ball 26. Danza Hyatt consumed 21 balls for his first ten runs before he freed his arms, blasting McGarrell for 14 runs in the 12th over, after which he turned his attention to Crandon, whom he hit for a brace of sixes. Hyatt found ideal support from Xavier Marshall, with whom he added 91 runs for the fourth wicket.But Guyana pulled things back after Cush, the offspinner, claimed the first hat-trick in Stanford 20/20 history. In the 19th over, he bowled Hyatt for 59 with a flighted delivery, induced a false stroke from Wavell Hinds, who found the long-on fielder, before he completed the ‘trick when Xavier Marshall, after scoring 31, came down the track and hammered the ball straight to McGarrell at long-on.

Scorecard
St. Lucia notched up an easy win over Cayman Islands in the opening match of the Stanford 20/20 at the Stanford Cricket Ground in Coolidge, Antigua. Set 135 to win, Cayman Islands stumbled to 88 for 8 to lose by 46 runs and be knocked out of the 20-team tournament.Replying to St. Lucia’s 134 for 8, Cayman Islands found it difficult to maintain a high scoring rate, reaching 46 for 2 at the ten-over mark. This was due to some tight bowling by new ball bowler Xavier Gabriel, along with first and second change bowlers Gary Mathurin and Alleyne Prospere, who bowled three overs each for nine and 10 runs respectively. Captain Pearson Best was the only batsman to get a start, but he was trapped by medium-pacer Cyrille Charles for 24. Cayman Islands lost three more wickets – Keneil Irving (1), Michael Wright (2) and Ryan Bovell (1) – within the space of ten runs to sink to 55 for 6, and the St.Lucia bowlers just had to complete their alloted overs.Earlier, St. Lucia, got off to a poor start after choosing to bat, stumbling to 27 for 3 by the fourth over. But Cletus Mathurin, who scored a patient 47-ball 39, partnered with Sergio Fedee (17) to add 60 runs for the fourth wicket. Fedee was brilliantly run out by Conroy Wright, who received the US$10,000 prize for the Play of the Day, for throwing down the stumps for short third man. Mervin Wells contributed 20 towards the end to stretch St. Lucia’s score while offspinner Saheed Mohamed claimed three wickets. Mathurin earned the Man-of-the-Match award for his knock, which was the highest score in the match.

Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson, in his tour report on the away series against India, has advised against the selection of Shoaib Akhtar for Tests, so that the fast bowler can prolong his international career.”I have made that suggestion [that Shoaib should not be considered for Tests], but I have spoken to Shoaib about it and the idea is it would prolong his career,” Lawson said yesterday. “Maybe he would be better just playing ODIs because of his reliability factor for Test match cricket.”A lot of players are doing it — specialising in one mode. I just feel that he is important for the team and if he is more comfortable in the one-day mode, he should concentrate on it instead of Test cricket.”Shoaib has only played four Tests since 2007, and though he took nine wickets at 33.11 in the three-Test series against India, he was plagued by injuries, missing out of the most part of the third Test in Bangalore.Meanwhile, Shoaib is in further trouble with reports that the PCB have filed a strong chargesheet against him for his comments against the board after being overlooked for a central contract, and his subsequent refusal to explain his comments. His latest tiff with the board could result in a life ban as he is on a two-year probation period, as part of the punishment he received for his infamous altercation with Mohammad Asif at the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa last August

