Sachin first to score five tons in World Cup

Sachin Tendulkar became the first batsman to score five centuries in World Cup. The master blaster achieved this feat by making 120 off 115 balls with 10 fours and five sixes against England at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore on Sunday (February 27).

Sachin Tendulkar’s fifth century in World Cup came in the 37th innings of 38th matches. Australian Ricky Ponting and Mark Waugh and India’s Sourav Ganguly shared the previous record of most centuries in World Cup by making four centuries each.

** Sachin Tendulkar also became the first batsman to smash 200 or more fours in World Cup. The seventh four off slow left arm spinner Michael Yardy during his 120-run knock was his 200th in 37 innings of 38 World Cup matches.

** By hitting five sixes during his 120-run knock, Sachin Tendulkar claimed the second position in most sixes hitter in World Cup. His 24 sixes is just one short of the record held by Sourav Ganguly. The former Indian skipper smashed 25 sixes in 21 innings of as many matches between 1999 and 2007.

** India recorded their second highest total against England by making 338 in 49.5 overs. Their highest total against England is 387 for five in 50 overs at Rajkot on November 14,2008.

** Virender Sehwag became only the third Indian batsman after Sachin Tendulkar (1455 runs in  37 matches) and Yuvraj Singh (1187 runs in 29 matches) to score 1000 runs against England. The right hand opening batsman achieved this feat during his 35-run knock. He scored 1008 runs in 27 matches till this match.

** James Anderson equaled his own record of worst bowling performance in an innings in one day internationals by giving 91 runs in 9.5 overs. He also conceded the same number of runs in 10 overs against Australia at Sydney on February 2, 2011.

** Andrew Strauss recorded the highest individual score for England in World Cup by making 158 off 145 balls with 18 fours and a six. Dennis Amiss who made 137 off 147 balls with 18 fours against India at Lord’s on June 7,1975.

** Andrew Strauss became England’s sixth and 77th batsman overall to score 4000 runs in one day internationals. The England skipper reached this landmark during his 158-run knock. It was 121 innings of his 122 matches in limited overs international cricket.

** The match was the fourth tied match in the World Cup and 24th overall in 3011 one day international matches. England’s total 338 for 8 in 50 overs was the second highest score to tie the match. New Zealand made 340 for seven in 50 overs to tie with England at Napier on February 20,2008.

Virender Sehwag makes highest score at number one position

Virender Sehwag made the highest ever score while batting at number one position in World Cup by scoring 175 against Bangaldesh at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur on Saturday ( February 19).

It was India’s joint second  highest score for India after and joint fourth highest overall in World Cup after  South African Gary Kirsten’s unbeaten 188 against Emirates at Rawalpinid in 1996, Indian Sourav Ganguly’s 183 against Sri Lanka at Taunton in 1999 and West Indian Vivian Richards’ 181 against Sri Lanka at Karachi in 1987. India’s Kapil Dev scored an unbeaten 175 against Zimbabwe at Tunbridge Wells in 1983.

Zimbabwean Criag Wishart’s unbeaten 172 against Namibia at Harare in 2003 was the previous highest at number one position in World Cup.

** Virender Sehwag’s 175 also the highest score for India against Bangladesh in one day internationals. Sourav Ganguly’s unbeaten 135 at Dhaka on May 31,2000 was the previous highest for India against Bangladesh. Virender Sehwag’s previous highest in limited overs international cricket was 146 against Sri Lanka at Rajkot on December 15,2009.

** India recorded their highest score against Bangladesh by making 370 for four in 50 overs. It was India’s third highest total and fifth highest overall in World Cup. India’s previous highest agains Bangladesh was 348 for five in 50 overs at Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka on December 27,2004.

** Virat Kohli became the first Indian and 13th batsman overall to score a hundred while playing the first match in World Cup. He made an unbeaten 100 off 83 balls was India’s third fastest century and joint eighth in World Cup cricket.

** Virender Sehwag (175) and Virat Kohli (100 not out) scored hundreds in Indian innings. It was sixth instance when two batsmen scored hundred in an innings of World Cup match.

