Nagpur—Australia survived an
uncharacteristically erratic period during the
final stages of the first ODI and left Vadodara
with a 1-0 lead. That they managed to do so was
creditable in itself, considering their
preparations for the game were affected by the
late arrival of the New South Wales players
participating in the Champions League final,
after which they lost the services of Brett Lee
and James Hopes during India’s chase.
Wellington—New Zealand aimed to put behind
them the turmoil of the sudden departure of
coach Andy Moles as they left Tuesday for a
series of one-day cricket internationals and
Twenty20 matches against Pakistan. The series in
the United Arab Emirates features three one-day
internationals in Abu Dhabi from November 3,
followed by two Twenty20 internationals on
November 12 and 13 in Dubai.
Sydney—Flamboyant Pakistani all-rounder Shahid
Afridi will replace Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis
in the Redbacks’ Big Bash team after a
scheduling clash, officials with the Adelaide
side said on Tuesday. Afridi was called up after
spin sensation Mendis, whose signing was
announced in July, was ruled out due to national
commitments during the Twenty20 tournament in
December and January.
Karachi—Former Pakistan Hockey Captain and
coach Islahuddin Siddiqui said on Tuesday that
he was confident of Pakistan’s success in the
World Cup Hockey qualifier being held in Lille
(France). Pakistan was unlucky to have lost in
Asia Cup hockey final to Korea in Kuantan
despite playing a better game,” he told APP in
an interview here.
London—The
forgotten Test cricketer Hasan Raza is still
dreaming for a place in the national team
despite being often overlooked by the national
selectors. The acting Habib Bank captain told
the UK based website PakPassion.net, that he was
eyeing a spot in the Pakistan middle order.
“People forget that I am still only 27 years old
and have plenty of cricket left in me.