ICC World Cup (Feb. 28) - Today's Match Summaries and Highlights

NEW DELHI – West Indies thrashed Netherlands by huge margin of 215 in Group ‘B’ match here on Monday (Feb. 28) at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, Delhi.

West Indies totally dominated an inexperienced opposition in both of the innings; first with the bat piling up might total of 330 and then with the ball getting opposition out for paltry 115.

Earlier, Netherlands won the toss and invited West Indies to bat first. Openers, veteran Chris Gayle and Devon Smith, provided a solid stand of 100 runs. Devon Smith fell on 53 while Chris Gayle (80) kept on punishing Dutch bowlers. First five batsmen contributed with good scores to help West Indies past 300 marks. Kieron Pollard proved to be the maser blaster of West Indies innings smashing 60 runs off just 24 balls. Pieter Seelaar was the most successful bowler from Netherlands picking up 3 wickets; while Muassar Bukhari claimed two. 

 

Read more  at: 

World Cup (West Indies v Netherlands) - Feb. 28:Today's Match Summary and Group 'B' Points Table with Respective Team Positions

 

NAGPUR – Zimbabwe thrashed Canada by huge margin of 175 in Group ‘A’ match here on Monday (Feb. 28).

Zimbabwe totally dominated the relatively inexperienced opposition in both of the innings; first with the bat piling up might total of 298 and then with the ball getting opposition out for paltry 123.

Earlier, Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bat first. Openers perished very early but Tatenda Taibu and Craig Ervine played handsomely and helped piling up 298 for their side. Taibu fell just two short of his century and named man of the match while Ervine made 85. 

 

Read More at:

World Cup (Zimbabwe v Canada) - Feb. 28:Today's Match Summary and Group 'A' Points Table with Respective Team Positions

India v England: Another Record Set by Sachin Tendulkar in a Tie Against England

Bangalore – Little master Sachin Tendulkar claimed another record in today's  match against England. He became the most century holder in world cups  with his 5th century today. He already holds the record of maximum centuries in tests and ODI's.

 

A nail biter ended in a tie. A see-saw game at last ended as a historical tie between India and England, the fourth in the world cup history.

It was all going well more than England ever expected until Zaheer Khan picked up two set batsmen on the crease in 43^rd over. His first prey was Ian Bell who was brilliantly caught by Virat Kohli and then on the very next ball he picked up England skipper Andrew Strauss plum in front of Stumps. Andrew Strauss innings of 158 runs off 145 balls was the core of the England innings and superbly accompanied by Ian Bell who scored 69 off 71 balls. After 43^rd over by Zaheer Khan the remaining target became a mighty challenge for the rest of the batsmen.

 

To read more and For updated Group 'B' Team Position >>>> CLICK HERE

United Nations Imposed sanctions on Libya and Urged Member Countries to Freeze Gaddafi's Assets

United Nations urged member countries to freeze the assets of retaliated Libyan leader Col. Gaddafi and his close allies; after sanctions have been imposed by Security Council on Saturday which includes an arm impediment. 

In the daylong discussions on the resolution 15 votes came in the favour of sanctions while no one went against it. The Security Council also supported a travel ban on Gaddafi’s family and close allies including his four sons and a daughter along with leaders of the revolutionary committees accused of much of the hostility against protesters.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon praised council members for the united vote, saying it "sends a strong message that gross violations of basic human rights will not be tolerated."

"I hope the message is heard, and heeded, by the regime in Libya," Ban said.

Moreover, Council members settled to refer the Gaddafi regime's lethal onslaught on people protesting his rule to a permanent war crimes tribunal for an investigation of possible crimes against humanity.

