Argentine driver Guido Falaschi killed in crash

BALCARCE: Argentine driver Guido Falaschi was killed in a crash at Juan Manuel Fangio track during the final lap of a race in the most popular motor sport competition in the South American country.

Race officials and a doctor confirmed the death Sunday of the 22-year-old Falaschi in the event known as Turismo de Carretera.



The accident took place when Falaschi lost control, hit a retaining wall made of tires, swerved back onto the track and was struck by a car driven by Nestor Girolami.

Girolami was in stable condition at a hospital.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. (AP)

Australia all out for 47 in bizarre Newlands Test

CAPE TOWN: Australia crumbled to 47 all out in their second innings of the extraordinary first Test against South Africa on Thursday.

The lowest Test total ever was 26 by New Zealand against England in 1955 while Australia's lowest was 36 against England in 1902.


A last-wicket stand from Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon avoided Australia beating those unwanted records.

Hosts South Africa had earlier been bowled out for 96 on a remarkable day two and a reasonable-looking wicket after the tourists had made 284 in their first innings with captain Michael Clarke scoring 151.

All four innings will take place on the same day with Australia leading by 235 and with a decent chance of winning the first match of the two-test series despite their woeful second innings effort.(Reuters)

India's Tendulkar hits 15,000th Test run

NEW DELHI: Sachin Tendulkar of India on Tuesday became the first batsman in history to score 15,000 Test runs even as he moved towards his 100th international century.

Tendulkar, 38, achieved the feat when he reached 28 on the third day of the first Test against the West Indies at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground in New Delhi.


Tendulkar was unbeaten on 33 and Rahul Dravid was on 30 as India, set a victory target of 276, reached 152-2 by stumps.

The Mumbai batsman, playing his 182nd Test match, already holds the world record for most runs and centuries in both Test and one-day cricket.

Tendulkar needs one more three-figure knock to become the first batsman to score 100 international hundreds. He has 51 Test and 48 one-day centuries so far. (AFP)

Younis leads Pakistan fightback against Sri Lanka

SHARJAH: A Younis Khan century steered his team closer to Sri Lanka's first innings total as Pakistan reached 199 for three at tea on the third day of the third and final Test in neutral Sharjah on Saturday.

Put on the back foot for a majority of the first two days, Pakistan still trail Sri Lanka by 214 runs but Younis (100 not out), with the help of Azhar Ali (53) and Misbah-ul-Haq (16 not out), got Pakistan back into the match after resuming on 35-2.


Younis, who scored his first run off the 31st delivery he faced, brought up his 18th test century when he drove Chanaka Welegedara into the covers for a single in the last over before the interval.

Younis and Ali batted cautiously at the start, with the first run in their partnership coming after more than 50 balls, but started scoring freely as they spent longer at the crease.

The pair added 98 for the third wicket before Ali became Kosala Kulasekara's first Test victim when the nippy right-armer got one to angle back sharply into the Pakistan batsman's stumps.

Captain Misbah then came to the crease and looked untroubled, scoring his runs patiently from 72 deliveries.

Sri Lanka, trailing the three match series 1-0, were dealt a blow to their bowling attack when paceman Dhammika Prasad was ruled out from the remainder of the test with a thigh strain.

Left-arm seamer Welegedara managed to trouble the batsmen on a few occasions but the Sri Lankan spinners failed to extract any purchase out of the wicket, making it easier for the batsmen to score.

Pakistan, who won the second test by nine wickets, are playing "home" Tests in the Gulf region due to security concerns in their own country. (Reuters)

Taylor keeps Zimbabwe's hopes alive

BULAWAYO: Captain Brendan Taylor hit an aggressive unbeaten half-century as Zimbabwe threatened an unlikely victory on the final day of their Test against New Zealand.

Taylor was on 73 not out from just 81 deliveries when Zimbabwe went to lunch on 169 for three -- still needing 197 runs to record what would be a famous victory.



Opener Tino Mawoyo was the only wicket to fall in the first session, with part-timer Martin Guptill's delivery deflecting off the thigh pad and onto the stumps.