Group A

Khalid Latif, the former Pakistan Under-19 captain, made his way to a career-best 153 as Karachi Whites posted 391 against Multan at the UBL Sports Complex. Latif was at the crease for close to nine-and-a-half hours and faced 449 balls, hitting 11 fours and three sixes. Latif was able to extend his overnight score of 70 with the help of wicketkeeper Javed Mansoor (40), with whom he added 90 runs for the sixth wicket. By the close of play, Multan had lost the Tariq brothers – Hammad and Usman, for the addition of 29 runs.At the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, at 227 for 8, still needed 18 more runs to claim the first-innings lead against Hyderabad. They were led by skipper Ijaz Ahmed jnr, who scored 72 off 176 balls, with seven fours. Left-arm spinner Pir Zulfiqur ensured that Hyderabad were kept in the hunt with figures of 4 for 50.Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) bowled out group leaders Habib Bank Limited (HBL) for 138 to claim the first-innings lead at the Sheikhupura Stadium. Kashif Raza, the right-arm medium-pacer, took 5 for 55 and was assisted by seamer Azharullah, who had figures of 3-30, as three top-order batsmen from HBL fell without scoring. Opener Rafatullah Mohmand scored 52 off 138 balls, and along with captain Hasan Raza (32)and Humayun Farhat (23), ensured that HBL went past the 100-run mark. Earlier, WAPDA could only add four runs to their overnight first-innings score to be bowled out for 194; left-arm spinner Mohammad Aslam finishing with 5 for 28. By the close of play, WAPDA had stumbled to 46 for 3, but more importantly, extended their lead to 102.Lahore Ravi were propelled to 371 after a maiden first-class hundred from Waqas Ahmed, who put the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) bowlers to the sword at the Lahore Country Club. Waqas, the No. 9 batsman, resuming on his overnight score of 54, smashed his way to 114 off 79 balls with 13 fours and four sixes. SSGC made a positive reply, reaching 169 for 3 when stumps were drawn. Opener Asif Zakir was still at the crease, unbeaten on 90 off 167 balls.At the Jinnah Stadium, Pakistan Customs reached 80 for no loss to even out the first-innings lead gained by Sialkot. Opener Usman Ahmed, with 63 not out, led the Customs’ response after Sialkot had scored 225 in their first innings to claim an 80-run lead. Faisal Khan (66) and wicketkeeper Khalid Mahmood, who scored 55 off just 53 balls, were the best Sialkot batsman on view.

Group B

Abbottabad, relying on an unbeaten 78 from Riaz Kail, reached 198 for 4 in response to Karachi Blues’ 363 at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium. Kail was involved in a 94-run fourth-wicket stand with captain Adnan Raees (42) after Abbottabad had lost their first three wickets for 67 runs. Earlier, Karachi Blues added 91 runs to their overnight score, with 41 of those runs scored by the left-handed opener Shadab Khabir (167). Abbottabad’s left-arm spinner, Noor-ul-Amin, had a satisfying outing, finishing with figures of 5 for 131 as the last six Blues wickets fell for the addition of 83 runs.Pakistan International Airlines had Islamabad reeling at 88 for 6 after declaring at 404 for 8 at the Diamond Cricket Club Ground. The wrecker-in-chief from PIA was seamer Aizaz Cheema, who took 4 for 11. Cheema was supported by Fazl-e-Akbar, who had figures of 2 for 29. Earlier, PIA, riding on useful knocks by Shoaib Khan snr (76), Anwar Ali (74), and Fahad Iqbal (41), managed to extend their overnight score, which stood at 214 for 3.At the Mirpur Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi had Lahore Shalimar in trouble at 92 for 5 after scoring 284 in their first innings. Earlier, Lahore opening bowler Mohammad Naved took 6 for 91 to bowl out Rawalpindi. When they resume tomorrow, Lahore will need 43 more runs to make Rawalpindi bat again.Khurram Shehzad’s heroics enabled Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) to reach 298 from their overnight score of 52 for 5 and claim a 140-run lead against Peshawar at the Arbab Niaz Stadium. Shehzad powered his way to 166, his maiden first-class hundred, a knock which contained 24 fours and two sixes. By the close of play, Peshawar had crashed to 64 for 4, still needing 76 runs to avoid defeat.Quetta posted 460 after resuming on their overnight score of 200 for 5 against Zarai Taraiqiati Bank Limited at the Khan Research Laboratory Ground. After Jalat Khan (75) fell early on the second day, some solid batting from Arun Lal (68) and a 83-run ninth-wicket partnership between Naseer Khan (52) and wicketkeeper Sanaullah Khan (50 not out) ensured that Quetta extended their score. ZTBL were eight for no loss when stumps were drawn.

Ricky Ponting has used the strong public reaction to his side over the past week to pin-point areas Australia need to improve. However, he said there were no “glaring issues” to address after the heated Sydney Test.”But when they are all added together in the heat of such a tense and dramatic final day, they caused a reaction, so we need to tighten up on how we play,” he wrote in his column in the Australian. “We are very keen to ensure we get the balance of how we play the game right so we can focus clearly on another very big match coming up.”Australia held a team meeting in Perth on Sunday to discuss their Spirit of Cricket pledge, which was developed under Steve Waugh in 2003, and talked about areas where things didn’t go as planned in Sydney. The Test contained problems over racism, umpiring, sportsmanship, catching and walking and both teams face alterations in their outlook before the four-match series resumes on Wednesday.”I have been surprised by the reaction of some in the broader community who believe we did not play that amazing Sydney Test in the spirit of the game,” he said. “We take the spirit of cricket very seriously and are determined to ensure we are not only remembered as a good team, but one that is respected throughout the cricket world for the way we play.”He said he was prepared for negative comments about the side because “we are not going to keep everyone happy 100% of the time”. “I am always happy to cop that sort of criticism and go away and find ways and means of how we can make things better, as we all are,” he said. “We are certainly not brushing off the criticism because if there is a public reaction like there has been, there are some areas we need to improve.”Ponting said it was sad the controversy had taken the spotlight away from the match, which Australia secured with seven balls remaining to take the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. “To be 6 for 130 and win a Test with eight or nine minutes to go on the last day, you have obviously played some great cricket, but it hasn’t been mentioned very much,” he said. “However, that’s out of our control. All I remember from the game is playing and winning one of the all-time great Tests.”