Shahid Afridi Led Pakistan to a Much-needed Victory Against Sri Lanka

COLOMBO – Pakistan's players take part in a group knot after they won their ICC Cricket World Cup Group 'A' match against Sri Lanka. Afridi’s men in green clinched a thriller by 11 runs against one of the top favourites of the tournament, Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka managed to get too close courtesy to sloppy fielding by Pakistani players. Shahid Afridi was named as man of the match for his outstanding bowling effort by picking up four wickets for just 34 runs. Younis Khan (83) and Misbah-ul-Haq (72) helped Pakistan to get the total of 277 with their half centuries. Both of the veteran cricketers have the successive half centuries after their first match against Kenya.  

Half centuries by Misbah and Younis helped Pakistan to get 277

Big match of Group ‘B’ is scheduled to be played tomorrow (Sunday, Feb. 27) at Bangalore between India and England. A big match for both sides and India’s hope are shattering with the increasing woes of injuries of Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh. 

Source: World's Sports Update

FBR Suspends 17 Officials of Pakistan Custom Services on Accounts of Missing ISAF NATO Containers

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) suspended 17 officials of Pakistan Custom Services on account of an alleged involvement in mismanagement of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) NATO containers.

An official notification issued by FBR on Saturday stated that in exercise of the powers bestowed under section 5(1) of the (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 1973, the authority had placed seventeen officials of Pakistan Customs Service under suspension with urgent effect and until further orders.

The Afghan and Italian consulates in Karachi were charged last month of being involved in issuing fake no-objection certificates (NOCs) for the clearance of ISAF cargo destined for Afghanistan, which were ultimately vanished in Pakistan.

The names of the suspended officials are:

1-Jamshed Ali Talpur, Deputy Commissioner (PCS/BS-18), RTO, Karachi,Engr.

2-Habib Ahmad, Deputy Collector (PCS/BS-18), MCC(PACCS), Karachi,

3-Ms. Mona Iffat Baloch, Deputy Director (PCS/BS-18), Valuation (Customs), Karachi.

4-Abdul Waheed Marwat, Second Secretary (PCS/BS-18), FBR, Islamabad.

5- Sami ul Haq, Deputy Director (PCS/BS-18), I&I-FBR, Islamabad,

6-Yousaf Haidar Orakzai, Second Secretary (PCS/BS-18), FBR, Islamabad.

7- Tariq Aziz Appraiser (BS-15), MCC of Preventive, Karachi

8- Abdul Aziz Umani, Appraiser (BS 15), PCA, Karachi

9- Ghulam Muhammad, Appraiser (BS-15), MCC of Appraisement, Karachi.

10-Sikandar Ali Junejo, Appraiser (BS-15), PCA, Karachi

11- Bashir Ahmad Sehar, Appraiser (BS-15), MCC of Exports, Karachi.

12-Abbas Khan, Appraiser (BPS-15), MCC of Appraisement, Karachi

13-Anjum Barakzai, Appraiser (BS-15), MCC of Appraisement, Karachi

14- Agha Muhammad Aslam, Principal Appraiser (PCS/BS-16), Appraisement, Karachi.

15-Sardar Amin Farooqi, Principal Appraiser (PCS/BS-16), Appraisement,

Karachi.

16-Niamatullah Alvi, Principal Appraiser (PCS/BS-16), Appraisement, Karachi and

17-S.M. Wasim Qazmi, Principal Appraiser (PCS/BS-16), Appraisement,Karachi.

Pakistan Provided a Tough Target of 278 to Sri Lanka

Colombo - Pakistan set a good target of 278 for Sri Lanka batting first after winning the toss. Pakistan Openers, Muhammad Hafeez (32) and Ahmed Shahzad (13), provided a good start but couldn't last long. Pakistan lost both of the openers on 76  runs. Kamran Akmal also played a good fluent innings of 39 runs and got stamped out showing a bit of impatience to Rangana Herath.

Then experience of veteran Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq came into play and they added 108 runs in a crucial 5th wicket partnership. Misbah-ul-Haq firmunbeaten on 83 runs while Younis Khan fell prey to Rangana Herath after contributing 72 valuable runs. 

Pakistan missed batting powerplay fireworks but succeeded to get a reasonably good fighting total of 277. 