Mawoyo's 52 had contributed to a 96-run partnership with Taylor over the first hour and a half of the day, with Mawoyo doing his best to stonewall the New Zealand bowlers while Taylor went after them at the other end.

Taylor hit four sixes and five fours in the morning session as he often came down the wicket to cart offspinner Jeetan Patel over cow corner.

He was joined after Mawoyo's departure by former captain Tatenda Taibu, who went to lunch on five not out.

Zimbabwe began the day on 61 for two in the face of a stiff target of 366, which was set by New Zealand when they declared their second innings on 252 for eight midway through the third session of day four. (AFP)

PCB terms conviction of Pakistan players a sad day for cricket

Pakistan Cricket Board has termed the conviction and sentencing of three Pakistani players,Salman Butt,Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir “a sad day for Pakistan cricket.A PCB spokesman with reference to the punishment handed over to the players in Southward Crown Court London said here on Friday “ It is a sad day for Pakistan cricket.Instead of having pride in playing for their country, these players chose to disappoint their supporters, damage the image of their country and bring the noble game of cricket into disrepute. There is little sympathy in Pakistan for the sorry pass they have come to”.


Salman has been sentenced to two years and six months in jail for his role in the spot fixing case, Asif has got a one year jail sentence and Aamir six month.Mazhar Majeed the players agent has been sentenced to two years and eight month.
He said PCB is determined to ensure that any form of corrupt behaviour from Pakistan cricket is stamped out.
“ We will be adopting a number of measures to stop the happening of such incidents in future “,he said.
The steps or measures included training courses under PCB education program would be upgraded for all players and particularly younger entrants into international cricket to inform them of the law and spirit of the game, the inducements that may be offered to them by unscrupulous elements, and the pitfalls associated with deviant behaviour.
“ Strict vigilance protocols to be introduced to monitor the game, devise appropriate rules and procedures of conduct, and keep away bad elements always on the lookout to trap players”,he said.
The code of conduct and the parameters of registering and approving anyone desirous of being an agent of the players will be reviewed and strengthened further. No unauthorized hiring of agents would be permitted.
A recommendation would be made to the government to consider passing a law in the parliament making corruption in sports a criminal offence. This would not only be deterrence, but also allow proper prosecution and punishment for criminal behaviour.
“ These are just some of the measures being contemplated by the PCB. More would follow as and when the need arises. Ridding Pakistan cricket of any possible corrupt behaviour will remain a high priority for the PCB”,he said adding “ PCB will also work closely with the ICC and its member Boards in ensuring that the game of cricket globally is made totally free from the taint of corruption.”

London court’s decision sad but not unexpected: Former cricket greats

Former players and cricket officials Tuesday termed the conviction of Muhammad Asif and Salman Butt by a UK court as sad but expected, advising the officials to take further measures to protect future players from fixing mafia. A jury at London’s Southwark Crown Court found Salman Butt guilty of both - conspiracy to cheat and conspiracy to accept corrupt payments for fixing parts of a test match against Australia at Lords, while Asif was found guilty of conspiracy to cheat. “It is sad to see these players being convicted like that,” former Test cricketer Sikander Bakht told APP. He said that the decision
should be an eye-opener for Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and it must start counseling of U-19 players. “The PCB should arrange proper training for keeping country’ss future players away from bookies” he insisted.
Former fast bowler Sarfaraz Nawaz said that the decision was a great setback for Pakistan cricket. “It is also a sad day for their (players) families and the entire nation,” he said. He said he had been asking to the PCB for the past several years to take steps towards rooting out the fixing menace from the game but unfortunately his suggestions were not given any due consideration. “The decision was expected. But whatever happened is really sad,” commented another former Test cricketer Basit Ali. Former ICC President Ehsan Mani said: “The conviction of these two players should be a lesson for others.”It is also a strong message to PCB that things were not in order. It is not acceptable for everyone, including country’s cricket lovers. But I feel the menace is not confined only to Pakistan,” he added.
Former PCB chief Arif Abbasi said the decision was expected. There was no chance of their (players) escape as “they broke the law of a country, whose people love their country’ss law very much.”