Form is temporary, class is permanent goes the adage. When a classybatsman is in form, that is the ultimate problem for a bowling side.Zimbabwe today were at the wrong end of an exhilarating battingdisplay from three men – Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and SouravGanguly. If Tendulkar provided the initial impetus with a run a ballblistering 39, Dravid (70 not out) and Ganguly (65 not out) took Indiato their fourth consecutive victory in the first Test of the currentseries at the Feroz Shah Kotla. The pair added 110 runs for the thirdwicket and took India past the target of 190 in 37.3 overs with sevenwickets to spare.The session between lunch and tea proved to be a most dramatic one,and settled the issue in India’s favour. The Indian bowlers, freshfrom the rest and rejuvenated by the meal knocked out the Zimbabwetail. But not before they let at least three chances go abegging.Skipper Ganguly floored a sitter in the slips and Vijay Dahiya added ablackmark to a good match for him by dropping a regulation catchbehind the stumps. Fortunately for India, the error was rectified soonenough as Henry Olonga, the last man, missed a full, straight Srinathyorker and was trapped plumb in front. After charging in for 24.1overs, Srinath returned 5/81, taking his match tally to nine wickets.Although Srinath had created the chance for the Indians by restrictingZimbabwe to 225, there was still a challenging target to beoverhauled. Challenging or not, it was easy work for India given thekind of form the top three batsmen have been in.Sadagoppan Ramesh and Shiv Sunder Das walked out to the middle endingany speculation that the Indians might change the batting order in anattempt to make a quick start. Unfortunately for Ramesh, his poor formcontinued. Playing at a ball outside the off stump from Heath Streakwithout really moving his feet, Ramesh (0) presented Andy Flower withan easy catch. First innings double centurion joined Das out in themiddle and started off in splendid fashion, pulling Brian Strang tothe fence in style.Unfortunately for India even this combination was not to last. Dasmade an error of judgment, backed up too much and could not regain hiscrease before a Brian Murphy direct hit broke the stumps at the nonstriker’s end. For the third time in this match, the score read 15/2.In walked Sachin Tendulkar. Playing as only he can, the Mumbai classact decimated the Zimbabwean bowling. Driving the ball with immensepower, Tendulkar found the gaps with ease. The momentum was sofrenetic, the hitting so clean, that even Heath Streak was forced tostop and applaud.When the spinners were brought into the attack, their fate was nobetter. Tendulkar employed the sweep shot with great results. Plantinghis foot and sweeping the ball all along the ground, Tendulkar poundedthe hoardings square of the wicket. Unfortunately for India thefairytale didn’t last long. Tendulkar went hard at a ball from PaulStrang that was well outside the off stump and miscued it to backwardpoint. The other leg spinner, Brian Murphy who suffered so much at thehands of Tendulkar pouched the catch. Tendulkar’s 39 ball assault thatyielded as many runs, was over. His innings however, had put India inthe driver’s seat.Ganguly and Dravid then came together to forge a sensible 110-runpartnership that saw India through to victory. Dravid added anunbeaten 70 to his first innings double ton. Stroking the ball withgay abandon, he realised very early on that this target could beoverhauled by sensible batting. Ganguly too was patient and prudent inshot selection. When the ball was there to be hit though, neithermissed out. If Dravid’s pet stroke was the pull, Ganguly’s was thedance down the wicket that deposited the ball in the stands. WhenGanguly nudged the ball behind square for his 65th run, India hadcompleted their triumph with 9.3 overs to spare. Srinath was adjudgedthe man of the match.