Sri Lnakan bowlers had a good show by curtailing Pakistan under 300 mark; which on one point seemed to be very achievable. Rangana Herath and Thissara Perera picked up two wickets each; while Angelo Mathews and Muttiah Muralithara shared one wicket each. The spin-wizar Muralitharan was the most economical as he gave only 35 runs in his ten overs.

Read More >>>>>>>>>>> Here.

Kathleen Parker Stepped Down from CNN´s "Parker Spitzer"

NEW YORK - Kathleen Parker, The Publitzer Prize winner and co-host of CNN´s "Parker Spitzer", said she is stepping down from CNN after five months.

"I have decided to return to a schedule that will allow me to focus more on my syndicated newspaper column and other writings," she said in a statement.

 

The prime-time program will be revamped and anchored by former New York governor Eliot Spitzer, CNN said Friday.

Spitzer has sometimes been appearing solo in recent weeks, anchoring a more hard newsoriented show.

British Photographer Allegedly Punched Catherine Zeta-Jones

In a woeful incident, Hollywood beauty Catherine Zeta-Jones was allegedly punched by a photographer when she was coming back to the hotel with her husband, Michael Douglas, after the dinner at Buckhingham Palace to celebrate the honour of Commander of the Order of the British Empire. 

Read More >>>>>>>>>>>>. Here.

New Mobile Application: The Best in Diagnosing Caner

Scientists have developed a new mobile phone application that detects cancer - and is more precise than the methods regularly used in hospitals.

The smartphone-based application is up to 100 per cent accurate in detecting the difference between gentle tumours and their nasty counterparts, reports the Daily Mail. 

Read More >>>>>>. HERE.

Christchurch Earthquake: Death Toll Reached 145 While 200 Still Missing Including 28 Japanese Nationals

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand – According to local police reports in a recent press conference on Saturday; the death toll in the shattering earthquake has reached 145. The dead are being recognized through fingerprints and dental records, further reported.

 As many as 200 people, including 28 Japanese and others from around 20 countries, still missing, but there has been no fresh information about survivors from Tuesday’s magnitude 6.3 quake, according to local media.

Rescue teams from Japan and other countries kept on rescue operations on Saturday to find marks of survivors at the collapsed CTV building housing the King’s Education language school where Japanese and other students are still feared to be trapped.

Yukio Yoshii, who is heading the Japan’s disaster-relief squad, informed reporters that the rescue teams are doing their extreme efforts to find survivors. ‘‘Although we are exhausted, our operations are proceeding smoothly,’’ he said.

Local police had a meeting with family members of people who have been missing in the morning today and told them on the rescue operation. A total of 55 people from Japan attended the meeting.

Police told the family members that local authorities will be cautious in recognizing bodies, while requesting them to give information that will help ease the work to verify the identities, a Japanese government official said.

Around 40 family members of Japanese students planned to visit the wrecked building on Friday, but could not get go-ahead signal from local authorities due to continuing tremors.

Brontomerus Mcintoshi or "thunder-thighs": Giant Dinosaur Discovered in the U.S. State of Utah

LONDON - A new dinosaur named Brontomerus mcintoshi, or "thunder-thighs" after its enormously powerful thigh muscles, has been discovered in the U.S. state of Utah, according to University College London (UCL). The new species is described in a paper recently published in the journal Acta Palaeontologica Polonica by an international team of scientists from the United Kingdom and the United States. 

A member of the long-necked sauropod group of dinosaurs which includes Diplodocus and Brachiosaurus, Brontomerus may have used its powerful thighs as a weapon to kick predators, or to help travel over rough, hilly terrain, UCL said. Brontomerus lived about 110 million years ago, during the Early Cretaceous Period, and probably had to contend with fierce "raptors" such as Deinonychus and Utahraptor. 

Read more details >>>>>>>>>>>>. HERE.

World Cup (Feb. 26): Chamara Silva and Rangana Herath Included in Team for Big Match Against Pakistan

COLOMBO - Chamara Silva and Rangna Herath made their way in the team for a big match against Pakistan in today's world cup encounter. 

