Shahid Afridi joins 300-wicket club in one dayers

Shahid Afridi became the third Pakistani after Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis and 11th bowler overall to take 300 or more wickets in limited overs international cricket.

The Pakistani skipper achieved this feat by dismissing Sri Lankan counterpart Kumar Sangakkara, caught by Ahmed Shehzad at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Saturday (February 26).

The right hand batsman and leg break googly bowler also completed the unique double of 3000 runs and 300 wickets by reaching 300 wickets in 314 matches. Pakistan’s Wasim Akram (3717 runs and 502 wickets in 356 matches), Sri Lankan Sanath Jayasuriya (13428 runs and 322 wickets in 444 matches) and South African Shaun Pollock (3519 runs and 393 wickets in 303 matches) are the other all rounders who completed a unique double of 3000 runs and 300 wickets before Shahdi Afridi.

** Sri Lankan off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan became the second most successful bowler in World Cup by dismissing Pakistan’s Umar Akmal, caught by Tillakaratne Dilshan . It was Muttiah Muralitharan’s 56th wicket in 33 World Cup matches. Only Australian Glenn McGrath (71 wickets at 18.19 in 39 matches) has bagged more wickets than Muttiah Muralitharan in the World Cup.

Mutthiah Muralitharan who are playing in the World Cup for the fifth time, claimed seven wickets at 30.85 in six matches in 1996 World Cup, six wickets at 26.33 in five matches in 1999,  17 wickets at 18.76 in 10 matches in 2003 and 23 wickets at 15.26 in 10 matches in the 2007 World Cup. He took three wickets ar 24.33 in two matches in the current World Cup so far.

** The 108-run stand between Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan was the fifth century stand for the fourth wicket position for Pakistan  and first against Sri Lanka in World Cup. It was also Pakistan’s best against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka for this position surpassing Basit Ali and Saleem Malik’s stand of 96 runs at Colombo on August 7,1994.

** Misbah-ul-Haq became the first Pakistani batsman to score two fifty plus scores in first two matches in World Cup. The right hand middle order batsman who made 65 runs against Kenya in the first match at Hambantota on Wednesday, made  an unbeaten 83 in this match.

** Younis Khan recorded his highest score in World Cup by scoring 72 off 76 balls with four fours. His previous highest in this mega event was 50 in the previous match against Kenya at Hambantota on February 23.

The ‘firsts’ in World Cup

** The first World Cup was played in England from June 7 to June 21, 1975. It was sponsored by the Prudential Assurance Company and hence was called the Prudential World Cup. In addition to the six Test-playing countries, the two strongest associate members, Sri Lanka and East Africa, were invited to play.

** Indian medium pacer Madan Lal sent down the first ball in the World Cup while England’s Bombay born opener John Jameson faced the first ball.

** Dennis Amiss became the first batsman who scored a hundred in World Cup. The England opener who has the distinction to score first ever century in limited overs international cricket, scored 137 off 147 balls with 18 fours against India at Lord’s on June 7,1975.

** England was the first team to cross 300-run mark in World Cup as well as in one day internationals. They scored 334 for four in 60 overs against India at Lord’s on June 7,1975. India made just 132 runs for the loss of three wickets in 60 overs to lose the match by 202 runs. It was the first over 200 runs victory in World Cup as well as in limited overs internationals cricket.

** The first bowler to take five wickets in an innings was Dennis Lillee. The Australian fast bowler took five Pakistan wickets for 34 runs at Leeds on June 7,1975.

** India was the first team who achieved a perfect-10 victory in World Cup as well as in limited overs international cricket by beating East Africa by 10 wickets at Leeds on June 11,1975.

** Sri Lanka were bundled out for just 86 runs in 37.2 overs against West Indies at Manchester on June 7,1975 which was the first instance when a team dismissed under 100 in a World Cup match.

** The first victim of nervous nineties in World Cup was Pakistan’s Zaheer Abbas who was out on 97 against Sri Lanka at Nottingham on June 14,1975.

