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World T20, 2nd Semi-Final

India vs West Indies

at Mumbai, Mar 31, 2016
West Indies 196/3 beat India 192/2 by 7 wickets



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Tri-Series 2006 in Sri Lanka Cancelled

South Africa has pulled out of the Unitech ODI tri-series. The report from an independent security company, employed by the International Cricket Council, said safety of the team, under the present circumstances, could not be guaranteed in the Sri Lankan capital.
Earlier, Cricket South Africa's security agency Nicolls and Steyn recommended that the team should return home following Monday's bomb blast here that left seven dead.
The media manager of the Sri Lankan Board, Samantha Alagama, said the tri-series thus stood cancelled. India and Sri Lanka will now play a three-match ODI series on August 18, 20 and 22 in Colombo. All the three matches will be played at the Singhalese Sports Club Stadium, which has better drainage facilities. These will be day matches.

India to take on Sri Lanka amid tight security

The Indian cricket team is scheduled to play its first match of the tri-series in Sri Lanka today against the hosts in Colombo.
The prospects of the cricket tri-series being salvaged have received a boost with the South African squad agreeing to remain in Colombo till a fresh evaluation of the security arrangements is done by an independent team of the International Cricket Council. While the South Africans have expressed apprehensions over their security, the Indians are looking relaxed going into the first match of the tri-series.The Indian cricket team had a practice session today in the afternoon amid tight security. The team has been provided with bullet proof cars as part of an enhanced security ring.

Opening tri-series ODI washed out in Colombo

Wet weather has washed out the opening triangular series one-day international between Sri Lanka and South Africa on Monday.
An inspection for the day-night match scheduled for 4 pm was cancelled after heavy rain resumed in Colombo, leaving the umpires with no option other than to postpone the contest. A reserve day has been set aside and the match will be played on Tuesday, weather-permitting. A practice session for the Indian team scheduled to be held at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Monday morning was also called off due to inclement weather.

Rains threaten to wash out first two day matches

Rains threaten to play spoilsport to India and South Africa's quest to make amends of their dismal one-day record in Sri Lanka in the Unitech Cup cricket tri-series that starts here today.
Thunder showers, which lashed the capital city for the last 48 hours, washed out India's warm-up match on Sunday after South Africa were deprived of a warm-up match on Saturday. Weather forecast predicts more rains in the next five days, threatening a washout of the first two matches.
But the home team is not only about their new and recent superstars. With players like Muttiah Muralitharan, Kumar Sangakkara, the in-form Upul Taranga, and an emerging Lasith Malinga, Sri Lanka is a formidable side. Going by the home and recent record of the three teams in the series which kicks off between the hosts and South Africa on Monday Sri Lankans get the favourites tag. South Africa are expected to struggle against the spin-centric attacks of the other two teams. Without their best players captain Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis and Justin Kemp and injury to some key players in the squad, Makhaya Ntini and Shaun Pollock, it will be difficult for them to reach the final.

Sreesanth concentrating on length

Looking to cement his place in the team with a good performance in the upcoming tri-series in Sri Lanka, S. Sreesanth says he is concentrating on his length and rhythm to bring consistency in his bowling.
"During the camp, I was concentrating on my length and rhythm," the 23-year-old pacer said in a chat with newspersons after being appointed the brand ambassador of Muthoot Pappachan Group here on Wednesday night. To a question about the tri-series, he said, "I am looking forward to put up a good show in the series." Sreesanth said the different kind of tactics adopted during the fitness camp as well as the match simulation session during the cricket-skills camp would help in future endeavours. The pacer added that the camp also gave an opportunity to youngsters like him to know each other and discuss problems with seniors. Sreesanth exuded confidence that many more youngsters from Kerala will make it to the national team in the future. "There are players in Kerala and the need of the hour is for them to discipline themselves and concentrate more on the game," he said.