Pakistan has won the toss and elected to bat first; with an unchanged side that won the match against Kenya.

Teams:

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

Pakistan (Playing XI): Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Kamran Akmal(w), Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi(c), Abdul Razzaq, Abdur Rehman, Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul

Libya Unrest (Friday Updates): Col. Gaddafi Secretly Transferred £3 billion ($4.8 billion) From U.S. to U.K Before Freezing of Assets

LONDON -- With United States moving to freeze the assets of Col. Gaddafi in America; it was revealed that Libyan leader has already transferred secretly an amount of £3 billion ($4.8 billion) with one of London's private wealth managers last week in an attempt to protect his family's fortunes.  

U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday forced sanctions on Gaddafi’s government over a violent onslaught on demonstrators, in a clear attempt to further weaken the 42-year-long strongman's staggering rule.

President Obama exercised presidential power in an executive order, seizing assets and blocking any property in the U.S. belonging to Gaddafi or his children.

In a statement, Obama said the measures were specifically targeted against the Gaddafi government and not the material wealth of the Libyan people themselves.

The U.K. Treasury came forward in efforts to outline and freeze Gaddafi’s assets in Britain Friday, which are supposed to include billions of dollars in bank accounts, some commercial property and a $16-billion mansion in London.

The Swiss Government also instructed its banks on Friday to freeze any assets belonging to Gaddafi, issuing a comprehensive blocking order covering 29 people, including the dictator's wife and children, some of his wife's relatives and six officials of the regime.

India's Plan Ready to Evacute 18,000 Nationals From India - Speacial Planes Heading Towards Tripoli Today

New Delhi:  Reportedly, Libya has permitted India to send planes for the evacuation of Indians trapped in unrest-gripped Libya. Currently almost 18,000 Indian nationals are awaiting their safe evacuation from burning Libya.  

For the time being, India has been allowed to fly in special planes to evacuate Indian citizens. Special ships and planes will be arranged to get them out of Libya. From today till March 7, India can land two planes a day in Tripoli for its evacuation operations. Today, two Air India flights will fly from New Delhi and Mumbai to Tripoli.

India is also moving three Navy ships to Benghazi, which is where the rebellion against Col. Muammar Gaddafi started. From Benghazi, ships will carry Indians to Alexandria in Egypt. Special Air India flights will then bring them to their homeland.

As per reports, the government has explained that Indian nationals do not have to pay for their evacuation.

A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said, "It has come to notice that some unscrupulous elements are asking for payments/handling charges/facilitation fee etc., for arranging evacuation of Indian nationals, through the Embassy of India in Libya. These activities are completely illegal and individuals engaged in them should be immediately reported to the law enforcement authorities."

First Court Appearance by Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari, Saudi Student Accused of Mass Destruction Plans in America

LUBBOCK, Texas - A Saudi student appeared smiling as U.S. marshals accompanied him to his first federal court appearance on a terror charge.

 The 20-year-old, Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Nancy Koenig accused of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction.

As reported earlier here; the former Texas Tech student was suspected of purchasing chemicals and supplies to build a bomb and of researching possible targets in the United States before his arrest by federal officials late Wednesday.

Aldawsari, constrained and bounded by a little cadre of U.S. marshals, said nothing other than “yes” when Koenig asked if he understood his rights and the charge against him.

Koenig set a March 11 hearing, when the U.S. Attorney’s Office must prove there is a substantial need to keep Aldawsari jailed.

She set for the same date a preliminary hearing in which the government must show there is probable cause to move forward with the case if neither Aldawsari nor his newly retained attorney, Rod Hobson, waive the hearing before March 11.

Hobson, in a written statement, questioned whether Aldawsari could receive a fair trial in Lubbock and blamed one-sided media coverage for possibly tainting a prospective jury pool.

