Kevin O’Brien scores the fastest century in World Cup

England recorded their highest score against Ireland by making 327 for eight in 50 overs  at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore on Wednesday (March 2).

It was second highest total against Ireland in limited overs international cricket after New Zealand’s 402 for two in 50 overs at Aberdeen on July 1,2008.

England’s previous highest against Ireland was 301 for seven in 50 overs at Belfast on June 13,2006.

** Jonathan Trott became the fifth Englishman and 32nd  batsman overall on 40 occasions  to be dismissed in 90s in the World Cup matches. India’s Sachin Tendulkar holds this ‘unwanted record’ with thee 90s scores in 37 innings of 38 World Cup matches.

** Trent Johnston became the first bowler from Ireland and 228th bowler overall to take 50 or more wickets in one day internationals. The right arm fast-medium bowler achieved this feat, in his 49th match by bowling out England’s Michael Yardy.

** Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott set up a new record of best partnership for England against Ireland in one day internationals by adding 167 runs for the third wicket. The erased the previous best of 142 runs between Ian Bell and Marcus Trescothick for the fourth wicket at Belfast on June 13,2006. Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott’s stand was the second best for England in World Cup for the third wicket  after 170 runs stand between Ian Bell and Andrew Strauss against India at Bangalore on February 27,2011.

** William Porterfield became the eighth batsman to be dismissed on the first ball of the innings in the World Cup. Four batsmen who was out on the first ball of the match were Johan Wright (New Zealand) against Australia at Auckland on February 22,1992, Hannan Sarkar (Bangladesh) against Sri Lanka at Pietermaritzburg on February 14,2003,Edmond Joyce (England) against New Zealand at Gros Islet on March 16,2003 and Breondon Taylor (Zimbabwe) against Kenya Nagpur on Febraury 28,2011 while Aamir Sohail (Pakistan) against New Zealand at Christcurch on March 18,1992, Gary Kirsten (South Africa) against Zimbabwe at Chelmsford on May 29,1999 and Riaan Walters (Namibia) against Zimbabwe at Harare on February 10,2003 were out on the first ball of the innings.

** Kevin O’Brien scored the fastest century in World Cup by completing 100 runs off 50 balls with 13 fours and six sixes during his 113-run knock. It was sixth fastest century in limited overs international matches.  Australian  Matthew Hayden who made 100 off 66 balls during his 101-run knock against South Africa at St Kitts on March 24, 2007 held the previous record of the fastest century in World Cup.

** Ireland recorded their highest ever score in one day internationals by making 329 for seven in 49.1 overs . Their previous highest was 325 for 8 in 50 overs against Canada at Toronto on September 7, 2010 while their previous highest against England was 263 for nine in 50 overs at Belfast on June 13,2006.

** Kevin O’Brien and Alex Cusack set up a new record for the sixth wicket position in World Cup by adding 162 runs. They erased the previous best of 161 runs between Maurice Odumbe and Alpesh Vadher for Kenya against Sri Lanka at Southampton on May 30,1999.

** Jonathan Trott also became the England’s 29th and 276th batsman overall to score 1000 runs in one day internationals. The right hand top order batsman achieved this feat during his 92-run knock. By achieving the same in the 21st innings of 21 one day international, Jonanthan Trott  equalled West Indian Vivian Richards and England’s Kevin Pietersen’s record of fastest 1000 runs in one day internationals.

** Ireland recorded the first ever victory over England in four one day internationals by winning the match by three wickets. It was their third victory in 11 World Cup matches.

New Zealand’s biggest win in World Cup

New Zealand recorded their biggest victory in terms of wickets in World Cup by beating Kenya by 10 wickets at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai on Sunday (February 20).