Nitini in doubt for tri-series

Makhaya Ntini is in doubt for the upcoming tri-series against Sri Lanka and India after suffering a hamstring injury during the second Test loss to Sri Lanka.
Ntini received intensive overnight treatment in being woken every two hours by team physiotherapist Shane Jabaar for ice treatment. It didn't prove beneficial however as Nitini was unable to take to the field of play for the fifth day. The tri-series starts on 14th August when Sri Lanka play South Africa at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Each team plays each other twice, before a final.

Unitech to sponsor tri-series

Pan-Indian real estate and infrastructure developer Unitech Limited has bagged the sponsorship title for the forthcoming Sri Lankan cricket tri-series. Starting 14 August, the cricket teams of South Africa, Sri Lanka and India will battle for the Unitech Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka.
The series comprising of seven one-day matches will see the hosts Sri Lanka pitted against the Indian and South African teams in the 15-day matches. This is the first initiative by Unitech Ltd as a corporate citizen towards promoting sports. Unitech Ltd is also associated with social causes including developing educational institutions, health cities, and education and food programmes for the poor. Unitech Ltd is committed to spreading the message that if you can dream and believe in your dreams, you can create a better world.

Atapattu returns for tri-series

Former Sri Lanka captain Marvan Atapattu has been named in a 15-man squad for the one-day triangular series also involving South Africa and India.
Atapattu, 35, returns after a five-month absence having recovered from an acute disc problem in his lower back that required surgery in May. Atapattu has been a cornerstone of the top order for a decade, scoring 5,330 runs in 88 tests and 8,233 runs in 253 one-day internationals. The selectors have decided to retain Mahela Jayawardene as captain until Atapattu has proved his fitness under match conditions. Atapattu has been earmarked for a new middle order role at number five following the successes of Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga and Jayawardene as the top three in England.
Middle order batsmen Russel Arnold and Jehan Mubarak, as well as leg spinning all rounder Kaushal Lokuarachchi, a replacement for Muttiah Muralitharan during the recent England series, have been dropped. Sri Lanka have also included specialist wicket-keeper Prasanna Jayawardene, though Sangakkara is expected to continue wicket-keeping duties in one-day internationals. Sri Lanka Team : Mahela Jayawardene (Captain), Marvan Atapattu, Kumar Sangakkara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chamara Kapugedera, Farveez Maharoof, Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando, Malinga Bandara, Ruchira Perera, Prasanna Jayawardene (Wicket Keeper).

Virender Sehwag to use new bats in Sri Lanka tri-series

Virender Sehwag continues his re-discovered batting form in the tri-series in Sri Lanka, credit will go in some measure to the trainees of his alma mater against whom he tested brand new bats that he will take along on the upcoming tour.
Sehwag tested six new willows in the nets against the bowling of youngsters at the Government Boys Senior Secondary School, Vikaspuri, in West Delhi, while he was in the capital between two preparatory camps at Bangalore for the Indian team. Top batsmen choose their bats extremely carefully, and Sehwag, a hard-hitting batsman who rediscovered his form on the recent tour of the West Indies, says he has to be very careful about the willow that he picks for international matches. Renowned batsmen also quickly discard their willow as soon it develops the first cracks. That is why batsmen carry enough bats to last them through a full overseas tour. Sehwag invariably carries six bats on his overseas tours. He spent a few days at the nets here, probably more in order to test his new equipment for the tri-series in Sri Lanka beginning Aug 14 than to correct his technique.

Rahul Dravid looks to strong start in Sri Lanka tri-series

Indian skipper Rahul Dravid said on Saturday a strong start would be the key to winning the tough triangular one-day cricket series in Sri Lanka next month.
"We have a tough series ahead, with Sri Lanka doing very well in recent one-dayers. But if we start well, we can make a turnaround," said Dravid, whose side were thrashed 4-1 in one-dayers in the West Indies in May. India clashes with Sri Lanka on August 16 in their opening match of the tournament, also featuring South Africa. Each team will play four league matches before the top two advance to the August 29 final in Colombo. Dravid said the team had been boosted with the return of master batsman Sachin Tendulkar, who missed one-day series against England at home and then in the Caribbean due to a shoulder injury. "His presence is important to all of us. It is good for us that he is around and looking forward to doing well in Sri Lanka," said Dravid. Tendulkar is the world's leading scorer in the shorter version of the game, with 14,146 runs in 362 matches with a record 39 centuries. Dravid said a three-day training camp that concluded on Friday would also help the players in the long run. "It cannot change you overnight, but it gives you something new to think about, some new experiences to think about. It will help them develop their personality and we will see the effects in the long term," he said. "We also had a session in Tai Chi, which is like yoga. We had heard about it and we wanted to experience it. I hope it benefits the boys."