** The 203-run stand between Virender Sehwag and Virat Kohli was the fifth 200-plus partnership for India in World Cups. Virender Sehwag has been involved in two of them. It was fourth 200-plus stand for the third wicket in World Cup.

** Banngladesh recorded their highest ever total in World Cup by making 283 for nine in 50 overs. Their previous highest was 251 for eight in 50 overs against South Africa at Providence on April 7,2007. It was Bangladesh’s joint second highest total against India in one day internationals after 296 for 6 in 50. overs at Dhaka on  January 7, 2010. They also made 283 for six in 50 overs at Karachi on June 28, 2008.

Sachin to equal Javed’s record

Sachin Tendulkar equals Javed Miandad’s record of most World Cup tournament after playing against Bangladesh in the opening match of the 10th World Cup against Bangladesh at Mirpur, Dhaka on February 19.

It will be Sachin Tendulkar’s 37th match in sixth World Cup tournaments. He first played in World Cup in 1992 in Australia and New Zraland. Pakistan’s Javed Miandad who played 33 matches in first six World Cup between 1975 and 1996 is the only player to appear in first six edition of this mega event.

Master blater also became the most capped player in one day internationals after playing in the opening match. Sachin Tendulkar overtakes Sri Lankan Santh Jayasuriya who played 444 one day internationals between 1989 and 2010.

It will be first World Cip for 117 players out of 210 in 14 participating teams. Canada have the highest number of new players. Canadia’s 12 players will play for the first time in the World Cup followed by 11 from South Africaand 10 from West Indies.

Fifty seven players will appear for the second time while it will be third World Cup for the 24 players.

Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi, New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori, Sri Lankan Mahela Jayawardene, Holland’s Bas Zuiderent and Kenya’s James Kamande will participate for the fourth time while South African Jacques Kallis, Sri Lankan Muttiah Muralitharan, West Indian Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Australian Ricky Ponting and Kenya’s Steve Tikolo and Thomas Odoyo will play for the fifth time in this mega event.

Over 8 million dollars up for Grabs in 2011 World Cup

The winner of the 2011 World Cup will pick up $ 3,250,000 (3.25 million dollars- about Rs 15,0000,000) while the runners-up will be comforted by receiving a check for $ 1,500,000 (about Rs 75,000,000).

The winner of the league matches in this World Cup gets more money than the amount of the winner of the first World Cup picked.

The winner of the league match in the 10th World Cup will receive $ 30,000 (about Rs 150,000). West Indies was the recipient of $ 6000 when they won the World Cup in 1975.

The total prize money up for grabs in the World Cup 2011 has been almost doubled from $5 million dollars from the previous edition to over $8.1 million this time around. While the Champions of the tournament in 2007 took home $2.4 million and the runners-up, $1 million, the 2011 champions will be handed a check for $ 3 million, the new runners-up will get $1.5 million and each of the semi-finalists will get $750,000.

Indeed, The World Cup Cricket has come a long way since 1975 when the then Champions won a winners’ check of just £4000 (about $6,000). Even inflation-adjusted, that amount from back then would be worth just £22,280 or around $33,000 today, a far cry from the prize amounts on offer at present!

So how does the winners’ prize money of the World Cup Cricket compare with those of other major sporting events? Unfortunately, not very favorably. The FIFA World Cup Soccer 2010, Champions Spain, took away $30 million dollars. The club winning the Europe’s regional Champions League is awarded a whopping $170. In golf’s richest event – the FedEx Cup – a champion walks away with a $10 million payout. Horse-racing’s Dubai World Cup Night pays the winner $22 million. One of the few major sports which compares to World Cup Cricket in terms of prize-money budget is Grand Slam Tennis, which awards $1.5-2 million to its individual winner.