This Articel Orignaly Published at APP

London court’s decision sad but not unexpected: Former cricket greats

Former players and cricket officials Tuesday termed the conviction of Muhammad Asif and Salman Butt by a UK court as sad but expected, advising the officials to take further measures to protect future players from fixing mafia. A jury at London’s Southwark Crown Court found Salman Butt guilty of both - conspiracy to cheat and conspiracy to accept corrupt payments for fixing parts of a test match against Australia at Lords, while Asif was found
guilty of conspiracy to cheat. “It is sad to see these players being convicted like that,” former Test cricketer Sikander Bakht told APP. He said that the decision should be an eye-opener for Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and it must start counseling of U-19 players. “The PCB should arrange proper training for keeping country’ss future players away from bookies” he insisted.
Former fast bowler Sarfaraz Nawaz said that the decision was a great setback for Pakistan cricket. “It is also a sad day for their (players) families and the entire nation,” he said. He said he had been asking to the PCB for the past several years to take steps towards rooting out the fixing menace from the game but unfortunately his suggestions were not given any due consideration. “The decision was expected. But whatever happened is really sad,” commented another former Test cricketer Basit Ali. Former ICC President Ehsan Mani said: “The conviction of these two players should be a lesson for others.”It is also a strong message to PCB that things were not in order. It is not acceptable for everyone, including country’s cricket lovers. But I feel the menace is not confined only to Pakistan,” he added.
Former PCB chief Arif Abbasi said the decision was expected. There was no chance of their (players) escape as “they broke the law of a country, whose people love their country’ss law very much.” (AAP)

Edwards duo put Windies on top against BD

DHAKA: Fidel Edwards grabbed five quick wickets and Kirk Edwards cracked an impressive 121 to help the West Indies gain the upper hand in the series-deciding second Test against Bangladesh on Sunday.

Fast bowler Edwards finished with 5-58 for his 11th haul of five or more wickets in a Test innings as the West Indies reduced Bangladesh to 204-7 in their first innings at stumps after posting 355 on the second day.


Shakib Al Hasan, who also bagged five wickets with his left-arm spin, defied the West Indies' attack with a 74-ball 73 with the help of nine fours before being bowled by leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo.

Bangladesh were reeling at 59-5 following Fidel Edwards' five-wicket burst off 29 balls on a slow pitch before being steadied by Shakib, who put on 84 for the sixth wicket with Naeem Islam (45).

The hosts now trail by 151 runs with just three wickets in hand. Nasir Hossain was unbeaten on 34 and debutant Suhrawadi Shuvo on two not out.

Kirk Edwards, 71 overnight, completed his second century in three Tests in the opening session as the tourists added 102 runs to their overnight total of 253-5 before being bowled out in the second.

The opening Test of the two-match series ended in a draw in Chittagong.

Bangladesh went for shots early in their innings as they raced to 60 off just 10 overs, but lost five wickets in the process to find themselves in deep trouble.

Fidel Edwards had opener Tamim Iqbal and Shahriar Nafees caught by Darren Bravo at short-leg in his opening three overs before removing Raqibul Hasan and skipper Mushfiqur Rahim off successive deliveries in his fourth over.

His fifth victim was opener Imrul Kayes, who hit one six and five fours in his 26-ball 29 before being caught by Kraigg Brathwaite at square-leg.

Tamim was the other top-order batsman to reach double figures, hitting three fours in paceman Kemar Roach's opening over before falling for a 10-ball 14.

The West Indies earlier lost their last five wickets for 36 runs, with Shakib finishing with 5-63 for his eighth haul of five or more wickets in a Test innings.

Kirk Edwards, who scored a hundred on Test debut against India at home in July, hit two sixes and 14 fours in his 273-ball knock before being trapped leg-before by Shakib.

He was dropped on 90 by wicket-keeper Rahim off off-spinner Nasir Hossain and then smashed two fours in the same over before completing his century with a boundary off left-arm spinner Shuvo. (AFP)

Sri Lanka take lead but Pakistan still on top

DUBAI: An unfinished seventh wicket stand of 52 between Angelo Mathews and Dhammika Prasad put Pakistan's victory bid on hold in the second Test against Sri Lanka at Dubai Stadium here on Saturday.