5th place play-off
Scorecard

Rain had the final word at the Royal Selangor Club in Kuala Lumpur, washing out the play-off for fifth place between arch rivals Australia and England. In a curtailed game – 24 overs a side – Kirk Pascoe’s 55 led an impressive recovery for Australia after they were in a precarious position at 7 for 4.England exploited the damp conditions after putting Australia in, with the new-ball bowlers – Steven Finn and James Harris – snaring four victims in just 4.1 overs. A wicket didn’t fall for the next 12.2 overs, as David King provided support to Pascoe with a patient 45-ball 19.Tom Westley, the offspinner, picked up two wickets in his five overs, but Pascoe ensured Australia played out their overs for a fighting total of 106 for 7. Pascoe kept the scoring-rate ticking along with five fours and a six in his 67-ball innings.When the match was called off, England were at 47 for 2 off 10.5 overs, needing another 60 off 79 deliveries.

Plate Championship final
Scorecard
An fine all-round performance from Darren Bravo helped West Indies clinch the Plate Championship – contested for ninth place – at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur. Rain resulted in the match being reduced to 27 overs a side, and the Nepal captain Paras Khadka, playing the last match of his third and final U-19 World Cup, opted to bat.However, the move backfired with the West Indies seamers striking early blows. Jason Dawes, the right-arm fast bowler, collected three wickets, and his new-ball partner Delorn Johnson picked up one as Nepal were reduced to 17 for 4.Bravo then came and chipped away at the middle order, taking three wickets, and Dawes took his fourth as Nepal crashed to 74 all out in 25.3 overs. Extras made the highest contribution to Nepal’s total; Sagar Khadka was next with an unbeaten 17 in an innings where the best partnership managed 15.Kieran Powell and Adrian Barath got West Indies off to a steady start, before Bravo steered them to victory with an unbeaten 24. Amrit Bhattarai scalped two consolation wickets, but a paltry total meant holders Nepal couldn’t avoid losing the trophy that they famously won in 2006.

13th place play-off

Scorecard
Ireland completed back-to-back wins in Johor to secure 13th place with their first victory over a Full Member nation at U-19 level. On Friday, Greg Thompson, the captain, spun a web with his legspin against Bermuda, but it was opening bowler Andrew Britton who wrecked Zimbabwe in the 13th place play-off final.Thompson’s decision to field in a match reduced to 27 overs a side soon paid dividends. Britton accounted for Zimbabwe’s top four as they were reduced to 34 for 6, Shane Getkate picking up the other two wickets. Reginald Nehonde, the No. 7, struck 43 as Zimbabwe batted out their overs and scored 99.A 40-run second-wicket stand between Ben Ackland and James Hall set up the platform for Ireland’s chase. Stewart Matsika dismissed them both, but the remaining batsmen completed the win with six wickets and 22 balls to spare.

First of many
The opening success of a Test career that had been tipped a decade earlier came in Mitchell Johnson’s eighth over. Dennis Lillee discovered Johnson’s promise when the bowler was a teenager and after a bumpy journey he made it to the big time, picking up Thilan Samaraweera and Marvan Atapattu in Sri Lanka’s first innings. Johnson was mobbed by his team-mates after the first breakthrough. He did manage a small wave and fist clench to his girlfriend after escaping the throng.Sanath strikes
Sanath Jayasuriya was unlucky in the first innings and he quickly aimed his frustration at Brett Lee when Sri Lanka batted for a second time. A pulled six was followed by a flick to midwicket and a slash over slips earned a third breath-taking boundary in three balls. His late-afternoon attack of 39 from 49 balls provided entertainment and brief hope.Successful intervention
Governments are always attacked for ridiculous decisions so some praise is due for Gamini Lokuge, the Sri Lankan sports minister, who insisted Marvan Atapattu tour Australia. Without Atapattu’s gumption the tourists’ first innings would have fallen before tea and his 51 off 183 balls showed it was possible to hold off the Australians.Spills and MacGill
Adam Gilchrist had a chance to take catches for the first five dismissals when Chamara Silva cut an edge off Stuart MacGill. The ball rebounded from Gilchrist’s gloves and MacGill’s push to 200 wickets was delayed further when Michael Clarke spilled another Silva offering while lunging at square leg. MacGill performed well without reward until he bowled Chaminda Vaas, but still needs another wicket to reach the milestone.Sticking your neck out
A dive to beat an Andrew Symonds throw became a pain in the neck for Prasanna Jayawardene. The physio Tommy Simsek sprinted out to administer treatment immediately and at the following drinks break, but while Jayawardene was hurting it didn’t affect his batting. He battled to a gusty 37 before being lbw to Lee.Umpire or bowler
If Lee’s post-bowling career had not already been mapped out for Bollywood he might have been applying for an umpiring job when he had Prasanna Jayawardene lbw. Lee, who was in trouble last year for not appealing to the officials, turned to Rudi Koertzen as he screamed and they raised their fingers in unison.