THE PRIZE MONEY AT THE WORLD CUP 2011:

Winning Team $ 3,250,000

Runner up $ 1,500,000

Semi-final Losers $ 500,000

Semi-final Losers $ 500,000

5th Place $ 250,000

6th Place $ 250,000

7th Place $ 250,000

8th Place $ 250,000

Winners of each 1st round match $ 30,000

Total $ 8,010,000

PRIZE MONEY IN THE PREVIOUS WORLD CUP:

Year Winner Prize Money In Dollars

1975 West Indies

£ 4000 $ 6000

1979 West Indies £ 10000 $ 15000

1983 India £ 20000 $ 30000

1987 Australia £ 30000 $ 45000

1992 Pakistan £ 33333 $ 50000

1996 Sri Lanka £ 30000 $ 45000

1999 Australia £ 200000 $ 300000

2003 Australia £ 134000 $ 2000000

2007 Australia £ 150000 $ 2240000

Youngest and oldest in World Cup

Nitish Kumar is the youngest among the 210 players participating in the 10th World Cup which start with the match between India and Bangladesh at Mirpur on Saturday (February 19).

The Canadian right hand batsman and off break bowler who was born on May 21, 1994 will be 16 years and 274 days old on the opening day of the tournament. Nitish Kumar will set a new record of youngest ever player in the World Cup if he plays in any of Canada’s six first round matches. Sri Lankan Nelon Pascal holds the record of youngest ever player in World Cup. He was 17 years and 237 days old when played against New Zealand at Nottingham on June 9,1979.

John Davison who are playing in the World Cup for third time is the oldest player to appear in this World Cup. He will be 40 years and 286 days on the opening day of the tournament.

Bangladesh’s Shakib-al-Hasan is the youngest and Australian Ricky Ponting is the oldest among the 14 skippers in this mega event.

Shakib-al-Hasan will be 23 years and 332 days old when he lead Bangladesh against India on the opening day of the tournament.

Ricky Ponting who leading Australia for the third successive time in this 14-team event whill be 36 years and 62 days old on the opening day of the tournament.

New Zealand’s Jacob Oram at 198 cm (6 ft 6 inch) is the tallest player in this tournament while Zimbabwean Tatenda Taibu is the smallest.

YOUNGEST PLAYERS IN THE 2011 WORLD CUP:

Player Age

Nitish Kumar (Canada) 16 years and 274 days

George Dockrell (Ireland) 18 years and 212 days

Ahmed Shehzad (Pakistan) 19 years and 88 days

Hiral Patel (Canada) 19 years and 193 days

Ruvindu Ganasekera (Canada) 19 years and 214 days

Parth Desai (Canada) 20 years and 70 days

Paul Stirling (Ireland) 20 years and 169 days

Kane Williamson (New Zealand) 20 years and 195 days

Umar Akmal (Pakistan) 20 years and 269 days

Seren Waters (Kenya) 20 years and 314 days

OLDEST PLAYERS IN THE 2011 WORLD CUP:

John Davison (Canada) 40 years and 286 days

Steve Tikolo (Kenya) 39 years ans 239 days

Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) 38 years 308 days

Sachin Tendulkar (India) 37 years and 301 days

Trent Johnston (Ireland) 36 years and 296 days

Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan) 36 years and 267 days

Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan) 35 years and 190 days

Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies) 36 years and 187 days

Ricky Ponting (Australia) 36 years and 62 days

Andre Botha (Ireland) 35 years and 160 days

(All Ages as on February 19)

Just one ‘Canadian’ in Canadian team

Believe it or not, the 15 member Canadian team who are participating in the 10th World Cup have just one player of Canadian Origin.

John Davidon who are participating in the World Cup for the third time is the only Canadian Origin player in the team.

Though Nitish Roenik Kumar and Zubin Eruch Surkari were born in Canada but they are not Canadian by origin. Nitish Kumar is from Indian origin while Zubin Sukari is from Afghani origin.

The Canadian squad of 15 players, contained six Indian born players including captain Ashish Bagai who was born in Delhi. Two players, vice captain Rizwan Cheema and Kurram Rasheed Chohan were born in Pakistan while one player each was born in Jamaica, Australia, Uganda, and Sri Lanka.