** West Indies became the first team to lift World Cup when they beat Australia by 17 runs in the final at Lord’s on June 21,1975. Clive Lloyd who scored 102 off 85 balls with 12 fours and two sixes was the first player to score a hundred in a final match.

** The match between Pakistan and Australia at Nottingham in 1979 World Cup was the first match to be completed in two days. ** Sri Lanka was the first associate member to beat a Test side in World Cup. They beat India by 57 runs at Manchester in 1979 World Cup.

** New Zealand’s Martin Snedden became the first bowler to have conceded 100 runs in a World Cup as well as in a limited over international match. He achieved this ‘unwanted feat’ against England at The Oval on June 9,1983.

** Winston Davis was the first bowler to take seven wickets in a World Cup match. The West Indian fast bowler achieved this feat by taking seven Australian wickets for 51 runs at Leeds on June 12,1983.

** Syed Kirmani became the first wicket-keeper to dismiss five batsmen behind the wicket. The Indian stumper achieved this feat against Zimbabwe at Leicester on June 11,2003.

** The first 50-overs- a side match in World Cup was played between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Hyderabad, Pakistan on October 9,1987.

** In the inaugural match of the 1987 World Cup, Pakistan’s Javed Miandad became the first batsman to score a hundred in a 50 overs match. He made 103 off 100 balls with six fours.

** Chetan Sharma was the first bowler to perform a hat trick in a World Cup match. The Indian medium pacer achieved this feat against New Zealand at Nagpur on October 31,1987.

** West Indian Vivian Richards was the first batsman to score 1000 runs in World Cup. He achieved this feat during his 67-run knock against Pakistan at Karachi in the 1987 World Cup.

** The match between India and England at Perth on February 22,1992 was the first day/night match in the history of the World Cup.

** The first batsman to score a hundred in a day/night match was David Boon. The Australian opener achieved this feat by making 100 off 147 balls with eight fours against West Indies at Melbourne on March 18,1992.

** The first and only player to appear in first six World Cups was Pakistan’s Javed Miandad. He played 33 matches between 1975 and 1996.

** In 1996 World Cup played jointly in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, quarter finals match were played for the first time.

** The first match in the World Cup to be awarded by default was played between Indian and Sri Lanka at Kolkata on March 13,1996. Sections of crowd estimated 100000 lit fired and hurled missiles at the Sri Lankan fielders when India were 120 for eight in 34.1 overs in reply to Sri Lankan score 251 for eight in 50 overs.

** The semifinal match between South Africa and Australia at Birmingham on June 17,1999 was the first tied match in World Cup history. Australia went through to the final despite this match ended in a tie as they had beaten the South Africa by five runs in the Super Six match.

** Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist became the first wicket-keeper to dismiss six batsman behind the wickets in a World Cup match by taking six catches behind the wicket against Namibia at Potchefstroom on February 27,2003.

** Mohammed Kaif was the first fielder to take four catch in a World Cup match. The Indian player achieved this feat by taking four catches in Sri Lankan innings at Johannesburg on March 10,2003.

** Pakistan’s Wasim Akram became the first bowler in the World Cup history to complete a fifty of wickets. The left arm fast bowler achieved this feat when by dismissing Namibian wicket-keeper Melt van Schoor, leg before at De Beers Diamond Oval, Kimberley on February 16,2003. Wasim Akram who played his first match in the World Cup against Sri Lanka at Hyderabad (Sind) on October 8,1987, took 34 matches to achieve this feat.

** The match between Sri Lanka and Canada at Paarl on February 19 was the shortest ever match in in World Cup in terms of time in terms of overs bowled. Only 140 balls were bowled in 105 minutes in the match.

** Australian Rickey Ponting was the first batsman to hit eight sixes in an innings of a World Cup match He achieved this feat during his unbeaten 140-run knock against India in the final at Johannesburg on March 23,2003.

** The first team to score over 400 runs in an innings in World Cup was India. They made 413 for five in 50 overs against Bernuda at Port of Spain on March 19, 2007.