Saudi Citizen, Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari, Detained in U.S. on Account of Planning to Attack America

LUBBOCK, Texas - Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari, 20-year-old student of Saudi Arabian origin, was detained on Wednesday on account of alleged use of a weapon of mass destruction. He was accused of purchasing explosive chemicals online as part of a preparation to blow up dams, nuclear plants or the Dallas home of former President George W. Bush.

Reportedly, Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari was deeply inclined by Osama bin Laden's speeches and that he mourned the troubles of Muslims. According to court documents released Thursday, including the private diary of the accused Saudi; he was planning an attack in the United States for years, even before coming to the U.S. on a scholarship.

"After mastering the English language, learning how to build explosives and continuous planning to target the infidel Americans, it is time for jihad (holy war)," Aldawsari wrote in the diary, according to the documents filed by prosecutors.

A federal public defender in Lubbock, David Sloan, said he would be at Friday's court appearance in case U.S. Magistrate Nancy Koenig needed to appoint him to represent Aldawsari.

New Zealand All Out for 206 - Mitchell Johnson and Shaun Tait Left Kiwi's Almost Nowhere

Nagpur – New Zealand all out with 206 on the board in 45.1 overs. The situation would have been worse if Nathan McCullum and Skipper Daniel Vettori would not have responded positively after the loss of six wickets for just 73 overs.  

Mitchell Johnson and Shaun Tait bowled furiously and left very few options for Kiwi’s. Johnson picked up four wickets while Shaun Tait claimed three.

Read New Zealand innings summary >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>. HERE.  

Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson Put Black Caps in Trouble

Nagpur - Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson put New Zealand in big trouble picking up two wickets each; leaving Black Caps struggling on 68/5 after 15 overs. 

Read updated match summary > Click HERE.

Libya Unrest (Thursday Updates): Protests Continues as Col. Gaddafi Stern and 17 Killed by Forces While Rebels Took Control of Military Base

BENGHAZI - At least 17 more were killed in Thursday's fights and the death toll in Libya is sharply rising as armed force and militia fighters loyal to Col. Moammar Gaddafi used lethal force to suppress a increasing rebellion, while rebels took control of a new military base. 

Thursday’s clashes, which included an attack by soldiers with automatic weapons in the city of Zawiya, 50 kilometres west of the capital Tripoli, took 17 lives. The soldiers fired on a local mosque, where a witness told media that people had gathered for a sit-in to support protesters in Tripoli. 

It has been hard to tell exact number of deaths due to government-imposed media restrictions and communication black-outs. But one doctor said he saw 10 dead bodies with gunshot wounds in the head and chest lying near the mosque, as well as another 150 wounded. 

Meanwhile a Libyan news agency called Qureyna reported 23 dead, with many of the injured unable to reach nearby hospitals because of gunfire from "security forces and mercenaries." 

The attack prompted thousands of protesters to flood into the town's central Martyrs Square, shouting for Gaddafi to leave.

Australia Decided to Field After Winning the Toss at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur

NAGPUR - Vital match of Group 'A' scheduled today between defending champion Australia and confident New Zealand at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur. 

According to weather report; it rained heavily yesterday and it is still overcast weather.Groundsmen done a good job and pitch is drty.

Australia after winning the toss invited New Zealand to bat first to get the extra help out of overcast weather. Let's see how Black Caps will respond.

For More >>>>>>>>>>>>>.. Click HERE

Cricket World Cup 2011 - Match Schedule for Feb. 25 With Probable Squads

New Delhi – Pakistan-born Imran Tahir and AB de Villiers starred in the today’s encounter against South Africa. Imran Tahir took four wickets while de Villers smashed blazing hundred to lead South Africa to a 7-wickets victory.

Tomorrow (Friday, Feb. 25) two matches are scheduled; 1^st between Australia and New Zealand at Nagpur. Australia and New Zealand have won their first group matches against Zimbawe and Kenya respectively. This is a day match and will start on 9:00 am PST. 

Read More Details HERE.