Mark Boucher to lead South Africa in tri-series

Wicketkeeper-batsman Mark Boucher will lead South Africa in the upcoming triseries in Sri Lanka, Cricket South Africa on Monday said.
Chairman of selectors Haroon Lorgat said Ashwell Prince, who became the first coloured cricketer to lead South Africa in the preceding Test series, remained in the 14-man ODI squad. Graeme Smith, the original skipper, was ruled out of the series after suffering an ankle injury while jogging in his native Cape Town. Vice-captain Jacques Kallis was already out with an injury. The triseries, also featuring Sri Lanka and India, is to be played from August 14 to 29. South Africa squad: Mark Boucher (Captain), Boeta Dippenaar, Loots Bosman, Herschelle Gibbs, AB de Villiers, Shaun Pollock, Johan van der Wath, Robin Petersen, Andrew Hall, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Ashwell Prince, Roger Telemachus and Thandi Tshabalala.

Tough task for India in Tri-series

India may have a tough task in the one-day international Tri-series in Sri Lanka if past records are taken into account.
Sri Lanka has claimed four titles since 1999, besides they have a better home record of winning 19 out of total 33 ODIs played by the two nations in the Emerald Isle. India have bagged only two series, with nine one-dayers against the Islanders' in their backyard while the fate of five matches remained undecided. The two teams shared the ICC Champions Trophy in 2002-03 after rain washed out the final in Colombo. Though Indians had a bright series against Sri Lanka and England (at home), Pakistan (in Pakistan), and a draw with South Africa (at home) but their winning streak was broken by 1-4 loss against the West Indies in the Caribbean. However, the Rahul Dravid -led team can have some heart from the fact that India has a better track record at neutral venue and at home. India and Sri Lanka have played 23 ODIs at neutral venues of which they won 15 matches and conceded seven while one ended in no result. At home, they have had 33 clashes so far and won 23 matches conceding nine while one having no result. The tri-series, also involving South Africa, is slated from August 14 to 29 with all matches to be played in Colombo at the R Premadasa Stadium and Sinhalese Sport Club (SSC) following the internal bickering in the Sri Lanka Cricket. Both venues are happy hunting ground for the home players as the Premadasa venue holds the world record for the highest Test total of 952/6 declared by Sri Lanka against India in 1997-98.

Sachin Tendulkar, Dinesh Mongia back in Team India

Sachin Tendulkar will return to the India team for next month's tri-series in Sri Lanka following the shoulder injury that has sidelined him since March.
Selectors included India's premier batsman in a 15-man squad on Friday for the series involving Sri Lanka and South Africa to be played in Colombo from August 14-29. In another other change to the squad that lost a one-day series 4-1 in West Indies in May, left-handed all-rounder Dinesh Mongia was recalled after a year's absence. Opener Robin Uthappa and middle-order batsman Venugopal Rao have been dropped. The team will undergo a two-phased camp in Bangalore before leaving for Sri Lanka on Aug. 10. India Team : Rahul Dravid (Captain), Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Kaif, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wicketkeeper), Suresh Raina, Ajit Agarkar, Irfan Pathan, Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, Munaf Patel, Harbhajan Singh, Ramesh Powar, Dinesh Mongia, Rudra Pratap Singh.