Sri Lanka lost three wickets in the morning sessions to slip to 125-4 before losing another two to move to 218-6 in their second innings at tea on the fourth day, leading by 54 runs after conceding a 164-run lead in the first knock.

Vice-captain Mathews was unbeaten on 44 and Prasad was 29 not out as the pair survived the second new ball which saw the departure of Kaushal Silva (eight), caught off a miscued pull by Saeed Ajmal off paceman Junaid Khan.

Mathews, who has been Sri Lanka's best batsman in the last six Tests, has so far hit four boundaries and a six during his enterprising 115-ball knock and found an able partner in Prasad to put resistance against some tight bowling.

Pakistan had dismissed Sangakkara (30) in the fourth over of the fourth day before dismissing Mahela Jayawardene (five) and skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan (three) to threaten to take a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series.

The first Test ended in a draw at Abu Dhabi last week.

Sri Lanka, who resumed at 88-1, had been hoping for Sangakkara to stay longer and thus keep Pakistan at bay as he did in the second innings of the first Test when he scored an epic 211.

But the experienced batsman was reduced to adding just a single to his overnight score of 29 when he didn't offer a stroke to left-arm spinner Abdul Rehman's incoming delivery and although he pushed too far New Zealand umpire Tony Hill adjudged him leg-before.

Sangakkara, who didn't hit a single boundary, walked back in disgust. He added 73 for the second wicket with Tharanga.

Mahela Jayawardene then missed a sweep off spinner Saeed Ajmal and was bowled and Dilshan's horrible form in the series continued when was trapped leg-before by paceman Junaid Khan three runs later.

Paranavitana, though, remained composed and reached his ninth half-century with a square driven boundary off Umar Gul. He fell soon after lunch, caught off a sharp turning delivery from Ajmal in the slip.

He hit four boundaries during his fighting knock. (AFP)

West Indies reach 160-2 at tea against Bangladesh

DHAKA: Kieran Powell and Kraigg Brathwaite hit maiden half-centuries to help the West Indies reach 160-2 at tea on the opening day of the second and final Test against Bangladesh on Saturday.

Left-handed Powell made a patient 72 and teenager Brathwaite a solid 50 as the West Indies batted steadily in the first two sessions after winning the toss in Dhaka.



Kirk Edwards was unbeaten on 31 at the break with Darren Bravo (two).

Powell, playing only his second Test, put on 100 runs for the opening wicket with Brathwaite and 55 for the second wicket with Edwards before being bowled by debutant left-arm spinner Suhrawadi Shuvo.

Powell cracked 10 fours in his 150-ball knock.

Brathwaite, who turns 19 in December, fell soon after completing his first half-century in three Tests, caught by Imrul Kayes at gully while trying to steer seamer Rubel Hossain in the fourth over after lunch.

Both West Indies openers played some attractive shots in the morning session, with Powell hitting paceman Shahadat Hossain for two successive fours early in his knock.

Bangladesh pressed key spinner Shakib Al Hasan into the attack after only five overs, but had to wait for more than a session to break the opening-wicket stand on a good batting pitch.

Left-arm spinner Shakib has so far conceded just 27 runs in 20 tight overs.

The tourists made two changes from the side that drew the opening Test in Chittagong, bringing in Powell and fast bowler Kemar Roach in place of injured Lendl Simmons and Ravi Rampaul.

Bangladesh's left-arm spinner Elias Sunny, who took seven wickets on debut in Chittagong, was ruled out of the match due to an upset stomach. He was replaced with Shuvo. (AFP)

England seek T20 revival in India

KOLKATA: England are looking to end their dismal tour of India on a high note by winning Saturday's Twenty20 international in Kolkata to show they remain a major force in the shortest version of the game.

The reigning world Twenty20 champions endured an embarrassing 5-0 whitewash in the 50-over-a-side contests at the hands of Mahendra Singh Dhoni's rejuvenated home team.



A win on Saturday in front of an expected full house of 60,000 fans at Eden Gardens will showcase England's firepower ahead of the defence of their World Twenty20 crown in Sri Lanka next September.