** Sri Lankan Lasith Malinga became the first bowler in World Cup as well as in limited overs international cricket to take four wickets on four balls. He achieved this feat against South Africa at Providence on March 28,2007.

** The first and only bowler to take 25 wickets in a single World Cup is Glenn McGrath. The Australian fast bowler took 26 wickets in 11 matches in the 2007 World Cup in West Indies.

Indian firsts in the World Cup cricket

The match against England at Lord’s on June 7,1975 was India’s first in the World Cup. India’s first defeat also came in this match when England beat them by 202 runs. It was first over 200-run win in limited overs international cricket as well as in the World Cup.

**  Medium pacer Madan Lal was the first Indian to bowl the first ball in the World Cup.He sent down this ball to  England’s Bombay born opener John Jameson at Lord’s on June 7,1975.

**  India achieved their first ever victory in the World Cup match when they beat East Africa by 10 wickets at Leeds on June 11.1975. It was also first ever perfect-10 victory in World Cup as well as in limited overs international cricket.

** Sunil Gavaskar and Farookh Engineer was the first Indian pair who involved in a century partenrship in this mega event. The two batsmen added 123 runs for the opening wicket against ast Africa by 10 wickets at Leeds on June 11.1975.

** Farookh Engineer was the first Indian who received the man of the match award in a World Cup match. He got this award  in the match played against East Africa at Leeds on June 11.1975 which was also India’s first such award in limited overs international cricket.

** Surinder Khanna was the first Indian who received a duck in a World Cup match. The Indian wicket-keeper achieved this ‘unwanted feat’ against West Indies at Birmingham on June 9,1979.

** The first Indian batsman to score a hundred in World Cup was Kapil Dev. The star all rounder achieved this feat by making an unbeaten 175 with 16 fours and six sixes against Zimbabwe at Tunbridge Wells on June 18,1983. Incidentlly it was also India’s first ever century in limited overs international cricket.

** Kapil Dev also the first Indian bowler who took five wickets in a World Cup match. He achieved this feat by taking five Australian wickets for 43 runs at Nottingham on June 13,1983.

** Syed Kirmani was the first wicket-keeper to dismiss five batsmen behind the wicket. The Indian stumper achieved this feat against Zimbabwe at Leicester on June 11,1983.

** India was the first team to beat West Indies in a World Cup match. India achieved this feat by beating West Indies by 34 runs at Manchester on June 10,1983. It was India’s only second victory in the World Cup and West Indies’ first defeat after eight consectuive wins in the World Cup.

** India’s first title victory in the World Cup came in 1983 when they beat West Indies by 43 runs in the final at Lord’s on June 25,1983.

** Chetan Sharma was the first and only  Indian bowler to perform a hat trick in a World Cup match. The medium pacer achieved this feat against New Zealand at Nagpur on October 31,1987. It was also first ever hat trick in the World Cup

** The first Indian fielder to take four catches in a World Cup match was Mohammed Kaif. He achieved this feat by taking four catches in Sri Lankan innings at Johannesburg on March 10,2003. He was also the first ever player to do so in the World Cup.

** Sachin Tendulkar was the first Indian to score over 500 runs in a single World Cup. The master blaster achieved this by making 523 runs at 87.17 with two hundreds and three fifties in seven matches of the 1996 World Cup. It was also the first time when a batsman cross a 500-run mark in a single World Cup.

** In the 1999 World Cup, India crossed the 300-run mark for the first time in a World Cup match by making 329 for two in 50 overs against Kenya at Bristol on May 23,1999. It was also first time in limited overs international cricket that India score over 300 runs in a match.

** Sachin Tendulkar (140 not out) and Rahul Dravid (104 not out) scored centuries against Kenya at Bristol on May 23,1999 which was the first instance when two Indian batsmen scored hundreds in a World Cup match.

** The first Indian to smash seven sixes in a World Cup match was Sourav Ganguly. The former Indian captain achieved this feat during his 183-run knock against Sri Lanka at Taunton on May 26,1999.