Group B: Team Position as on Feb. 24 - India Leadin the Table

New Delhi – Pakistan-born Imran Tahir and AB de Villiers starred in the today’s encounter against South Africa. Imran Tahir took four wickets while de Villers smashed blazing hundred to lead South Africa to a 7-wickets victory.

After today’s match between South Africa and West Indies India is on the top of the Group B with their healthy NRR of +1.74 followed by South Africa and England +0.77 and +0.24 respectively. 

See the Detailed Table and Read More >>>>>>>>> Here.

Feb. 24: World Cup Match Summary - AB de Villiers Named as Man of The Match as South Africa Smashed West Indies by 7 Wickets

New Delhi – AB de Villiers led South Africa to a convincing victory by seven wickets against West Indies in their first outing at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi. AB de Villiers smashed unbeaten 107 after West Indies bowlers dominated the first half of the South African innings. De Villiers involved in important partnerships first with skipper Graeme Smith (45 runs off 78 balls) and then with Jean-Paul Duminy (42runs off 53 balls). AB de Villiers named man of the match for his match winning innings of 107 runs.

South Africa reached the target in just 42.5 overs. Sulieman Benn, Kemar Roach, and Kieron Pollard picked one wicket each for West Indies.

Earlier, South Africa won the toss and invited West Indies to bat first. West Indies crumbles on just 222 in their first world cup outing against South Africa. Darren Bravo (73 runs 82 balls) and Dwayne Bravo (40 runs 37 balls) were the only West Indian batsmen who put a relatively confident show to led their team to a fighting total of 222. Other than Bravo brothers Devon Smith and Shivnarine Chanderpaul contributed with 36 and 31 respectively. 

Imran Tahir, left-arm leg-spinner, debuted from South Africa and bowled beautifully to claim his four wickets. Dale Steyn picked up three West Indian batsmen with his accurate line and length.

For Summary of the match >>>>>>>>.. Click Here.  

Julian Assange Firm to Challenge the London Court's Verdict on His Extradition to Sweden

London - WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has slammed the arrest warrant system of Europe following the decision of a judge in London announced his verdict that he should be handed over to Sweden government to face charges of sex assault on two women.

Julian Assange, the 39-year-old Australian, is charged with sexual abusing one woman and raping another during a week-long visit to Stockholm in August last year.

Talking to media outside Belmarsh Magistrates' Court in south-east London after the ruling, he said he had "always known" he would have to submit the petition against the decision.

Julian Assange plans to appeal his extradition to Sweden in the High Court using arguments that failed to convince the magistrate who ordered his extradition. 

His defence team will challenge chief magistrate Howard Riddle's decision on the basis that Assange will not get a fair trial due to adverse media coverage in Sweden and other points already put before the courts, his lawyer Mark Stephens said on Thursday.

Imran Tahir and Dale Steyn Blocked West Indies on Just 222 Runs

New Delhi - West Indies crumbles on just 222 in their first world cup outing against South Africa. Darren Bravo (73 runs 82 balls) and Dwayne Bravo (40 runs 37 balls) were the only West Indian batsmen who put a relatively confident show to led their team to a fighting total of 222. Other than Bravo brothers Devon Smith and Shivnarine Chanderpaul contributed with 36 and 31 respectively. 

Imran Tahir, left-arm leg-spinner, debuted from South Africa and bowled beautifully to claim his four wickets. Dale Steyn picked up three West Indian batsmen with his accurate line and length.

Summary of  first innings >>>>>>>>.. Click Here.  

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia Announced Financial Measures Worth of An Estimated SR135bn (£22bn)

RIYADH - Royal family of Saudi Arabia is already feeling the heat of recently spreading political unrest across North Africa and Middle East. Just keeping in mind to stop the same situation in Saudi Arabia; the country's King Abdullah yesterday announced financial measures worth an estimated SR135bn (£22bn), including a 15 per cent salary rise for public employees to counterbalance inflation.

The recent moves are clearly devised to keep away political unrest that started in Tunisia in January before spreading to Egypt and this week Libya, where ruler Muammar Gadaffi earlier this week threatened to carnage his own people in a bid to suppress the revolution. 