Indian team for tri-series selection today

All speculation has come to an end with regard to Sachin Tendulkar's fitness, with the BCCI on Tuesday announcing that the veteran of 362 one-day internationals has made satisfactory progress from his shoulder injury. He would be a sure shot selection as an opener along with Virender Sehwag for the tri-series in Sri Lanka when the national selectors meet on Thursday afternoon at the MCA. This would be the committee's first meeting after India's tour of the West Indies.
Karnataka's Robin Uthappa, who made his one-day debut against England and scored a sparkling half century, was retained for the two-match series against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi and the five-match series against the West Indies, has not been capped more than three times and hence he's not likely to be displaced from the squad. The middle order has bulk and a wealth of experience in Rahul Dravid, Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif. The young left-hander, Suresh Raina's mature display since last winter has come as a boon for Indian cricket. Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Irfan Pathan provide the depth and quality.
The selectors made staggered visits to the West Indies and the team management have realised that spin is more likely to deliver the goods in the West Indies during the World Cup and also at the R. Premadasa and SSC stadiums in Colombo. Precisely the reason they are thinking of bringing in Dinesh Mongia. Since Greg Chappell took charge as coach of the Indian team a little over 12 months ago, there has been considerable debate on the utilisation of Pathan as an one-drop batsman and bold steps taken by the team's think tank. Chappell and Dravid have articulated their views on getting the process and balance of the team right for the ICC World Cup 2007 in the West Indies. They now have a fair idea of the combination that would work in the Caribbean; the results achieved in the tri-series in Colombo and the ICC Champions Trophy would offer them more inputs.

Sri Lanka name squad for tri-series

With an eye on the World Cup, Sri Lankan selectors have named a 20-member squad for the two-Test series against South Africa and the following tri-series, also involving India.
The selectors made two changes in the side that recently crushed England 5-0 in a one-day series, leaving out Jehan Mubarak and Nuwan Kulasekara. Coming in their places were Rangana Herath and Marvan Atapattu, who was picked despite the fact that he would not play any role in the team's two assignments. Ashantha de Mel, the chairman of selectors, said that the squad of 20 was selected with the 2007 World Cup in mind. De Mel said in absence of Atapattu, Mahela Jayawardene will be asked to continue as captain for the Test and one-day series next month. Sri Lanka Squad: Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara (Wicket Keeper), Mahela Jayawardene (Captain), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Russel Arnold, Marvan Atapattu, Michael Vandort, Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Kapugedera, Farveez Maharoof, Chaminda Vaas, Ruchira Perera, Dilhara Fernando, Lasith Malinga, Malinga Bandara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Rangana Herath, Nuwan Zoysa, Prasanna Jayawardene.

Anil Kumble unlikely to be picked for tri-series

Anil Kumble, who emerged with a 23-wicket haul in the four-Test series in the West Indies, is almost certain to spend the English summer bowling for Surrey and is not likely to be picked for the tri-series in Sri Lanka.
The news from the grapevine is that he's told that he will return to India's one-day campaigns with the Champions Trophy to be held in India in October-November. Clearly, the selectors want to bring him back at the right time and prepare him for the World Cup in the West Indies in March-April 2007. Harbhajan Singh and Ramesh Powar manned India's spin department in the West Indies. While Harbhajan played in all five games, Powar figured in three. On Thursday, the selectors may consider recalling Punjab all-rounder Dinesh Mongia for the tri-series. A specialist batsman, Mongia can add value with his left-arm spin. Mongia has figured in one or two selection committee discussions in the recent past. He has scored 799 runs in 10 first class matches for Leicestershire and is second in the county's 2006 batting averages. His batting has not been as good in the C & G limited-overs matches, but he's picked up 10 wickets too at 18 plus.
It is felt that there is a lot of similarity in the nature of the pitches in Sri Lanka and the West Indies and that it's worth trying Mongia in order to find the right balance for the World Cup. The norm is a 14-member squad for a ODI tournament, but the BCCI may allow an additional member as it did for the West Indies. The pace department is likely to consist of Munaf Patel, S. Sreesanth, Ajit Agarkar and Irfan Pathan. Uttar Pradesh left-armer Rudra Pratap Singh, currently in Australia with the India 'A' team, may not find a place.