** The first Indian wicket-keeper to notch up a century in a World Cup match was Rahul Dravid. Dravid achieved this feat by making 145 off 129 balls with 17 fours and one six against Sri Lanka at Taunton on May 26,1999. With this hundred he also became the first India to score back to back hundred in World Cup. He made an unbeaten 104 off 190 balls with 10 fours against Kenya at Bristol on May 23,1999.

** Sachin Tendulkar became the first Indian batsman to aggregate 1000 runs in World Cup. The little master achieved this feat during his 45-run knock against Pakistan at Manchester on June 8,1999. He now holds the record of most runs in World Cup with 1732 runs at 59.72 in 33 matches.

** Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly added 319 runs for the second wicket against Sri Lanka at Taunton on May 26,1999 which was the first ever 300-partnership in the World Cup.

** The match against England at Perth on February 22,1992 was India’s first under lights in the World Cup.

** Ashish Nehra became the first Indian bowler to take six wickets in a World Cup match. The left arm pacer achieved this by dismissing six English batsmen for 23 runs at Durban on February 26,2003. 

** Sourav Ganguly was the first Indian to score a hundred in a day/night World Cup match. The former Indian captain achieved this feat by scoring an unbeaten 111off 114 with five fours and equal number of sixes against Kenya at Durban on March 20,2003.

** The first Indian batsman to hit 20 sixes in World Cup was Sourav Ganguly. The Bengal Tiger ’s 20th six came during his unbeaten 111-run knock against Kenya at Durban on March 20,2003. The third six off Collins Obuya was Ganguly’s 20th in the 17th World Cup match.

** Javagal Srinath who holds the record of the most wickets for India in the World Cup was also the first Indian bowler to take 25 wickets in this competition. The medium pacer reached this milestone by dismissing Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi at Manchester on June 8,1999. It was his 22nd match in the World Cup.

** The first team to score over 400 runs in an innings in World Cup was India. They made 413 for five in 50 overs against Bermuda at Port of Spain on March 19, 2007.

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.

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.

Meet the Zimbabwean team for World Cup

The following are the pen sketches of Zimbabwean 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. Eight players,

Regis Chakabva, Charles Coventry, Graeme Cremer, Craig Ervine, Gregory Lamb, Shingirai Masakadza. Tino Mowoyo and Ray Price, are participating in the World Cup for the first time.

ELTON CHIGUMBURA (SOUTHERN ROCKS-CAPTAIN):

Born on March 14,1986 at Kwekwe, Midlands. Left hand lower order batsman and right arm medium pace bowler. Played 53 one day internationals since debut against Sri Lanka at Bulawayo on April 20,2004. Led Zimbabwe in 14 one day internationals, won six and lost eight matches. Participating in the World Cup first time.

REGIS WIRIRANAI CHAKABVA (NORTHERNS):

Born on September 20,1987 at Harare. Right hand lower order batsman, off-break bowler and Wicket-keeper. Played five one day internationals since debut against Kenya at Nairobi (Gym) on October 19, 2008. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

CHARLES KEVIN COVENTRY (MATABELELAND TUSKERS):

Born on March 8, 1983 at Kwekwe, Midlands. Right hand opening batsman, leg-break bowler and wicket-keeper. Played 34 one day internationals since debut against England at Bristol on July 6, 2003. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

ALEXANDER GRAEME CREMER (MID WEST RHIONS):

Born on September 19, 1986 at Harare. Right-hand lower order batsman and leg break googly bowler. Played 37 one day internationals since debut against Kenya at Mombasa on January 27, 2009. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

CRAIG RICHARD ERVINE (SOUTHERN ROCKS):

Born on August 19, 1985 at Harare.left hand middle order batsman and right arm off break bowler. Played 14 one day internationals since debut against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo on May 28, 2010. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

GREGORY ARTHUR LAMB (MASHONALAND EAGLES):