Off-spinner Graeme Swann, who had a modest return of two wickets in the one-day series, will lead the tourists in the absence of injured Twenty20 captain Stuart Broad and vice-captain Eoin Morgan.

Somerset's big-hitter Jos Buttler, who joins the Twenty20 squad along with Alex Hales of Nottinghamshire, said he was excited about playing in Saturday's one-off match.

England may be without star batsman Kevin Pietersen, who missed the fifth one-dayer on Tuesday with a broken thumb.

India, meanwhile, have recalled hard-hitting batsmen Robin Uthappa and Yusuf Pathan to the Twenty20 squad which includes a majority of players who took part in the one-day series. (AFP)

Zaka Ashraf vows to restore Pakistan cricket image

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board new chairman Zaka Ashraf said Friday his top priority will be to restore the country's reputation following a slew of damaging fixing allegations and discipline problems.

"My focus will be to revive the lost glory in Pakistan cricket," Zaka Ashraf told reporters upon taking charge as PCB chairman, two weeks after his appointment by President Asif Ali Zardari.



Ashraf's predecessor, Ijaz Butt, saw his three-year tenure marred by bad governance, a spot-fixing scandal and controversy over players' discipline.

Ashraf said he will need time to decide on his own strategies.

"I need about two to three months to settle down, study the system before making any decisions accordingly," he said.

The 59-year-old promised to seek advice from former greats, like Imran Khan, ironically one of Zardari's greatest critics who founded his own party, Tehreek-e-Insaf (Movement for Justice), after retiring from cricket.

"I intend to get all the legends of cricket in Pakistan on board to hear their suggestions for improving both domestic and international cricket, and I plan to meet Imran Khan after October 30," said Ashraf.

Ashraf, who headed Pakistan's largest agriculture development bank before taking over as cricket chief, also backed all-rounder Shahid Afridi returning to the team following his retirement U-turn after Butt's dismissal.

"In my personal view, Afridi is a good one-day player, so I will meet him and then take a decision on him," said Ashraf.

Afridi announced his retirement in May after Butt sacked him as one-day captain. Afridi had vowed not to play under Butt as chairman.

The PCB suspended Afridi's contract and revoked permission for him to play abroad, sanctions which the all-rounder challenged in court.

But the matter was settled after a private meeting between Butt and Afridi, with the all-rounder appearing before a PCB disciplinary committee and fined $53,000 for breach of contract.

Afridi last week announced he was ready to play for Pakistan. He is likely to return to the team for the five one-day games and a Twenty20 against Sri Lanka which follow the ongoing three-match Test series in United Arab Emirates.

Ashraf said he will also improve Pakistan's domestic cricket and academies. (AFP)

General council meeting of Pak cycling federation

First general council meeting of the newly elected Pakistan Cycling Federation will be held here on October 30. “ The meeting will take important decisions pertaining to the development of cycling in the country besides finalising the dates of the national championship next month at Lahore “, said Munawar Baseer Ahmad, President, PCF while talking to APP on Thursday. He said the meeting will finalise the activity calendar for the year 2011-12 and to discuss ways and means for the further uplift of cycling in the country.



It would be the first meeting of the new regime of PCF after the ouster of the then President, Nauraiz Shakoor and Secretary, Idris Haider Khawaja in the elections held here last month.
PCF Chief said an organising committee would also be formed to host the national championship in a befitting manner.
He pointed out that the previous setup of the PCF has not yet handed over them the previous record of the affairs of the body and the necessary account details.
“ We will be putting up this matter in the agenda of the meeting to draw a future course of action in this regard “,he said adding “ We want to have the details of funds spent by the previous regime of PCF on organising cycling events and its allied activities “.
Munawar Baseer said efforts would be made to generate maximum activities with the support and cooperation of all the affiliated units of PCF and this point would be made a part of the agenda of the meeting to made resolute efforts for the uplift of the cycling.
“ PCF will take all the stake holders into confidence and their point of view will be given due consideration before taking decisions and allocation of cycling events to respective affiliated units “, he added.

