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Scorecard

South Zone, led by captain Urooj Mumtaz’s unbeaten 39, beat Central Zone Blues by five wickets at the National Stadium in Karachi on Sunday to clinch the inaugural women’s National Twenty20 Quadrangular Championship.Central began well after being sent in, with Bismah Maroof and Marina Iqbal putting on 48 for the first wicket. However, they squandered the initiative by losing three wickets for 13 runs. Iqbal was the first to go, caught behind by Batool Fatima off Sana Mir for 19. Kanwal Naz then accounted for Maroof, who made 27, and Sabeen Samad, both stumped by Fatima. Nida Dar and Almas Akram repaired some of the damage with a fourth-wicket stand worth 54 runs. Almas made 27 while Nida hit a massive six in the final over before being run out by Mumtaz for 47 as Central finished with 132 for 6.South lost their openers cheaply with 19 runs on the board but recovered when Mumtaz combined with Nain Abidi to add 48 runs. Their stand was ended in controversial circumstances, Abidi being adjudged caught at leg slip for 28 off what should have been a no-ball as only three fielders were in the inner ring. Play was held up for a few minutes when Mumtaz and South’s coach, Farrukh Bari, remonstrated with umpire Humaira Farah, but to no avail. Mumtaz recovered her concentration soon enough and focused on the chase. Pushing for singles and twos, she brought South to within three runs of victory in the final over, finishing the contest by striking the fourth ball for a boundary.Mumtaz was named Player of the Match and shared the Player-of-the-Series award with Maroof, her Pakistan team-mate.

The morale of the Indian team must be very high after aresounding win over Sri Lanka at Bristol. It was a highlydisciplined show from the Indians after their loss againstEngland in the rain-shortened match. Going into Saturday’s finalat Lord’s, the Indian team, then, would be very confident ofclinching the NatWest Trophy.Having outclassed Sri Lanka in all departments of the game, Indiawill have to outsmart and outplay Hussain and his men. I am sureboth the teams would be working towards evolving a game-plan forthe final. Hussain with his astute leadership skills has beeninstrumental in reviving English cricket. Ganguly also has, inthe meanwhile, steadily matured as a captain who has the respectand support of his teammates. The battle between the two leadersmight prove as intriguing as the final clash itself.

As for Thursday’s game, its result was only of academic interestas India had already qualified for Saturday’s final. Ganguly hasbeen winning the toss on a regular basis these days and hisdecision to bat first against Sri Lanka was the right one. Thetrack was full of runs and making first use of it was the wisestthing to do.I am pleased that Harbhajan Singh was given an opportunity toplay in this match. It came as a mild surprise to me to see theSri Lankan batsmen struggling against the over-spin of HarbhajanSingh. This is precisely the kind of delivery that they must havefaced against Muralitharan in the nets.The Sri Lankan bowling, which has a depleted look without theirstar bowler, was completely devastated by Tendulkar’s onslaught.It must be worrying for them that their best fast bowler ChamindaVaas has had an indifferent tour of England. As I had mentionedin my previous column, Sri Lanka will have to do some serioussoul-searching and sort out their problems quickly. Somehow thebody language of the boys from the Emerald Isles was that of abeaten side, and it indeed was sad to see them play without theirusual gusto.Sachin Tendulkar is a master batsman, and he is not one who isgoing to miss out on an opportunity against an attack strugglingto get the breakthroughs on a perfect batting track.The run-outs of Ganguly and Sehwag, earlier, were shocking to saythe least, and this is clearly an area where India will have toshow greater discipline. The Englishmen are quick to exploit theweaknesses of their opponents and India have to sort out such asimple thing as ‘clear calling’ between the batsmen.Moving on, the fact that the likes of Dinesh Mongia and MohammadKaif are in good touch augurs well for the Indians. I was impressed by the way Kaif paced his innings and helped Tendulkar to build a partnership of 71 quick runs which effectively took the match away from the Sri Lankans.