Born on March 4, 1981, Harare. Right hand lower order batsman and right arm medium pace/off-break bowler. Played 9 one day internationals since debut against West Indies at Providence on March 4, 2010. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

SHINGIRAI WINSTON MASAKADZA (MOUNTAINEERS)

Born on September 4, 1986 at Harare. Right hand lower order batsman and right arm fast medium bowler. Played six one day internationals since debut against West Indies at Providence on March 4, 2010. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

TINOTENDA MBIRI KANAYI MAWOYO (MOUNTAINEERS)

Born on January 8, 1986 at Umtali (now Mutare), Manicaland. Right hand opening batsman and right arm medium fast bowler. Played two one day internationals since debut against Bangladesh at Dhaka on December 8, 2006. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

CHRISTOPHER BOBBY MPOFU (MATABELELAND):

Born on November 27,1985 at Plumtree. Right hand tail end batsman and right arm medium fast bowler. Played 49 one day internationals since debut against England at Harare on November 28,2004. Participating in the World Cup for the second time.

RAYMOND WILLIAM PRICE (NORTHERNS):

Born on June 12, 1976 at Salisbury (now Harare). Right hand tail end batsman and slow left-arm orthodox bowler. Played 83 one day internationals since debut against India at Colombo on September 14, 2002. Participated in the World Cup for the first time.

EDWARD CHARLES RAINSFORD (MID WEST RHIONS):

Born on December 14,1984 at Kadoma. Right hand tail batsman, right arm fast medium bowler. Played 39 one day internationals since debut against Australia at Harare on May 29,2004. Participating in the World Cup for the second time.

TATENDA TAIBU (SOUTHERN ROCKS)

Born on May 14, 1983 at Harare. Right hand middle order batsman, off break bowler and wicket-keeper. Played 130 one day internationals since debut against West Indies at Harare on June 23, 2001. Captained Zimbabwe in 29 one day internationals, won two and lost 27 matches. Participating in the World Cup for the second time.

BRENDAN ROSS TAYLOR (MID WEST RHIONS):

Born on February 6,1986 at Harare. Right hand lower order batsman, off break bowler and wicket-keeper pace. Played 112 one day internationals since debut against Sri Lanka at Bulawayo April 20,2004. Participating in the World Cup for the second time.

PROSPER UTSEYA (MOUNTAINEERS):

Born on March 26,1985 at Harare. Right hand tail end batsman and right arm off-break bowler. Played 121 one day internationals since debut against Sri Lanka at Bulawayo on April 20,2004 10,1993. Led Zimbabwe in 68 one dayers, won 20, lost 47 and tied one match. Participating in the World Cup for the second time.

SEAN COLIN WILLIAMS (MATABELELAND TUSKERS):

Born on September 26,1986 at Bulawayo. left hand top order batsman and left arm orthodox bowler. Played 45 one day internationals since debut against South Africa at Johannesburg on February 25,2005. Participating in the World Cup for the second time.

Meet the Kenyan team for the World Cup

The following are the pen sketches of Kenyan 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, James Ngoche, Shem Ngoche, Alex Obanda, Elijah Asoyo, Rakep Patel and Seren Waters, are participating in the World Cup for the first time.

JAMES KABATHA KAMANDE (NAIROBI GYMKHANA-CAPTAIN):

Born on December 12,1978 at Muranga. Right hand lower order batsman and right arm fast medium/off-break bowler. Played 81 one day internationals since debut against Zimbabwe at Taunton on May 15,1999. Captained Kenya in four one day internationals won two and lost two. Participating in the World Cup for the fourth time.

TANMAY MISHRA (NO CLUB):

Born on December 22,1986 at Mumbai. Right hand lower order batsman and right arm medium fast bowler. Played 29 one day internationals since debut against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo on February 25,2006. Participating in the World Cup for the second time.