StockMarkets have stumbled worldwide on alarms the Middle East, North Africa (MENA) region is being thrown into anarchy.

However the price of Brent oil futures touched a two-and-a-half year peak at $111 (£68.6) last night as investors took into count the possible supply issues from the region.

Pakistan-Born Imran Tahir to Debut - - West Indies to Bat First Invited by South Africa After Winning the Toss

NEW DELHI, India - In their first encounter of the Cricket World Cup 2011; South Africa has decided  to field first after winning the toss hoping to crush West Indies batting with their spin attack which comprises of three spinners including Pakistan-born Imran Tahir.

ImranTahir will play his first international ODI from South Africa. 

Teams:

South Africa (Playing XI): Graeme Smith(c), Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers(w), Jean-Paul Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Johan Botha, Robin Peterson, Imran Tahir, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel

West Indies (Playing XI): Chris Gayle, Devon Smith, Darren Bravo, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Darren Sammy(c), Devon Thomas(w), Sulieman Benn, Kemar Roach

Cricket World Cup - Feb. 24 Match Schedule

Match # 07. 

Feb 24: South Africa v West Indies (d/n), 

Venue: Feroz Shah Kotla, New Delhi – 

Match Officials: Simon Taufel and Amish Saheba, Asoka de Silva (third), Richard Kettleborough (fourth), Jeff Crowe (referee)

Read More Here on the link below:

Watch Live: South Africa v West Indies - - Free Live Streaming From New Delhi, India

Feb. 23: Cricket World Cup Summary - Pakistan Won by 205 Runs Against Kenya

HAMBANTOTA – Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi leading from the front took Pakistan to huge victory of 205 runs over Kenya. Afridi claimed 5 wickets for just 16 runs zipping through the Kenyan batsmen. Umar Gul also bowled a good spell for his two wickets. Only bit of resistance was shown by Collins Obuya who scored 47 off 58 balls. Only top four Kenyan batsmen succeeded to get into double figure. Batting tail brutally ripped off by Afridi.

Earlier Pakistan won the toss and decided to bat first. Being overcautious in the very beginning Pakistan openers, Muhammad Hafeez and Ahmed Shazad, left Pakistan in trouble on 12/2 in six overs. Yonis Khan (50 runs off 67 balls) and Kamran Akmal (55 runs off 67 balls) put a good partnership of 98 runs to get Pakistan out of trouble to some extent. 

To Know the Group 'A' Team Standing and Read More >>>>> Click Here

1,000 Killed by Gaddafi: Italy's FM - - While France Called For Sanctions Against Libya

BENGHAZI, Libya, Feb 23 - According to a statement came from Italy’s Foreign Minister on Wednesday more than 1,000 people have been killed in the Col. Gaddafi’s efforts to crush the revolution against his 40-years regime.

As the nations of the world are facing problems in evacuation of their nationals out of burning Libya; France emerged out as the first one to call for sanctions against Libya.  

French President Nicolas Sarkozy said, "I would like the suspension of economic, commercial and financial relations with Libya until further notice."

Wahab Riaz and Junaid Khan to be Trained by Legendary Wasim Akram

Hambantota - Talking to Geo Super legendary left-arm fast bowler Wasim Akram offered his services to give few tips and tricks to young left-arm pacers, Wahab Riaz and Junnaid Khan, in the Pakistan Squad for the World Cup. 

He told channel that he had told Waqar and Shahid Afridi that he could use his spare time; he has enough being in Sri Lanka, to help Wahab and Junaid. He further told that he loves working with young bowlers, especially the left-armers. Wasim Akram, now a noted TV commentator ..... to read further click HERE.

Cricket World Cup 2011 - Younis Khan, Misbah and Akmal Brothers Smashed Half Centuries for Pakistan

Hambantota, Sri Lanka - Pakistan set a huge total of 317/7 after winning the toss and elected to bat. Four half centuries were scored by Pakistani batsmen with Umar Akmal topped with his smart 71 off just 52 balls. Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq and Kamran Akmal contributed good patches of runs with 50, 65, and 55 respectively. 