It was New Zealand’s fifth perfect 10 victory in limited overs international cricket. New Zealand’s previous biggest victory in terms of wickets in World Cup was nine wickets which was recorded on thirce, against Sri Lanka at Nottingham on June 9,2003, against South Africa at Johannesburg on February 16,2003 and against Bangladesh at North Sound on April 2,2007. ** ** New Zealand’s 10-wicket win was seventh perfect 10 win in 305 World Cup matches. West Indies and South Africa achieved two 10-wickets victories each while India and Sri Lanka recorded one 10-wicket win each in World Cup before New Zealand.

** As many as 141 runs were scored for the loss of 10 wickets in 31.5 overs which was the lowest ever match aggregate in one day international matches played on Indian soil. It was second shortest completed match in India after India and England match at Chandigarh on Janaury 27,1985. Only 30 overs,15 overs a side,  were bowled in this match.  

** Kenya’s total of 69 as by far their lowest in World Cup games. It was their first under 100 total in 24 games. They lasted 23.5 overs, which was the lowest for them. Their previous lowest in one day internationals was 84 in 35.3 overs against Australia at Nairobi on September 2,2002 while their lowest in World Cup was 104 in 35.5 overs against West Indies at Kimberley on March 4, 2003. It was also the fifth-lowest total in World Cups. Canada’s 36 against Sri Lanka in 2003 is the lowest.

** For the first time in a World Cup match, New Zealand dismissed a team for less than 100. The previous lowest against New Zealand in a full 50-over match had been  Bangladesh’s 116 in 37.4 overs at Chelmsford on May 17, 1999.

** New Zealand won the match with 252 balls to spare, which was their most comprehensive World Cup win – and the   third-best for all teams in World Cups – in terms of balls remaining. Overall, it was New Zealand’s second-most emphatic win after 10-wicket win over Bangladesh at Queenstown on December 31,2007 with 264 balls to spare.

** Hamish Bennett recorded his best bowling in one day internationals by taking four for 16 bettering four for 46 he had achieved against Pakistan in his previous one day international match at Eden Park, Auckland on February 5, 2011.

** Hamish Bennett also became the first New Zealander and 16th bowler overall to take four or more wickets while playing for the first time in a World Cup match.

** Ross Taylor became New Zealand’s 19th and 194th player overall to play 100 or more matches in limited overs international cricket.

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.

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)

Over 100 centuries in World Cup

A total number of 103 centuries were scored in 603 innings of 303 World Cup matches since 1975. Sixty seven batsmen have the distinction to score centuries in World Cup.

India’s Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly and Australina Mark Waugh and Ricky Ponting shared the record of making the highest number of centuries in World Cup with four centuries each. Sourav Ganguly played only 21 innings of as many matches to score four hundreds while Mark Waugh scored the same number of hundreds in 22 innings of as many matches. Sachin Tendulkar batted in 35 innings of 36 matches to did the same while Ricky Ponting’s four hundreds came in the 36 innings of 39 matches.

The highest number of centuries were scored in the 2003 World Cup in South Africa while the 1979 World Cup in England saw the lowest number of hundreds. Just two batsmen scored centuries in 14 matches of the 1979 World Cup while 21 centuries were made in 52 matches of the 2003 World Cup.

Australian Australia Matthew Hayden’s 66-ball century during the 101-run knock against South Africa at St Kitts on March 24, 2007 is the fastest in World Cup while Gordon Greenidge scored the slowest century of the mega event. The West Indian opener made an unbeaten 106 off 173 balls against India at Edgbaston, Birminghan on June 9,1979.

There’s something common between West Indian Clive Lloyd and Vivian Richards, Sri Lankan Aravinda de Silva and Australian Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist. They’ve the distinction of scoring a century in World Cup final. Clive Lloyed (102 against Australia at Lord’s in 1975) and Ricky Ponting (140 not out against India at Johannesburg in 2003) are the only ones to do it as skipper of the side. The other three, Vivian Richards (138 not out against England at Lord’s in 1979), Aravinda de Silve (107 not out against Australia at Lahore in 1996) and Adam Gilchrist (140 against Sri Lanka at Bridgetown in 2007) were the vice captains.