Among the Sri Lankans, I was particularly impressed by the wayDilhara Fernando went about his business; he has the physique aswell as the pace to unsettle the best of batsmen if only he wouldadd some more control to the thunderbolts he delivers.For once, I thought Kumar Sangakkara might tear the Indian attackapart; the ease with which he launched into the big shots wasawesome. Ganguly was forced to bring in Harbhajan Singh and theyoung spinner showed the kind of temperament he possesses. I have a gutfeeling that Harbhajan knew how to get Sangakkara’s wicket.Talking of Harbhajan, he has a key role to play in the upcomingTest series. I am sure he will return home with a bagful ofwickets if he can turn the ball prodigiously on tracks that wouldsuit the spinners in the second half of the summer.Having said that, I doubt whether Harbhajan will play in thefinal against England. Kumble’s hamstring injury does not seem tobe very serious and his experience will count when bowlingagainst the likes of Trescothick and Flintoff. Trescothick indeedis the one English batsman who can single-handedly take the matchaway from India.India, to reiterate, will be up against a thoroughly professionalEnglish side and they will have to play at their very best atLord’s. The winner of the final will definitely carry forward thepsychological advantage into the Test series that is to follow.There is absolutely no room for complacency on Saturday and Iwish the boys well.

Several newcomers are on the fringe of Northern Districts selection this summer as the first squad from which a team to attend a pre-season camp at the New Zealand High Performance Centre at Lincoln University has been announced.Newcomers to the ND scene, Nick Horsley, (returning to ND from Auckland), David Kelly, (formerly Central Districts, now playing in Counties Manukau), and Gareth West, (formerly CD, now based at the Bracewell Cricket Academy at Te Puna) have been included.Their chance comes as the result of the unavailability of regular players from last season. This has given the ND selectors, Pat Malcon and Bruce Blair, the opportunity to assess the form of both the new players and others such as Grant Robinson, Simon Andrews and Jaden Hatwell who have limited first-class experience.Players not considered were Scott Styris, Joseph Yovich, James Marshall, and Bruce Martin (all playing club cricket in Sydney); Leighton Hammond (national hockey tournament); Mark Orchard and Gareth Irwin (national indoor cricket commitments).The final selection will be made after squad practices and fitness testing. The camp is set for October 6-13 and will include games against the NZ Academy, Central Districts and Wellington.The squad is:Robbie Hart (captain), Grant Robinson, David Kelly, Nick Horsley, Matthew Hart, Hamish Marshall, Michael Parlane, Jaden Hatwell, Daniel Vettori, Daryl Tuffey, Ian Butler, Simon Andrews, Graeme Aldridge and Gareth West.

LAHORE – For the third series in succession, the PCB is engaging an extra official, this time for the tour to Australia for the three-match Super Challenge tournament. Dr. Aamer Siddique, previously designated ‘thought leader’, now ‘human resource consultant’, is basically meant to motivate the players to optimise their performance levels.

There has been some criticism of the idea, mainly based on the issue of the cost involved, but the PCB, even in these times of financial difficulty, largely remains unfazed. “We would like to focus on the benefits rather than the cost. And we feel that any expenditure on the development and self-enrichment of the human resource representing Pakistan at this critical juncture is money well spent”, said the PCB chairman, Lt Gen Tauqir Zia while talking to this correspondent.”While we do not want to be drawn into an unnecessary controversy, the fact of the matter is that for one we have observed that Dr Aamer’s contribution in the team’s recent resurgence was of some consequence. Secondly, the sum involved has been wrongly quoted as 1 million rupees. The actual cost is much less. And, let me repeat that the benefit of having a human resource specialist available to the boys by far outweighs the cost”, said the PCB chairman.”One problem in our environment is that the moment you digress from the trodden path, and try new ideas, instead of getting marks for taking new initiatives, you get uncalled for criticism. Instead of the cost involved, the point to note here should have been the merit of the concept and the suitability of the person engaged. There is universal acknowledgement that the output of even the best of the best professionals improves when experts adequately motivate them.”And Dr. Aaamer’s credentials as a human resource expert are pretty good. Actually what he is being paid for his services is well below the market rate. So being forward-looking is costing us something, but rest assured it is not a limb”, said Lt Gen Tauqir Zia.Another important factor, which has gone unmentioned so far but of crucial importance, is the mental level of the Pakistani players. Most of them, even the senior pros exposed to world cricket for a number of years, remain huge underachievers, and have next to no communication skills. That is why Pakistan cricket may be facing a ‘captaincy crisis’ once Waqar Younis and others of his vintage retire, which is not that distant in future.If the ‘thought leader’ or ‘human resource consultant’ call him what you may, could offer some panacea for these two ills – under-achievement and lack of well-rounded personalities in the squad, it would really be some feat.