Kiran More hints at changes in squad

Indian selectors might ring in a few changes in the side for the tri-series in Sri Lanka in order to take their opponents by surprise, Selection Committee Chairman Kiran More has indicated.
The Indian squad for the August 14 to 29 one-day competition, which also involves South Africa, would be announced on Thursday in Mumbai. Speculation of changes in the team mounted after higher-rated India lost the one-day series to underdogs West Indies 4-1 in June. The former India wicketkeeper also said India needed more pace bowlers given the amount of cricket that was being played. "We should have at least seven to eight such bowlers ready to play. With 40-50 one-dayers and quite a few Tests every year, its important to have enough genuine fast bowlers. This will help us rotate them properly"

Sachin eyes Sri Lanka return

Star batsman Sachin Tendulkar looks likely to feature in India's one-day tri-series in Sri Lanka after enjoying a successful recovery from shoulder surgery.
Tendulkar, who has the most centuries to his name in both the Test and limited overs formats of the game, missed the last three months of action due to the operation. The legendary batsman was forced to watch as India won a Test series in the West Indies for the first time in 35 years, and it was feared he would face a battle to be fit for the Sri Lanka competition - starting on August 14. However, Tendulkar is now hopeful of joining back up with his triumphant teammates, revealing his shoulder 'is feeling quite good'. The 33-year-old's recovery was aided by a recent charity appearance at the Brit Oval, where he top-scored with an unbeaten 50. A fitness test will now determine his availability in Sri Lanka, and Tendulkar admits it will be a relief to put an end to the toughest injury battle of his 17-year career.

BCCI confirms all tringular series matches at Colombo

All the matches of the one-day triangular series involving India, hosts Sri Lanka and South Africa will now be played in Colombo after the Dambulla leg has been scrapped.
Indian cricket board secretary Niranjan Shah said Thursday that all the matches would now be played at R. Premadasa Stadium and Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. According to the original itinerary, the first four matches of the series were to be played in the central Sri Lankan city of Dambulla, about 150 km from Colombo, and a warm-up match in Kurunegala, between Colombo and Dambulla. But due to internal politics in the Sri Lankan cricket board and its impending elections Saturday, the matches from Dambulla have been shifted to the national capital. Sinhalese Sports Club was not supposed to host any matches initially, but it will now host two matches.

Sreesanth working on yorkers ahead of Tri-Series

India's new pace spearhead S Sreesanth is keen to develop a potent yorker ahead of the tri-series in Sri Lanka to become a more complete fast bowler.
Sreesanth, who played a key role in India's 1-0 series win over the West Indies, said he was also working on removing the "negatives" in his bowling action and has sought tips from bowling greats to improve his skills further. "Yorkers are effective and surprise balls and should be used more in one-day matches. I am working on it and just want to get my confidence back," he said at a meet-the-press programme after returning from the cricket tour of Caribbean. The Kerala speedster said out of the 70-odd wickets he had got in first class cricket, 33 have come through bowling yorkers. The 23-year-old bowler said he was inspired by fast bowling legend Dennis Lillee of Australia, who had always advised him to get the basics right during his days at MRF Pace Foundation.

BCCI not concerned with Lankan politics

India will be playing a tri-series in Sri Lanka in less than a month, the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) maintained that it did not intend to comment on the internal matters of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
The BCCI, he revealed, had agreed to an SLC proposal for holding the matches in Colombo. The tournament is scheduled to be held from August 14 to 29. The Board secretarys brave words notwithstanding, the simmering infighting in the SLC has left the Indian board officials in a spot of bother. Mohan de Silva, who is contesting against the present chairman Jayanta Dharmadasa declared that if his faction were to come to power, the first four matches of the tri-series will be moved to Dambulla. While exuding confidence that Dharmadasa will win the elections, a spokesman of the SLC admitted that the present body would have problems holding matches in Dambulla. There are even reports in some section of the media that SLC had fears of sabotage by the rival faction in Dambulla. The Rangiri international stadium in Dambulla is considered the best in Sri Lanka. It was raised by former SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala, who was removed by a Government ordinance last year. Sri Lankas Sports Minister Jeevan Kumartunga then appointed an interim body with Dharmadasa as chairman. Although Sumathipala is not contesting, he is believed to have thrown his weight behind Mohan de Silva. The elections will be held on Saturday.