JAMES OTIENO NGOCHE (WESTERN CHIEFS):

Born on January 29, 1988 at Nairobi. Right hand lower order batsman and off-break bowler. Played 9 one day internationals since debut against Ireland at Rotterdam on July 1, 2010. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

SHEM OBADO NGOCHE (NORTHERN NOMADS):

Born on June 6, 1989 in Kenya. Right hand tail end batsman and slow left-arm orthodox bowler. Played five one day internationals since debut against Holland at Nairobi (Gym) on February 16, 2010. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

ALEX AUMA OBANDA (NO CLUB):

Born on

December 25, 1987 at Nairobi. Right hand middle order batsman and right arm medium fast bowler. Played 37 one day internationals since debut against Canada at Nairobi (Gym) on October 18, 2007. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

COLLINS OMONDI OBUYA (WARWICKSHIRE) :

Born on July 27,1981 at Nairobi. Right hand lower order batsman and leg break bowler. Played 86 one day internationals since debut against West Indies at Nairobi on August 15,2001. Participating in the World Cup for the third time.

DAVID OLUOCH OBUYA (NO CLUB):

Born on August 14,1979 at Nairobi. Right hand opening/lower order batsman and wicket-keeper. Played 67 one day internationals debut against West Indies at Nairobi on August 15,2001. Participating in the World Cup for the third time.

NEHEMIAH ODHIAMBO (NO CLUB):

Born on August 7,1983 at Nairobi. Right hand lower order batsman and right arm fast medium bowler. Played 53one day internationals since debut against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo on February 25,2006. Participating in the World Cup for the second time.

THOMAS MIGAI ODOYO (NAIROBI GYMKHANA):

Born May 12,1978 at Nairobi. Right hand middle order batsman and right arm medium pace bowler. Played 129one day internationals since debut against India at Cuttack on February 18,1996. Led Kenya in two one dayers, lost one and abandoned one match. Participating in the World Cup for the fifth time.

PETER JIMMY CARTER ONGONDO (NO CLUB):

Born on February 10,1977 at Nairobi. Right hand lower order batsman and right arm medium pace bowler. Played 77 one day internationals since debut against South Africa at Nairobi on September 30,1999. Participating in the World Cup for the third time.

ELIJAH OTIENO ASOYO (NO CLUB):

Born on January 3, 1988 at Nairobi. Right hand tail end batsman and right arm medium fast bowler. Played 16 one day internationals since debut against Canada at Nairobi (Gym) on October 18, 2007. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

MAURICE AKUMU OUMA (NO CLUB):

Born on November 8,1982 at Kiambli. Right hand opening/lower order batsman, right arm off-break bowler and wicket-keeper. Played 67 one day internationals since debut against India at Southampton on September 11,2004. Led Kenya in 17 one day internationals, won two, lost 14 and abandoned one match. Participating in the World Cup for the second time.

RAKEP RAJENDRA PATEL (NO CLUB)

Born on July 12, 1989 at Nairobi. Right hand middle order batsman , off break bowler and occasional wicketkeeper. Played 23 one day internationals since debut against Holland at Rotterdam on August 21, 2008. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

STEPHENN OGONJI TIKOLO (SWAMIBAPA SPORTS):

Born on June 25,1971 at Nairobi. Right hand middle order batsman and right arm medium pace bowler. Played 129 one day internationals since debut against India at Cuttack on February 18,1996. Captained Kenya in 72 one dayers, won 27, lost 43 and abandoned two matches. Participating in the World Cup for the fifth time.

SAREN ROBERT WATERS (OLD CRANLEIGHANS):

Born on April 11, 1990 at Nairobi. Right hand opening batsman and leg break bowler. Played 14 one day internationals since debut against Ireland at Nairobi (Gym) on October 18, 2008.Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

Meet the Bangladeshi team for the World Cup

The following are the pen sketches of Bangladeshi 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. Nine players, Imrul Kayes, Junaid Siddique, Mohammad Mahmudullah,Naeem Islam, Nazmul Hossain,Raqibul Hasan,Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam and Suhrawadi Shuvo, are are particiapting in the World Cup for the first time.