This Articel Orignaly Published at APP

Future is bright for Pakistan, says Afridi

HONG KONG: Talismanic Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi said Thursday the new chairman of the nation's cricket board gave hope to the embattled cricket side and took a swipe at the "old man" he replaced.

Afridi came out of international retirement last week after banker Zaka Ashraf was appointed chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), replacing Ijaz Butt -- a long-time rival of the former one-day captain.



"The new chairman is impressive. He has run a lot of companies, so he knows how to manage people and I hope it will be a good change for Pakistani cricket," the 31-year-old, nicknamed "Boom Boom" for his attacking batting style, told AFP in Hong Kong.

"Ijaz Butt was poor during his tenure. If you look at the things that happened in his time it is clear he didn't do a good job. I think he needs to have some rest -- he is in his seventies -- he is an old man."

Afridi announced his retirement from international cricket after being dumped as one-day captain following a row over selection with team coach Waqar Younis in May.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), then with Butt at the helm, said Afridi breached a code of conduct by announcing his retirement and levelling allegations against the board.

In response Afridi launched legal proceedings against the PCB, which were reportedly settled out of court.

The affair was the latest in a line of damaging episodes to dog Pakistani cricket, the most serious being allegations of spot-fixing during last year's England tour which are currently being heard by a London court.

Speaking ahead of the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes event, which starts on Friday, Afridi said the change of leadership at the PCB paved the way for his return.

"I stopped playing because of Ijaz Butt... he has gone, so I am back. I am fit and want to play. The next time I retire will be the last time."

Afridi also said he hoped the conclusion of a trial relating to spot-fixing allegations, involving internationals Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, would allow the nation to step out of the shadow of the scandal.

"It will be finished in two or three days I think, whatever the outcome it will be an example to our youngsters.

"It's time to leave the issue (spot-fixing) behind. There is still a lot of cricket in Pakistan to focus on."

He also urged the PCB to invest in young players and secure the return of international cricket to Pakistan.

The country has not hosted an international tour since militants attacked the Sri Lankan team bus in March 2009, killing eight Pakistanis and wounding seven visiting players and their assistant coach.

"In a few years our rankings can improve if the PCB does the right things to encourage cricket. I am confident we are finally moving in the right direction," he added.

Afridi will play in an All Star team at this weekend's Sixes event alongside former Sri Lanka batsman-turned-politician Sanath Jayasuriya and South African legend Herschelle Gibbs. (AFP)

Wozniacki top of the world after Sharapova withdrawal

ISTANBUL: Maria Sharapova's season ended in disappointment on Wednesday as she saw her hopes of regaining the title at the WTA Championships after a seven year gap and of dethroning Caroline Wozniacki as world number one dashed because she is still feeling the effects of an ankle injury.

The former Wimbledon, US Open and Australian Open champion from Russia announced that she was withdrawing from the women's tour's flagship event after losing 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 to Li Na, the French Open champion from China.



Her decision ensured that Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki would become year-end world number one for the second successive year.

However, the Dane was unable to celebrate that with a victory as she was beaten 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 by Vera Zvonareva, the Russian who finished last year in second place, although this result decides nothing.

Provided Wozniacki beats Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova on Thursday, she will finish the group with two wins and with a decent chance of qualifying for the semi-finals.

Sharapova could still feel the ankle injury she sustained four weeks ago in Tokyo, despite a very spirited effort in a flawed but fine match against a revitalised Li.

She always sought to take the initiative from the hard-hitting Sharapova, and her boldness contributed to her first win since August.

It was also only Li's seventh since making history in Paris in June by becoming the first Chinese player to win a Grand Slam singles title.

Sharapova had points for a double break of serve and a 5-2 lead in the first set, and then led 4-0 in the tie-break, before Li fought back brilliantly.

In the second set Sharapova trailed by two breaks but battled back to earn three points for a double break back at 5-5 before Li denied her and took the match.

This Articel Orignaly Published at The News Pk

Bangladesh put Windies in to bat in final ODI

CHITTAGONG: Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim elected to field after winning the toss against the West Indies in the third and final one-day international on Tuesday.