Discarded Hampshire opener Derek Kenway cracked an undefeated 135 for Hambledon against New Milton at Ridge Meadow. But his century heroics failed to save Hambledon from a five-wicket defeat by the Southern Electric Premier League, Division 3 promotion contenders.Kenway and John Burdekin (48) rescued the Dons from a worrying 80-5 to 243-7 – but it didn’t stop New Milton.The Hampshire cricketer bowled seven unsuccessful overs for 45 runs as New Milton stormed home with time to spare – Ryan Beck (65) and Dean Miller (49) leading the run chase.Top dogs St Cross Symondians thrashed Leckford by 166 runs with Mark Parker hitting a century and Richard Boote taking four wickets.Second-placed Alton lost by four wickets to Hursley Park, while Flamingo appear to be fading after losing by 76 runs to Purbrook.Bashley II all-rounder Jo Hall was detailed in a Portsmouth hospital overnight after being struck on the head in the 67-run defeat at Havant.Luke Wordley celebrated his Redlynch & Hale debut with a career-best 107, but was unable to stave off a 117-run defeat at Gosport, who piled up 322-5.Paultons, Ventnor and Waterlooville were also Premier 3 winners.

Mohali has been a lucky ground for the Indians as they have had a good win record at this ground. Sourav’s luck with the toss carried into the second one-dayer; he elected to bat on a wicket that offers runs in plenty. Zimbabwe had to field on a wicket that is one of the few in India that favours pace.Openers Dinesh Mongia and Sourav Ganguly got off to the start that was just what the doctor ordered. Despite a few uneasy moments against the pace of Heath Streak, the pair went on to pile up the runs in an aggressive fashion. Together they added a quick-fire 109 for the opening partnership, a good base to build a big total. Dinesh Mongia showed that he had the right match temperament with a 52-ball, 45 run innings! Laxman joined his captain to add to the run blitz, but it was Ganguly who looked really hungry for runs, smashing as many as eight boundaries and three hits that were skied which got him to a racy 86 off 83 balls. India lost her captain with the score on 188.Rahul Dravid walked out on to the Mohali pitch and faced the Zimbabwean bowling attack. Laxman was playing the cautious role. The flow of runs had decreased slightly but Dravid had a point to prove that he was not that `slow defensive batsman’ people make him out to be. He went into attack mode and found the fence with immaculate timing. Laxman gave him sensible support at the other end before he fell after scoring a half-century, leaving India 243 for three. This pair had added 55 runs for the third wicket.Dravid was joined by Mohammad Kaif, but this partnership did not last long, as India were now just piling on the runs, and Kaif made an exit, making way for the local hero Harbhajan Singh played a spicy knock of 15. Dravid carried on batting in a fashion that was diametrically opposite to the image he has, of being slow. Trying innovative shots, he sped his way to 66 off only 59 balls, giving India a really commanding total of 319 for six.The visitors had one over docked for the slow over rate, and were therefore required to get 320 runs in 49 overs. Always a mammoth task, the start was not at all appropriate as Dion Ebrahim departed early with the score on 4. Alistiar Campbell was joined by Travis Friend in a new role as pinch-hitter.The positive attitude of the two batsmen came to the fore as they went about the task of accumulating runs. Campbell’s experience gelled well with the young blood of Friend. And together they consolidated the partnership and India were left searching for answers. A record partnership of 134 runs for the second wicket emerged, before Travis Friend was dismissed for 64 off 60 balls; he had played his role to a T.Andy Flower joined Campbell and one felt that another solid partnership here would be crucial and perhaps make things difficult for India. But Campbell was soon on his way back to the pavilion after scoring 62 runs for his country. The visitors were 143 for three.With the two Flower bothers at the crease, Zimbabwe could be hopeful of getting on with the task at hand. Unfortunately, the normally good understanding between the two brothers was missing and a run-out caused Grant Flower to head back to the pavilion. Andy showed his frustration, but the show had to go on and he had to play a big part.Captain Carlisle and Andy Flower were at the crease to try to save the day for Zimbabwe. The target loomed large and all the prize wickets were in India’s bag. 38 runs were added for the fifth wicket before Andy Flower chopped a ball onto his stumps for 29.The Zimbabwean batsmen could not deliver the goods and with the departure of Carlisle and the score 212 for six, the result was pretty certain. Of course one can never say in cricket and especially one-day cricket.This time around, the tail failed to wag, and the visitors were bundled out for 255. India won convincingly by 64 runs and the love affair with the Mohali ground continues. Captain Ganguly, Dinesh Mongia, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Harbhajan Singh contributed largely to the win that would raise the morale of the team as they go to Kochi for the third one-dayer.The Zimbabweans need to rework a few things before they write a fresh page at the next venue. With the series level, the two teams can be rest assured that quality cricket is the need of the hour, to show one’s supremacy in the shorter version of the game.And when that fat lady sings, only then can one say with conviction that indeed this was the better one-day side of the two.

