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Zimbabwe 185 for 7 (Flower 59, Rogers 54, Mahmud 4-19) beat Bangladesh 183 (Manjural 63, Sarkar 59, Flower 3-36) by three wickets, and won the series 2-1
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A captain’s innings from Heath Streak – and a nervousness from Bangladesh which comes from not being used to winning – enabled Zimbabwe to scrape a three-wicket victory which had seemed highly unlikely when they slumped to 124 for 6 chasing 183 in the fifth and deciding one-day international at Harare. Zimbabwe thus sneaked the series 2-1.Twice in this match Bangladesh had the upper hand, and both times they let the advantage slip away. When they batted, Hannan Sarkar (59) and Manjural Islam Rana (63) laid a solid foundation with a 105-run opening stand only for the middle order to blow it; then when Bangladesh fielded they had Zimbabwe on the ropes and let them off.Khaled Mahmud, in recent months usually the villain and never the hero, was almost Bangladesh’s unlikely matchwinner. His career-best 4 for 19 in 10 overs ripped through Zimbabwe’s innings after Barney Rogers (54) and Grant Flower (54) had taken them to 112 for 0. Mahmud’s gentle medium-pace wobblers were ideal for the overcast conditions, and in the space of 31 balls Zimbabwe had been reduced to 124 for 6, with Mahmud taking 4 for 0 in ten balls.Streak needed someone to stay with him, and Dion Ebrahim rose to the challenge. They stopped the rot, saw off Mahmud, and then took on Bangladesh’s other bowlers, who wilted under the counterattack. A moment of madness from Ebrahim, who looked for a second run which was never there and was run out for 11 (154 for 7), briefly gave Bangladesh hope, but the next over from Tapash Baisya went for ten runs and the pressure was off the batsmen again. Streak and Gary Brent had overs in hand, so didn’t need to take any undue risks to ease their side home.But Bangladesh’s batsmen should have ensured that they posted a total which would have removed the pressure from their bowlers. Sarkar and Manjural batted with confidence – aided by some loose bowling and a dropped catch or two – and even though Zimbabwe’s spinners slowed the run-rate, there was no excuse for the collapse that followed.Rather strangely, Sarkar decided to try to sweep everything, and there was an inevitability in his dismissal, top-edging Ray Price to Rogers at fine leg. But then the middle order self-destructed in an orgy of inappropriate shots, and from 153 for 3 Bangladesh lost their last seven wickets for 30 runs. Barring the openers, only Rajin Saleh (21) reached double figures, while the two spinners, Price (2 for 38) and Flower (3 for 36), did the damage.So Zimbabwe came from behind to edge the series 2-1 – the first two matches in Bulawayo were washed out – but they were thoroughly unconvincing against one-day cricket’s whipping boys. If Bangladesh had shown more self-belief then they could have won all three games. As it is, they go home beaten, but having made some progress against the side they have to target as the one to which they have the best chance of passing the unwanted title of the world’s worst.

Andrew Symonds is expected to play the first match of the Chappell-Hadlee Series in Adelaide on Friday despite injuring his right ankle while fielding in the Twenty20 victory. Symonds has iced the ankle and will have further physio but should make it, a Cricket Australia spokesman told .The problem is not as serious as when he first hurt it in the second Test against Sri Lanka and Michael Hussey said the allrounder’s condition was “pretty good”. “I know he will be getting physio over the next couple of days,” Hussey said in Adelaide. “We’ll see how he goes at training [on Thursday].”He seemed pretty confident this morning, he wasn’t too worried at all. He’s obviously in great form and we want him in our team.”Symonds’ problem was the only cloud surrounding Australia’s thumping 54-run victory against New Zealand on Tuesday. Symonds hit a typically entertaining 85, which came from 46 balls, and Australia will rely on his input if he can recover in time to take part in the three-match series.The Twenty20 was Michael Clarke’s first match in charge and his usual captain Ricky Ponting, who sat out the match, was impressed with the appointment. “He’s 26 now, so in a few years, when I’m finished, he’ll be perfect age-wise and experience-wise to fit into the leadership roles,” Ponting told the Australian.Justin Langer, Clarke’s former Test team-mate, also endorsed the view in the same paper. “I applaud the selectors for this short opportunity to give him a taste of it. It might just be the stepping stone for him to turn into the final product, as Steve [Waugh] and Punter have done.”Clarke has dismissed talk of future captaincy, especially with Ponting locked in for years, and he was ready to hand back the reins. “I will take one from one and give it back to Punter, I am quite happy with that,” Clarke told Nine after the match. “It was a pretty easy team to captain, the guys were fantastic, and our energy out in the field was spot on.”

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ScorecardDelhi duly completed victory over Rajasthan on the fourth day at the Feroz Shah Kotla, taking the last three wickets in 21.1 overs. Mithun Manhas, the captain, brought himself on and quickly took two wickets and Amit Bhandari dismissed overnight batsman Robin Bist for 69 to signal the end.Medium-pace bowler Shailender Gehlot delayed the inevitable with 47 from 85 but with over two sessions left it was just a matter of time for Delhi to complete victory.The hosts took five points from an outright win to move to the top of Group A.
ScorecardAnoop Pai’s unbeaten 119, his maiden first-class hundred in just third third appearance for Hyderabad, ensured a draw against Bengal at Eden Gardens. Hyderabad recovered from an overnight 86 for 3 to finish 302 for 6, with Pai and Arjun Yadav (53) getting among the runs. Left-arm spinner Murtaza Lodhgar added two wickets on the fourth day to finish with 5 for 68. Bengal took three points to Hyderabad’s one.