This is not for the first time when Canadian team have players from other origins in the team. The Canadian team opposing Pakistan at Headingly, Leeds in the 1979 World Cup contained no less than seven players born in the West Indies. There were only three Canadian Origin players in 2003 World Cup team and only one player from Canada in the last World Cup played in West Indies four years ago.

Canada who have won just one match out of 12 played in the World Cup, are in Group A along with Sri Lanka, Australia, Pakistan, New Zealand, Zimbabwe and Kenya.

Cricket minnows Canada have no intention of being the whipping boys of the World Cup and are determined to cause upsets and advance to the second round, skipper Ashish Bagai said.

“Beating Zimbabwe and Kenya, and an upset against other four teams is our goal,” Delhi-born Ashish Bagai told a news conference hour after arriving in Dhaka.

“We discussed our expectation and goal as a team internally. If we don’t have that I don’t think there is any point to come into the World Cup,” he added

Canada’s best moment in the World Cup came in 2003 when they defeated Bangladesh by 60 runs at Durban. It was also Canada’s first victory in one day internationals.

Over 120,000 runs in nine World Cups

As many as 124967 runs were scored for the loss of 4247 wickets at 29.42 in 27616.4 overs at an economical rate of 4.52 runs per over in 303 World Cup matches so far.

The highest number of runs were scored in the last World Cup in West Indies four years ago while 1979 World Cup in England saw the lowest number of runs.

A total number of 21333 runs were scored for the loss of 725 wicket at 29.42 in 4308.3 overs at an economical rate of 4.95 in the 2007 World Cup. 5168 runs were scored for the loss of 202 wickets at 25.58 in 14 matches in the 1979 World Cup.

In the 1987 World Cup played jointly in India and Pakistan, 463.77 runs per match were scored which is the highest average score in any World Cup. The 1979 World Cup in England saw the lowest average runs in a match. The 369.14 runs per match were scored in the second World Cup.

The last World Cup in West Indies was the fastest. The 21333 runs came in the 4308.3 overs at Economical rate of 4.95. The economical rate in the 1979 World Cup was 3.54 which was the lowest among all World Cup tournaments.

Meet the Sri Lanka team for the World Cup

The following are the pen sketches of Sri Lanka team who are participating in the 10th edition of the World Cup to be held jointly in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka from February 19 to April 2, 2011.Six players, Rangana Herath, Chamara Kapugedera, Angelo Mathews, Ajantha Mendis, Thisara Perera and Thilan Samaraweera are participating in the World Cup for the first time.

KUMAR CHOKSHANADA SANGAKKARA (NONDESCRIPTS-CAPTAIN):

Born on October 27,1977 at Matale. Left hand middle order batsman, right arm off break bowler and wicket-keeper. Played 282 one day internationals since debut against Pakistan at Galle on July 5,2000. Captained Sri Lanka in 36 one day internationals, won 21, lost 12 and abandoned three matches. Participating in the World Cup for the third time.

DENAGAMAGE PROBOTH MAHELA JAYAWARDENE (SINHALESE SPORTS-VICE CAPTAIN):

Born on May 27 1977 at Colombo. Right hand middle order batsman and right arm off break bowler. Played 332 one day internationals since debut against Zimbabwe at Colombo on January 24, 1998.Captained Sri Lanka in 94 one day internationals, won 54, lost 35 and abandoned Five. Participating in the World Cup for the fourth time.

TILLAKARATNE MUDIYANSELAGE DILSHAN (SINGHA SPORTS):

Born on October 14, 1976 at Kalutara. Right hand middle order batsman, right arm off- break bowler and wicket-keeper. Played 194 one day internationals since debut against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo on December 11,1999. Led Sri Lanka in five one day internationals, won three and lost two matches. Participating in the World Cup for the second time.

CONGENIGE RANDHI DILHARA FERNANDO (SINHALESE SPORTS):

Born on July 19,1979 at Colombo. Right hand tail end batsman and right arm medium pace bowler. Played 141one day internationals since debut against South Africa at Paarl on January 9,2001. Participating in the World Cup for the third time.