The West Indies, who have already gained an unbeatable 2-0 lead, made three changes from the side that won the second one-dayer by eight wickets in Dhaka last week.

Kieran Powell, Anthony Martin and debutant Carlos Brathwaite came in place of Devendra Bishoo, Ravi Rampaul and Lendl Simmons.

Bangladesh replaced Mohammad Ashraful, Alok Kapali, Abdur Razzak and Rubel
Hossain with Suhrawadi Shuvo, Shuvagata Hom, Shahriar Nafees and Nazmul Hossain.

West Indies: Darren Sammy (captain), Kieran Powell, Darren Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Danza Hyatt, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Carlos Brathwaite, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Anthony Martin.

Bangladesh: Mushfiqur Rahim (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Shahriar Nafees, Shakib Al Hasan, Shuvagata Hom, Naeem Islam, Nasir Hossain, Suhrawadi Shuvo, Shafiul Islam, Nazmul Hossain. (The News Pk)

South Africa level T20 series against Australia

JOHANNESBURG: Tailenders Wayne Parnell and Rusty Theron snatched an improbable three-wicket win for South Africa in the second Twenty20 international against Australia at the Wanderers Stadium on Sunday.

Parnell (29 not out) and Theron (31 not out) put on an unbeaten 64 for the eighth wicket off just 27 balls to level a series which Australia had looked almost certain to win.

Australia's youth brigade took their side to the brink of victory but in the end a lack of experience proved costly to the tourists.

Teenage debutant Mitchell Marsh hit four sixes in the last two overs to give Australia's innings a late boost, taking them to a total of 147 for eight, which seemed more than enough when fellow teenager, fast bowler Pat Cummins, sparked a South African collapse.

Marsh, 19, made 36 off 21 balls on the day he joined older brother Shaun and father Geoff as an international cricketer.read more

Australian squad named for Test series in South Africa

SYDNEY: Teenage quick Patrick Cummins could become Australia's youngest Test player in nearly 60 years after being called up Monday for their two-Test series in South Africa.

The explosive 18-year-old has played just three first-class matches for New South Wales, taking nine wickets, but has impressed for Australia against South Africa in the current Twenty20 series.

He replaces James Pattinson in the only change to the squad that defeated Sri Lanka 1-0 in their three-Test battle last month and if he makes his debut will become the youngest Australian to play a Test since Ian Craig in 1952-53.

Craig was 17 years and 293 days on debut, with Cummins to be 18 years and 185 days when the Test series against South Africa starts.

The next youngest was Tom Garrett, who was 18 years and 232 days when he played in Australia's first Test match in 1877.

Australia play two Tests in South Africa, the first on November 9 in Cape Town and the second in Johannesburg from November 17.

The explosive Cummins took 2-27 off four overs in Australia's second Twenty20 international against South Africa on Sunday, opening the bowling and taking two for three in a two-over burst.

For Hilditch, Monday's announcement is likely his last as chairman of selectors with Cricket Australia set to appoint a full-time selection chairman and new panel as part of a review earlier this year.

Squad: Michael Clarke (captain), Shane Watson (vice-capt), Michael Beer, Trent Copeland, Patrick Cummins, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Phil Hughes, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle. (The News Pk)

Ferrer beats Roddick to reach Shanghai semis

SHANGHAI: Spain's David Ferrer battled back from a set down to reach the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters on Friday with a 6-7 (5/7), 6-2, 7-6 (7/2) win over Andy Roddick.

After a first set that went with serve, Roddick drew first blood when he clinched the tie-break but the Spanish third seed hit back strongly in the second set to break the big-serving American twice.

Tenth seed Roddick was match point down in the 10th game of the third set but kept his nerve to level at 5-5 and force a tie-break.

The tie-break initially went with serve but Ferrer secured two crucial mini-breaks and sealed the win after more than two-and-a-half hours.

Ferrer, who hit 11 aces in the match and 49 winners compared with 37 unforced errors, was not broken once by his American opponent throughout the match.

The Spaniard, who produced a dramatic comeback against Juan Carlos Ferrero to reach the quarter-finals, this week became the fifth player to qualify for the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London. (The News Pk)