SHAKIB-AL-HASAN (KULNA DIVIDION-CAPTAIN):

Born on March 24,1987 at Magura,Khulna. Left hand batsman and slow left arm orthodox bowler. Played 102 one day internationals since debut against Zimbabwe at Harare on August 6,2006. Led Bangladesh in 33 one day internationals, won 17 and lost 16. He is Participating in the World Cup for the second time.

TAMIM IQBAL KHAN (CHITTAGONG DIVISION-VICE CAPTAIN):

Born on March 20, 1989 at Chittagong.  Left hand top order batsman. Played 89 one day internationals since debut against Zimbabwe at Harare on February 9,2007. Participating in the World Cup for the second time.

ABDUR RAZZAK ‘RAJ’ (KHULNA DIVISION):

Born on June 15,1982 at Khulna. Left hand tail end batsman and left armm orthodox bowler. Played 111 one day internationals since debut against Hong Kong at Colombo on July 16,2004. Participating in the World Cup for the second time.

IMRUL KAYES (KHULNA DIVISION):

Born on February 2, 1987at Meherpur, Kushtia. Left-hand opening batsman and occasional wicketkeeper. Played 30 one day international since debut against New Zealand at Chittagong on October 14, 2008. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

MOHAMMED JUNAID SIDDIQUE (RAJSHAHI DIVISON):

Born on October 30, 1987 at Rajshahi .Left hand opening batsman and right arm off-break bowler. Played 46 one day internationals sice debut against New Zealand at Auckland on December 26, 2007. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

MOHAMMED MAHMUDULLAH (DHAKA DIVISION):

Born on February 4, 1986 at Mymensingh. Right hand lower order batsman and off-break bowler. Played 61 one day internationals since debut against Sri Lanka at Colombo on July 25, 2007. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

MOHAMMAD ASHRAFUL MATIN (DHAKA METROPOLIS):

Born on July 7,1984 at Dhaka. Right hand middle order batsman and leg break/off break bowler. Played 164 one day internationals since debut against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo on April 11,2001. Led Bangladesh in 38 one day internationals, won eight and lost 30. Participating in the World Cup for the third time.

MOHAMMAD MUSHFIQUR RAHIM (BANGLADESH JUNIORS):

Born on September 1,1988 at Bogra. Right hand lower order batsman and wicket-keeper. Played 84 one day internationals since debut against Zimbabwe at Harare on August 6,2006. Participating in the World Cup for the second time.

MOHAMMED NAEEM ISLAM (RAJSHAHI DIVISON)

Born on December 31, 1986 at Gaibandha. Right hand lower order batsman and off-break bowler. Played 40 one day internationals since debut against New Zealand at Dhaka on October 9, 2008. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

MOHAMMED NAZMUL HOSSAIN (SYLHET DIVISION):

Born on October 5, 1987 at Hobigonj. Right hand tail end batsman and right-arm medium-fast bowler. Played 34 one day internationals since debut against South Africa at Birmingham on September 12, 2004. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

MOHAMMED RAQIBUL HASAN (BARISAL DIVISION):

Born on October 8, 1987 at Jamalpur.Right hand lower order batsman and leg break bowler. Played 49 one day internationals since debut against South Africa at Chittagong on March 9, 2008. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

MOHAMMED RUBEL HOSSAIN (CHITTAGONG DIVISION):

Born on January 1, 1990 at Chittagong. Right hand tail end batman and right arm medium fast bowler. Played 21 one day internationals since debut against Sri Lanka at Dhaka, January14, 2009. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

SHAFIUL ISLAM (RAJSHAHI DIVISON):

Born on October 6, 1989 at Bogra. Right hand tail end batsman right arm fast-medium bowler. Played 23 one day internationals since debut against Sri Lanka at Dhaka on January 4, 2010. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

SHAHRIAR NAFEES AHMED (BARISAL DIVISION):

Born on January 25,1986 at Dhaka. Left hand opening batsman. Played 64 one day internationals since debut against England at Nottingham on June 21,2005. Participating in the World Cup for the second time.