MUDIYANSELAGE RANGANA KEERTHI BANDARA HERATH (WAYAMBA):

Born on

March 19, 1978 at Kurunegala. Left hand tail end batsman and slow left arm orthodox bowler. Played 11 one day internationals since debut against Zimbabwe at Harare on April 25, 2004. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

CHAMARA KANTHA KAPUGENDERA (KANDURATA):

Born on

February 24, 1987 at Kandy. Right hand middle order batsman and right arm medium fast bowler. Played one day internationals since debut against Australia at Perth on January 29, 2006. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

MUDIYANSELAGE DINESH NUWAN KULASEKARA (GALLE CRICKET):

Born on July 22,1982 at Nittambuwa. Right hand lower order batsman and right arm medium pace bowler. Played 83 one day internationals since debut against England at Dambulla on November 18,2003. Participating in the World Cup for the second time.

SEPARMADU LASITH MALINGA (GALLE CRICKET):

Born on August 28,1983 at Galle. Right tail end batsman and right arm fast bowler. Played 77 one day internationals since debut against Emirates at Dambulla on July 17,2004. Participating in the World Cup for the second time.

ANGELO DAVIS MATHEWS (COLTS CRICKET):

Born on June 2, 1987 at Colombo. Right hand lower order batsman and right arm fast medium bowler. Played 35 one day internationals since debut against Zimbabwe at Harare on November 28, 2008. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

AJANTHA BALAPUWADUGE WINSLO MENDIS (SRI LANKAN ARMY):

Born

on March 11, 1985 at Moratuwa. Right hand tail end batsman and right arm off break/leg break bowler. Played 46 one day internationals since debut against West Indies at Port of Spain on April 10, 2008. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

MUTTIAH MURALITHARAN (TAMIL UNION):

Born on April 17,1972 at Kandy. Right hand tail end batsman and off break bowler. Played 341 one day internationals since debut against India at Colombo on August 11, 1993. Participating in the World Cup for the fifth time.

NARANGODA LIYANAARA CHCHILAGE THISARA CHIRANTHA PERERA (COLTS CRICKET):

Born on April 3, 1989 at Colombo. Left hand tail end batsman and right arm medium fast bowler. Played 16 one day internationals since debut against India at Kolkata on December 24, 2009. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

THILAN THUSARA SAMARAWEERA (SINHALESE SPORTS):

Born on

September 22, 1976 at Colombo. Right hand middle order batsman and off-break bowler. Played 44 one day internationals since debut against Sri Lanka at Sharjah on November 6, 1998. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

LINDAMLILAGE PRAGEETH CHAMARA SILVA (SINHALESE SPORTS):

Born on December 14,1979 at Panadura. Right hand middle order batsman, right arm medium pace bowler and occasional wicket-keeper. Played 64 one day internationals since debut against Australia at Colombo on August 26,1999. Participating in the World Cup for the second time.

WARUSHAVITHANA UPUL THARANGA (SINGHA SPORTS):

Born on February 2,1985 at Balapitiya. Left hand opening batsman and occasional wicket-keeper. Played 112 one day internationals since debut against West Indies at Dambulla on August 2,2005. Participating in the World Cup for the second time.

Shahid Afridi’s joint fifth fastest half century

Shahid Afridi equalled New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum’s record of fastest half century on New Zealand soil by reaching his fifty off kust 19 balls with two fours and five sixes during his 65-run knock at AMI Stadium, Christchurch on Saturday (January 29).

It was joint fifth fastest 50 in one day internationals and third fastest by a Pakistani. Shahid Afridi scored both fastest half centuries for Pakistan. After making 50 off 18 balls during his fastest ever century in one day internationals against Sri Lanka at Nairobi on October 4,1996, Pakistani skipper went to score 50 off same number of balls during his unbeaten 55-run knock against Holland at Colombo on September 21,2002.