Dennis Amiss was the first batsman to score 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.

The 50th century in the World Cup was scored by Mark Waugh. The Australian opening batsman made 110 off 112 balls with six fours and two sixes in the quarterfinal match against New Zealand at Chennai on March 11,1996.

England’s middle order batsman Kevin Pietersen completed the century of centuries in World Cup by making exactly 100 off 91 balls with 10 fours and a six against West Indies at Bridgetown on April 21, 2007.

CENTURIES IN EACH WORLD CUP:

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.

McLean Park: Good Hunting Ground for Hosts and bad for Pakistan

Pakistan never won a limited overs international match at McLean Park, Napier where they will play fourth match of the six-match series against New Zealand on Tuesday (February 1).

New Zealand, on the other hand, have a good record at this ground. They have won 20, lost 10, tied two and abandoned one in 33 matches played here.

McLean Park has been a burial ground for the bowlers and if the pitch remains flat and full of runs, Pakistan hold the edge over New Zealand. Toss is very vital as seven of the last 10 one day internationals have been won by the side batting first.

Christchurch witnessed a quintessentially Pakistani style of play: start slow, build a base, retain wickets, and explode in the end. It used to be the norm in 1980s before Saeed Anwar and Aamir Sohail changed that in the 90’s, but once again, without a settled opening pair, Pakistan are returning to the roots. Not many teams can launch into a frenzied and mesmerizing attack in the end overs like Pakistan can.

New Zealand recorded a 110-run victory over Pakistan when two teams met first time at this ground. Restored to the New Zealand captaincy after not being available for the Pakistan tour, Geoff Howarth was dropped off the first ball of the match and went on to make 68. New Zealand scored swiftly against sluggish fielding. Pakistan began miserably and Geoff Howarth kept a tight grip on the game. Only Miandad really battled it out.

The hosts achieved a six- wicket victory over Pakistan in the second match on December 28,1992. The match was overshadowed by an incident which led to Aqib Javed becoming the first player to be suspended for breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct. New Zealand were chasing 137 and had lost both openers for 30 when Andrew Jones gave a lobbed, gloved slip catch off a short-pitched delivery from Aqib Javed. Umpire Aldridge called a no-ball, judging that it was above shoulder-height, a verdict supported by television replays. After the match, Brian Aldridge reported the bowler to the referee, Peter Burge. The non-striker, Martin Crowe, and a nearby fieldsman, Ramiz Raja, attended a 75-minute hearing, where Martin Crowe said Aqib Javed had called the umpire a cheat. To Aqib’s defence that he was talking to himself, he commented: It was a funny thing to call yourself. Burge suspended the bowler for the next international match.

In the third match on February 20,2001, New Zealand defeated Pakistan by six wickets. Saeed Anwar was bowled by the match’s first ball. Pakistan just lasted 50 overs, but 135 was their lowest completed one-day total against New Zealand, who beat it with nearly 20 overs in hand. Saryl Tuffey won the match award for a career-best four for 24, seizing the opportunity offered by Chris Cairns’s injury. But just as important was Chris Harris, whose figures of 10-2-12-1 reveal the respect with which the Pakistanis treated his tantalizing slow-medium swing bowling. They equaled the fourth most economical performance for New Zealand at this level. Shahid Afridi provided him with his 159th wicket in one-day internationals, overtaking Richard Hadlee’s New Zealand record. Hadlee played 115 games to Chris Harris’s 175.

In the last meeting between the two teams at this ground on January 14,2004, New Zealand beat Pakistan by 8 wickets. After bowling out Pakistan for 126 in 36.3 overs, New Zealand made 127 for two in 22.5 overs.

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.

Australia’s highest successful chase in one dayers

The boos from Brisbane turned to cheers in Sydney as Michael Clarke helped Australia hunt down a record 334, their highest successful chase, by two wickets with four balls to spare at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday (February 2).