Somerset ended the first day of their three day match against Cardiff UCCE at Millfield Schoo well on top.After amassing 389 for 9 declared from 84.4 overs the Somerset opening bowlers Steffan Jones and Matt Bulbeck had the students reeling on 11 for 3 at the close of play.For Somerset there were impressive contributions from young opener Matt Wood who was disappointed to be out for 98, Keith Parsons, who seemed to show no ill effects from his knee operation in scoring 81, and Keith Dutch who hit a merciless 97 just before the declaration came from skipper Mike Burns.At the end of the day Somerset coach Kevin Shine told me: "It’s been a very good day for us, a really good test. The runs we scored our batsmen had to work hard for against their attack that was always able to bowl that good ball. Matt Wood, Keith Dutch and Keith Parsons all batted well for us, and each of them got on with the job well."The Somerset coach continued: "We’ve been playing well in the nets, but today we’ve shown that we can do it out in the middle which is where it counts."How had he found things at Millfield I asked. "The school has done a wonderful job for us. The facilities here are excellent and we have been made very welcome. The wicket here is as good as any you will find anywhere at this time of the year," the coach told me.The Cardiff UCCE coach Kevin Lyons said: "It’s been a great experience for the students to come and play against Somerset at Millfield where there is such a good pitch and excellent practice facilities."The match continues at Millfield School at Street at 11 am on Sunday and Monday. Entry is free, there is plenty of parking nearby, and refreshments are available all day.

Border gave their chances of reaching the Supersport Series final a tonic with an emphatic 162-run defeat of Free State in Bloemfontein on Sunday, their 18-point haul catapulting them into second place on the standings behind runaway leaders Western Province.A career-best return of 6-56 from seamer Tyron Henderson was the icing on the cake of a fine professional performance from the Bears, who hugged the life out a lacklustre Free State side. It was only the third time Henderson has taken five or more wickets in an innings, and surpassed his previous best – 5-44 for SA Academy against Scotland in 1999.Resuming on 89-2, the early overs passed without incident for Free State as the overnight batsmen, Jonathan Beukes and Louis Wilkinson, both moved to half-centuries. But when Wilkinson was Henderson’s first scalp of the day on 56, the Free State flag began its journey down the pole.Two more wickets for Henderson and a strike from off-spinner Geoff Love to remove Beukes leg-before for 64 reduced the home side to 146-6. Opener Gerhardus Liebenberg, batting down the order at number seven after bruising two fingers attempting a catch on Saturday, briefly steadied things with the kind of composure you would expect from a man of his talent and temperament.But when Henderson finally prised him out for 34 and Victor Mpitsang fell the very next ball, the bowler was on a hat-trick and the victory all but complete. Dewald Pretorius survived the hat-trick delivery, but when Vasbert Drakes rearranged his stumps three overs later, Border’s eyes were well and truly on the final.

Darren Gough has climbed to fourth place in the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Ratings for bowlers. He is at the highest points level for an English bowler since Bob Willis in 1983.Andrew Caddick has climbed to ninth place, while Graham Thorpe hasreturned to the batting top ten for the first time in three years.Saqlain Mushtaq (10th) remains the top rated Pakistan bowler, making his omission at Lord’s all the more mystifying.

Shahid Afridi has decided to end a nearly four-year hiatus from domestic first-class cricket in a bid to regain his form ahead of the India series next month. Afridi will represent Habib Bank Limited in the ongoing President’s Trophy, after last having played for them in January 2009.”We understand he [Afridi] has been struggling with his form and obviously he has to play quality cricket to regain it,” a spokesman from HBL sports department told ESPNcricinfo. “Unfortunately there is no limited-overs cricket being played at the moment and the on-going first-class tournament is the way out for him to get engaged to change his dipping form.”Afridi is currently in the middle of a severe form trough, highlighted at the recent World Twenty20. He made only 30 runs in six matches, and picked up four wickets at 42.75. In ODIs this year, he has scored 182 runs in 16 matches and taken 15 wickets at 43.13 (including a five-for against the lightweights of Afghanistan).Pakistan’s exit from the semi-final in the World Twenty20 has drawn criticism from several former players, with some blaming Afridi’s poor form as the primary reason for the team’s failure to reach the final.Afridi will join the HBL squad in place of Pakistan left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman, who is currently serving his 12 weeks ban for using recreational drug cannabis during his stint with Somerset in the English domestic season. “Though Afridi’s name wasn’t listed in 20-man probables for the team, he can take the place of Rehman to play the rest of the rounds ahead of the India series,” the spokesman said.