SUHRAWADI SHUVO (RAJSHAHI DIVISON):

Born on November 21, 1988 at Rajshahi. Left hand tail end batsman and Left-hand bat slow left-arm orthodox bowler. Played 11 one day internationals since debut against England at Dhaka on March 2, 2010. Participating in the World Cup for the first time.

Sachin Tendulkar equals Sanath Jayasuriya’s record

Sachin Tendulkar equaled Sri Lankan Sanath Jayasuriya’s record of most one day international matches by appearing in the second match of the five-match series against South Africa at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on Saturday (January 15).

It was Sachin Tendulkar’s 444th match in limited overs international cricket. Master blaster who made his international debut against Pakistan at Gujranwala on December 18,1989, took 21 years and 29 days to equal the world record of most one day international matches.

Sanath Jayasuriya who made his international debut against Australia at Melbourne on December 26, 1989, played his 444th match after 20 years and one day against India at Delhi on December 27, 2009.

By playing 433rd innings against South Africa, Sachin Tendulkar set a new record of playing most innings in one day internationals. Sanath Jayasuriya played 432 innings in 444 one day international matches.

Sachin Tendulkar played 156 one day internationals at home while he appeared in 288 matches outside India

India have won 222 and lost 194 matches when Sachin Tendulkar was the member of the team. 27 matches did not produce a result which include three tied match.

Andrew Stauss joins 6000-run club in Tests

Andrew Strauss became the 11th Englishman and 52nd batsman overall to score 6000 or more runs in Test cricket.

The England skipper achieved this feat during his unbeaten 64-run knock on the first day of the fourth Test match against Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday (December 26). He batted 146 innings of 81Test matches to reach this milestone.

Graham Gooch (8900 runs in 118 Tests), Alec Stewart (8463 runs in 133 Tests), David Gower (8231 runs in 117 Tests), Geoff Boycott (8114 runs in 108 Tests), Mike Atherton (7728 runs in 115 Tests), Colin Cowdrey (7624 runs in 114 Tests), Wally Hammond (7249 runs in 85 Tests), Len Hutton (6971 runs in 79 Tests), Ken Barrington (6806 runs in 82 Tests) and Graham Thorpe (6744 runs in 100 Tests) were the other England batsmen to score over 6000 runs in Tests before Andrew Strauss.

** Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook put on their 10th century stand for the opening wicket in Tests, which puts them joint fourth in the list of opening pairs with most century stands. West Indian Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes holds the record with 16 century stands in 148 innings followed by 15 century stands in 38 innings between England’s Jack Hobbs and Herbert Sutcliffe and 14 century stands in 113 innings between Australian Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer. India’s Sunil Gavaskar and Chetan Chauhan and Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag, Australian Michael Slater and Mark Taylor and Sri Lankan Santh Jayasuriya and Marvan Atapattu also involved in 10 century stands for the opening wicket in Tests.

** Australia 98 in 42.5 overs was their second lowest total at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. They went past their 83 against India in 1981, which was previously their lowest at this venue. It was however the lowest score in England-Australia Tests at this ground. It is Australia’s fourth score below 120 since 1990 in home Tests.

** All 10 batsmen were dismissed caught in Australian innings. It was the 16th occasion for Australia and 48th overall that all batsmen have been dismissed in this manner.

** England wicket-keeper Matt Prior took six catches in Australian innings, one behind the record of seven which is shared by four keepers, Pakistan’s Wasim Bari, England’s Bob Taylor, New Zealand’s Ian Smith and West Indian Ridley Jacobs. Matt Prior equaled Jack Russell, Alec Stewart and Chris Read’s England record of most dismissals in an innings against Australia. Chris Read did the same twice.

** James Anderson’s remarkable improvement in Australia continued with another four wicket haul. He now has 16 wickets in the series so far at an average of just over 26. In contrast, in the previous series in Australia, he picked up just five wickets at an average of 82.60.

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