Election row hits tri-series schedule

A bitter battle to control Sri Lanka's cricket establishment has wrecked the schedule for next month's limited-overs tri-series against India and South Africa.
The dispute, generated by upcoming elections at Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), revolves around holding the first four matches of the August 14-29 tri-series in the central town of Dambulla. The government-appointed interim committee running SLC last week changed the original schedule and decided to hold all seven matches of the series at two venues in capital Colombo. Officials running in Saturday's SLC elections, however, said it will shift the first four matches back to Dambulla if it wins the polls. "Its just poor management from the interim committee," Mohan De Silva, who is running for SLC president against interim head Jayantha Dharmadasa, said yesterday.

Marvan Atapattu plans Tri-Series return

Sri Lanka captain Marvan Atapattu hopes to be fit for the forthcoming Tri-Series in Sri Lanka in August.
The 35-year-old veteran Sri Lanka opening batsman is still in Australia on a rehabilitation program after surgery. Reports from Australia said the doctors, treating the stylish veteran opener of 88 Tests, are happy with the recovery process and expects Atapattu to be fit in six weeks. But Atapattu has ample time to complete his recovery and rehabilitation process before the Tri-Series, featuring Sri Lanka, South Africa and India, begins on August 14.
Atapattu, who has aggregated 8,233 runs in 253 one day internationals, last played for Sri Lanka in the ODI against Pakistan at Premadasa Stadium last March. Following a back injury, Atapattu was forced to withdraw from the home series against Pakistan and the current tour of England and the Netherlands. Doctors later found the disc bone on Atapattu's back was touching a nerve and was operated in May. He is expected to return home in a week's time.

Two 5-day camps ahead of Lanka tour: BCCI

The Indian cricket team would undergo two training camps, spread over five days each, before leaving for Sri Lanka in August for the triangular series.
"The team would have a general conditioning camp and, after a break during which they can be back home with their families, would undergo a cricket specific camp. Each camp would last for five days each," Cricket Board Secretary Niranjan Shah said today. Shah said the squad would be chosen after July 15 and the camps would be held either in Chennai or Bangalore as the other parts of the country would be experiencing monsoon. The Indian team is slated to take part in a one-day series, featuring hosts Sri Lanka and South Africa, from August 14 to 29. India, who are set to reach Sri Lanka on August 10, take on the hosts in their opening encounter on August 16 at Dumbulla. Each team faces the other twice before the final at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on the August 29.

Sachin Tendulkar will be ready for tri-series in Sri Lanka

Currently recovering from a shoulder injury that forced him to skip the West Indies tour, Sachin Tendulkar will regain his full fitness before the tri-series in Sri Lanka, said former Team India physiotherapist Andrew Leipus.
In an interview with, Leipus, who has been working with the batting maestro said, "He actually recovered very, very well considering what he had done to the shoulder. It's hard to give an exact date but I think he'll be ready for the Sri Lankan series." India, hosts Sri Lanka and South Africa will play a tri-series in August. "The current status is that he has a few more weeks to go before he is hundred per cent fit and when we say hundred per cent we are talking about batting, fielding, throwing," Leipus said. On the injury, he said, "We are not too sure how the injury started. We think there was a bit of wear and tear as well as an acute injury. I wasn't around, John Gloster was seeing him at the time. The surgery went fine, structurally everything was a success. We literally just ran out of time to get him fit for the West Indies. "He was batting in the nets, he was feeling good but the strength in the shoulder just wasn't quite there," he added.

Teams

India

South Africa

Sri Lanka



Editor: Nishanth Gopinathan.