Cricket Updates: India out, Pakistan to meet Sri Lanka in semi-final

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (Tue, Oct. 02) - India wins their last Super 8 match against South Africa by just 1 run in a thriller today here at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Despite the victory India couldn't qualify for the knock-out stage as Pakistan were ahead in terms of net run rate (NRR).

MS Dhoni disappointed as India's victory couldn't earn them place in semi-finals

Pakistan confirm their berth in the semi-finals courtesy to brave fight by South Africa

Now Pakistan will meet Sri Lanka, who topped the Group 1 points table, in the semi-final on Thursday (October 04); while Australia will take on West Indies on Friday (October 05) before the winners of the respective semi-finals will face each other in the final of the tournament on Sunday (October 07).

Continue reading below:

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Sri Lankan woman faces beheading in Saudi Arabia for alleged witchcraft

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (Thu, Apr 19) - A Sri Lankan woman was detained yesterday (Wednesday, April 18) by security forces on suspicion of casting a spell on a Saudi girl, 13, during family's shopping trip.

Sri Lankan woman faces beheading in Saudi Arabia for alleged witchcraft

According to details based on local newspaper Okaz report; the father of the girl reported to security staff of the shopping mall, in port city of Jeddah, after he noticed that his daughter had "suddenly started acting in an abnormal way, and that happened after she came close to the Sri Lankan woman.

The security staff reacted swiftly to arrest the Sri Lankan woman.  

A police spokesperson, Mesfir al-Juayed, said after the detention of the suspicious woman on Wednesday, that she may face death penalty by beheading if she convicted of ‘witchcraft’. 

"The punishment is always beheading for anyone found guilty of witchcraft," a Saudi lawyer and human rights activist, Waleed Abu al-Khair, told Reuters by phone.

For more details …

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/18/us-saudi-witchcraft-rights-idUSBRE83H0UM20120418

Report Tags: Saudi Arabia, Beheading in Saudi Arabia, Beheading, Witchcraft, Sri Lankan Woman, Sri Lankan Woman witchcraft in Saudi Arabia, Human rights, Waleed Abu al-Khair, Mesfir al-Juayed

Asia Cup Cricket 2012: Bangladesh victory opens doors for Sri Lanka to qualify for final

DHAKA, Bangladesh (Sat, Mar. 18) – Bangladesh vs India (Asia Cup 2012): What a match it was! Will be remembered for very long time for the thrilling victory of Bangladesh and might even longer for the milestone achieved by the Little Master Saching Tendulkar.

After getting century of centuries, Sachin Tendulkar raises his bat as he walks off

The hosts of Asia Cup 2012 have certainly avoided the possible elimination from the tournament. Now all three teams except Pakistan, which have already qualified for final, have their chances to qualify for the final on March 22. 

Bangladesh victory was certainly proved to be a big shock for India; but it revitalizes the hopes of Sri Lanka to enter into final by beating the hosts in their final league match, scheduled on March 20.  

Right now, after upsetting defeat of India; there’s no big change on the points table as Pakistan still on top, followed by India and Bangladesh respectively. Both have four points, but India ahead in terms of NRR.

There are following possibilities in the remaining two league matches which can affect the second finalist to be decided…….

Continue reading below and see the updated points table/team positions.

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Pakistan beat Sri Lanka to reach the final of Asia Cup Cricket 2012

DHAKA, Bangladesh (Thu, Mar. 15) – Pakistan beat Sri Lanka comprehensively by 6 wickets in the third match of the Asia Cup played today here at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur. Pakistan qualifies for the big final on March 22 after the today’s victory against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka to reach the final of Asia Cup Cricket 2012

Hammad Azam played the winning stroke with 10 overs and one ball to spare to win a bonus point for Pakistan. The masterly crafter innings by skipper Misbah-ul-Haq and Umar Akmal snatched the advantage from Sri Lanka, which they had for taking three wickets for just 33 on board for Pakistan.

Umar Akmal played extraordinarily amazing innings, one can say the best in the circumstances, and scored 77 off 72 balls. In his innings he smashed 7 fours and 2 huge sixes. Misbah also played good innings rather a calm one comparing to his younger partner. He was unbeaten at 72 off 93, with 9 boundaries and one towering six.

Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first; but kept on losing wickets in effort to score runs quickly. Aizaz Cheema and Umar Gul smashed all over the park but they kept on bowling aggressively and got the reward. Aizaz Cheema bowled even more impressively in the death overs and rewarded by 4 wickets and named as man of the match.

Saeed Ajmal also bowled good spells in between and picked up more important wicket of Upul Tharanga (57) to break the vital partnership between Tharanga and Kumar Sangakkara (71). In 46^th over, Sri Lanka were all out for just 188 on board.

In reply, Pakistan had even more disastrous start losing Muhammad Hafeez (11), Nasir Jamshed (18) and Younis Khan (2) with just 33 on board. Then came Misbah-ul-Haq and Umar Akmal and swept away the winning hopes away from Sri Lanka and made them out of the tournament on very early stages of the tournament.

Pakistan is now on the top of the points table with 9 points followed by India and Bangladesh respectively. 

Cricket Updates: India gets winning start in Asia Cup 2012 beating Sri Lanka by 50 runs

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).

India gets winning start in Asia Cup 2012 beating Sri Lanka by 50 runs

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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Pak v SL (T20I) Nov. 25 - Match Summary: Cool Misbah guides Pakistan to another victory

ABU DHABI, UAE (Nov. 26) – One of the coolest skippers in modern day cricket Misbah-ul-Haq guided his team to another emphatic victory 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.

Cool Misbah guides Pakistan to another victory

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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ICC to Hold Inquiry as Sri Lankan Opener Upul Tharanga Tested Positive for Banned Substance During ICC Cricket World Cup

COLOMBO - According to ‘Sunday Times’ reports; International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to hold an inquiry into Upul Tharanga being tested positive for using a prohibited stuff during the recent World Cup tournament.

Sri Lankan Opener Upul Tharanga Tested Positive for Banned Substance During ICC Cricket World Cup

Reportedly, Sri Lanka’s opening batsman Upul Tharanga was tested positive for a prohibited substance, Prednisolone, during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. 

The substance in question is normally used for a wide range of inflammatory and auto-immune conditions such as asthma and the 26-year-old has a history of asthma.

Upul Tharanga has stated already that he used a medicine, containing prohibited drug, prescribed by a famous medical consultant who has treated Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir and Ashish Nehra.

Sri Lanka Crashes to Grab The Chance While Dhoni's Men in Blue Came Out of Blue to be Champs

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

World Cup Final: India and Sri Lanka to Feel the Heat in Hot Day (Weather Report)

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.

Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai to Host Sri Lanka-India World Cup Final Tomorrow (Sat/Apr. 2)

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.

Spin Wizard Muttiah Muralitharan Calls His Day as Sri Lanka Qualifies for the World Cup Final

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.

Sri Lanka and New Zealand Ready for the Semi-final Clash - - Pre-Match Analysis

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.

Sri Lanka Set Semi-final Clash Against New Zealand ThrashIN England by 10 Wickets

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.

Sri Lanka climbed up to first position in Group 'A' with win 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 Partnership by Tharanga and Dilshan in World Cup

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.

Tillakaratne Dilshan in Furious Mood After Flase Rumour of Positive Doping Test

 

KANDY, Sri Lanka – 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)

Doping Test Positive for Tillakaratne Dilshan

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.

World Cup (March 05) - Australia v Sri Lanka (Updates): Rain Disappointed Cricket Fans

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 Couldn't Resume The Innings Due to Rain

COLOMBO – Match is still halted by the rain. It’s now a bit light but it rained too much in this one hour or so. According to last live shots all the ground is still under covers and the ground staff is having some fun over there; practicing hooking, pulling and Michael Jackson’s famous ‘moon walk’, yes they are having fun. 

Yet no words from umpires; but if this match cut short to 20-over game then Australia has to score 154 to register the victory. 

Read more >>>>>

Sri Lanka v Australia (Group A) - - Latest Updates About Rain-effected Match in Colombo