Kenyan bowlers gave away 46 runs as extras. 

For a summarized match report >>>>>>>>>>>>>> CLICK HERE.

Kot Lakhpat Jail Officers, Naved Asghar and Hafiz Hussain, Dismissed for Providing Undue Favour to Raymond Davis in Jail

LAHORE - According to latest media reports; Assistant Superintendent Kot Lakhpat Jail, Naved Asghar had been dismissed on account of providing out of the way facilities to Raymond Davis, detained for killing two Pakistani youths in Lahore almost one month back. 

Reportedly, Naved Asghar tried to provide a USB memory stick to Raymond Davis with the help of a constable Hafiz Hussain; also dismissed for assisting in that undue favour. 

Hafiz Hussain has been posted in a high security zone’s Information Technology (IT) department of the prison and the USB stick was recovered from him when he was attempting to enter high security cells. During investigations he disclosed that Naved Asghar asked him to take the memory stick in high security cells.

Naved Asghar, however, told officials during investigations that he Just asked constable Hussain to take print out of the data of the USB stick, but he took it to high security cells instead, on his own will.

According to senior official sources both accused had been dismissed and handed the investigation responsibilities to an intelligence organization.

Libya Getting Dangerous: Sea-Route to be Used by India to Evacuate 18,000 Nationals

NEW DELHI - - Indian government is concerned for their nationals trapped in Libya; where situation is getting dangerous with the passing of each day. Government has shown some intentions to evacuate almost 18,000 Indian nationals from volatile Libya.   

The situation in Libya is not quite favourable for an airlifted evacuation; therefore government is seriously considering sea-route to be used to get Indian nationals evacuated safely to their home soil.

India was still waiting for go-ahead signal to land its aircraft and ships; foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao mentioned that in her latest tweet.

Reportedly, a private cruise ship which is near Libya has been requested to anchor there - it can carry up to a thousand passengers.

More ships may be arranged to pick up Indians from Tripoli and Benghazi and drop them to Alexandria in Egypt, from where they will be flown back on special planes. Air India has been asked to keep aircraft ready for flights to Alexandria. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has made it clear that Indians in Libya have not been asked to pay for evacuation.

Somali Pirates Killed Four U.S. Citizens Kidnapped for Ransom - - Hillary Clinton "Deeply Sadened" on the Incident

WASHINGTON - Hillary Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State, said the U.S. government was "deeply saddened and very upset by the murder of four American citizens" -- a "deplorable act" that underlined the need for more international cooperation against the pirates.

Hillary Clinton expressed the condolences after the four U.S. hostages killed by Somali pirates on Tuesday. Reportedly these Americans were kidnapped by the pirates for ransom while they were on their private yacht off Somalia.   

According to U.S. military sources the hostages were killed before special forces took control of the pirates’ ship. The U.S. special forces took fifteen pirates into custody during the raid killing two of them; while two of the pirates were dead before the troops boarded into the vessel, the military sources further said.

Christchurch Earthquake: 65 Killed 200 Trapped - Reported by Radio New Zealand

CHRISTCHURCH – On the New Zealand’s darkest day, as described by Prime Minister Kohn Key, 65 death are confirmed by the sources as a result of devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake which struck Christchurch, the second biggest city of New Zealand, in mid-noon. 

Two large aftershocks of 5.6- magnitude and 5.5- magnitude strcuk the city within last two hours, and people are being instructed to stay away from collapsed and partially damaged buildings for fear of further collapses.

Bob Parker, the mayor of Christchurch, said on Tuesday that as many as 200 people could still be trapped inside buildings collapsed as a result of earthquake.

Mayor has announced a state of emergency and ordered people to vacate the city centre.

According to Radio New Zealand referring the mayor, Bob Parker, as saying the number trapped could be between 150 and 200.