** Mohammed Hafiz scored his maiden hundred in 61st innings of as many matches by making 115 off 144 balls with 12 fours and two sixes. It was 17th century for Pakistan against New Zealand in one day internationals and fourth against New Zealand in New Zealand. Mohammed Hafiz’s previous highest was 92 against West Indies at Karachi on December 16,2006. Mohammed Hafiz’s 50-plus knock is lucky for Pakistan. Pakistan have lost only once, against South Africa at Dubai on November 8,2010, in eight 50-plus knocks.

** Pakistan recorded their second highest total against New Zealand in New Zealand by making 293 for seven in 50 overs. It was Pakistan’s fourth highest against New Zealand in one day internationals. Their highest against New Zealand in New Zealand is 303 in 49.3 oves at Wellington on Janaury 17, 2004.

** New Zealand became the team to play 600 or more limited overs international matches. The third match of the six-one day international match series against Pakistan at AMI Stadium, Christchurch on Saturday (January 29) was New Zealand’s 600th match in limited overs international cricket.

India (764 matches), Australia (755 matches), Pakistan (731 matches)West Indies (637 matches) and Sri Lanka (615 matches) are the other teams to play 600 or more one day internationals before New Zealand.

Seddon Park, Hamilton good hunting ground for New Zealand

Pakistan never won a limited overs international match at Seddon Park, Hamilton where they will play fifth match of the six-match series against New Zealand on Thursday (February 3). The Visitors have lost both match played at this ground.

New Zealand, on the other hand, have a good record at this ground. They have won 10, lost three and abandoned one in 14 matches played here.

Formerly known as Seddon Park, having been named for former New Zealand Prime Minister Richard John King Dick Seddon, the oval was renamed Trustbank Park following a major renovation and construction of the present pavilion, sponsored by Trustbank Waikato, in 1990. In 1997 a merger between Westpac and Trust Bank meant the renaming of the ground to Westpac Trust Park in line with the new bank’s name.

The ground is located close to the centre of Hamilton, New Zealand’s fifth largest city 150 kilometres south of Auckland, and is renowned for it’s village green-style setting, affording a picnic atmosphere for spectators.

Westpac Trust Park, with the capacity for cricket matches is about 10,000, has been the Northern Districts’ Cricket Association’s main home venue since the Association was formed for the 1956-57 season. It became New Zealand’s newest Test venue in the 1990-91 season when New Zealand and Sri Lanka played out a drawn match.

New Zealand recorded a four-wicket win over Pakistan when two teams met first time at this ground on January 15,1985. Pakistan gave a much better performance, despite starting diffidently, only 28 runs coming from their first 15 overs. Then Javed Miandad (90 not out off 92 balls with nine fours and a six) batted brilliantly on a slow pitch, taking runs readily from each bowler in turn. With slow-medium swing, and with the ball coming on to the bat very reluctantly, Jeremy Coney took two for 16 from his 10 overs. Pakistan scored 221 for four in 50 overs. Wasim Raja kept Pakistan in the game with some economical medium-paced bowling, but the Crowes and Jeremy Coney eventually took control. New Zealand reached the target after losing six wickets with 7 balls remaining.

Four years later, the two teams met second time at this venue on March 14,1989. New Zealand achieved a seven-wicket win in this match. They were lucky with the toss, for against the lively swing and cut of Danny Morrison, backed up by the impeccable length of Willie Watson and Martin Snedden, the Pakistanis’ problems in playing the seaming ball were ruthlessly exposed in helpful conditions. Pakistan lost their first six wickets for 40 and were indebted to a valuable 63 runs in 58 minutes by Mudassar Nazar (48 off 115 balls with one four) and Abdul Qadir (41 off 58 balls with three fours and a six) in escaping partially from the wreckage. It took New Zealand fewer than 40 overs to win, although the first three wickets fell for 42 as Imran Khan bowled very impressively. However, Andrew Jones unreeled another half-century (63 not out) – his fifteenth in 28 minutes and sixth on the trot – and added 97 in 95 minutes with Jeff Crowe. It was New Zealand’s first victory in a one-day series at home since beating Pakistan in 1984-85.

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