It was fourth highest successful chases in limited overs international cricket after South Africa’s 438-9 in 49.5 overs against Australia at Johannesburg on March 12,2006 and New Zealand’s two successful chases against Australia, 359-9 in 40.3 overs at Hamilton on February 20,2007 and 334-8 in 48.4 overs at Auckland on February 18.2007.

Australia’s previous highest successful chase was 330-7 in 49.1 overs against South Africa at Port Elizabeth on April 6,2002 .

It was first time when Australia won the match after making over 300 runs in the second innings at home. Their previous highest successful chase at home was 297-4 in 49.1 overs against England at Melbourne in the first match of the series on January 16,2011.

** England recorded their highest total against Australia by making 333 for six in 50 overs. Their previous highest against the Australia was 320 for eight in 55 overs at Birmingham on August 22,1980. England’s previous highest against Australia in Australia was 299 for eight in 50 overs in the fourth match of the series at Adelaide on January 26,2011.

** Jonathan Trott recorded the highest individual score in one day internationals by making 137 in 178 minutes off 126 balls with 11 fours. His previous highest was 110 in 169 minutes off 121 balls with 12 fours against Bangladesh at Birmingham on July 12,2010. Jonathan Trott’s 137 was the highest individual score by an England batsman against Australia in Australia and second highest after Robin Smith’s an unbeaten 167 off 163 balls with 17 fours and three sixes at Birmingham on May 21,1993. Paul Collingwood’s unbeaten 120 off 133 balls with seven fours and one six at Melbourne on February 9,2007 was the previous highest individual score for England in Australia.

** Michael Clarke became the fourth Australian to score 1000 runs against England in one day internationals. The Australian skipper batted 28 innings of 32 matches to score 1011 runs at 45.95 with nine fifties. Ricky Ponting (1598 runs in 38 innings of 39 matches), Allan Border (1302 runs in 42 innings of 43 matches) and Adam Gilchrist (1087 runs in 35 innings of as many matches) were the other Australian to reach this milestone before Michael Clarke

Pakistan’s first victory against New Zealand at Napier

Pakistan recorded their first ever victory over New Zealand at this venue by winning the fourth match of the six match series by two wickets with six balls to spare at McLean Park, Napier on Tuesday (February 1).

Pakistan’s first victory at this ground came in the fifth one day international match. It was Pakistan’s smallest victory in terms of wickets against New Zealand in New Zealand and second narrowest after one wicket win on the final ball at Multan on December 7, 1984.

** Misbah-ul-Haq recorded his highest individual score in one day internationals by making an unbeaten 93 off 91 balls with seven fours and a six. His previous best was 79 (not out) off 91 balls with three fours and one six against West Indies at Abu Dhabi on November 16, 2008.

** Daniel Vettori and Nathan McCullum set up a new record of the eight wicket position by adding 57 runs. They erased the previous best of 48 between Chris Harris and Gavin Larsen at Sharjah on April 20, 1994.

** Tim Southee recored his second worst performance in one day internationals by conceding 70 runs in 10 overs. His worst was 105 runs in 10 overs against India at Christchurch on March 8, 2009.

** Younis Khan became the seventh Pakistan player to take 10 or more catches against New Zealand in one day internationals. Ross Taylor’s catch off Wahab Riaz was his 10th in 19 matches. He also became the fourth Pakistani player to take three or more catches in an innings against New Zealand. Salim Malik took four catches at Sialkot on December 2,1984 while Asif Mujtaba claimed three catches at Dunedin on March 3,1994. Umar Akmal also took three catches in the third match of the series at Christchurch on January 29, 2011.

** Ross Taylor became the first New Zealand player to take three catches in an innings twice against Pakistan. He achieved this for the first time at Johannesburg on October 3 2009.

** Nathan McCullum scored his maiden half century in 15 innings of 17 one day international matches by making an unbeaten 53 in 89 minutes off 58 balls with five fours and a six. His previous highest was 43 off 53 balls with four fours against India at Vadodra on December 4, 2010.

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