Ravindra Nath Sawani, the former Indian police officer who was in charge of the enquiry that blew the lid off match-fixing in India in 2000, has been appointed the general manager and chief investigator of the ICC’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU).”I look upon my job as a great responsibility to protect the game of cricket through preventive vigilance,” Sawani said in a press conference called by the ICC in Mumbai on Thursday.Asked why an Indian was chosen for the role, and whether this was an indication of the prevalence of match-fixing in India, Malcolm Speed, the ICC chief executive said: “India has the biggest cricket-watching population and it’s the financial powerhouse. We are aware of how much money is bet on cricket matches in India. We understand it is to the tune of $500 million to one billion for every ODI.”In the history of match-fixing investigations, there has been involvement of bookies from India, and it will be good to have someone from India.”Sawani replaces Jeff Rees – who held the post since its inception until his retirement – and starts work in Dubai next week, reporting to Lord Condon, the chairman of the ACSU. Speed said he was happy with the partnership. “We have the best from England, which is the old power of cricket, and the best from India, the new power of cricket, and that’s a good synergy.”Having investigated match-fixing in 2000, we [the ICC] have come a long way in tackling these issues. It’s not merely match-fixing we look at; players’ behaviour, enforcing the code of conduct, the entire gamut of cricket runs under the ACSU.”Speed stressed the importance of the ACSU when asked about the investigation of the match-fixing allegations against Marlon Samuels, the West Indies batsman, which cropped up in January this year. “There has been a process in place since 2000 wherein when such an alleged offence comes up, it goes to goes to the ACSU”.The ACSU will then send a report to the ICC code of conduct commission, which is chaired by Michael Beloff QC. He will report to the ICC board, which will then advise the home board – in this case the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) – on what steps to take. Speed said “it’s a slow but rigorous process”, and WICB will then appoint a lawyer to conduct the hearing, if it is called for.Sawani, 57, has 30 years of experience with the Indian Police Service, including seven years with the Central Bureau of Investigation, where, as the joint director in charge of special crimes, he led the enquiry into match-fixing. He is also the recipient of the president of India’s Police Medal for Distinguished Services, the highest police medal in the country, in 2001.

Required to hit just 2 for a win Delhi finished the formalities withall their 10 wicket intact to register a facile win over Jammu andKashmir on the third and final day of the North Zone Ranji Trophymatch at the Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu on Saturday.Resuming at the score of 17 for no loss, J&K were guided by a fineunbeaten 117 by Kanwaljeet Singh. After the fall of the openers VidhyaBhaskar (28) and A Bhatti (4) in quick succession, Dhruv Mahajan (55)and Singh came together for a 85 run third wicket partnership.Thereafter, Though Kanwaljeet Singh held the fort on one end, he ranout of partners at regular intervals. By the time the J&K inningsfolded up at 269, Singh had remained at the crease for 259 minutes andfaced 204 deliveries during which he found the signboards on 13occasions.But with Delhi having scored a mamoth 466, the target was a paltry 2runs for a Delhi win. The openers were aided by a wide sent down byKanwaljeet in first over of the innings. The second over Ashu Danifound the boundary off the fourth ball to signal the end ofproceedings in favour of Delhi.

Frizzell County Championship Division OneDay 1 ReportEssex v Leicestershire 471 for 5 at Southend
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It’s not often a side racks up over 400 in a day, but bottom-placed Leicestershire took advantage of an inexperienced Essex attack and a flat pitch to race to a whopping 471 for 5 – the most runs scored in a day this season. Darren Stevens smashed 24 fours in his 149, and he put on 108 with John Maunders (44) for the first wicket. Darren Maddy continued the assault with 41 followed by a rasping 74 from Brad Hodge, and that was just a taste of things to come for the hapless bowlers. Trevor Ward joined in the fun with a crucifying 103 not out from only 89 balls and Paul Nixon rubbed things in with an easy 30. Essex’s Zoheb Sharif, on his Championship debut, had a sobering day, as did all the bowlers. While James Middlebrook finished with 2 for 99, Sharif went for 80 from 14 overs, but he at least collected three hard-earned wickets.Lancashire 384 for 5 v Warwickshire at Old Trafford
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Stuart Law hit his 59th first-class century as Lancashire ended the day in a strong position against Warwickshire. Law scored a commanding 150 not out including 20 fours and two sixes, as Lancashire closed on a comfortable 384 for 5. Ian Sutcliffe set things up at the top of the order with 86 before he was bowled by Dougie Brown (2 for 70). And after Mark Chilton (30) and Carl Hooper (35) chipped in, Glen Chapple cashed in with 37 not out. Waqar Younis returned to the Championship side after a break, and although he only picked up one wicket, he was the most economical of the Warwickshire bowlers, conceding 58 from 19 overs.Surrey 375 for 9 v Middlesex at Guildford
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An unbeaten fifty-partnership from last pair Saqlain Mushtaq (40*) and Jimmy Ormond (32*), coupled with a rescuing 85 from Rikki Clarke overshadowed a bright start from Middlesex, who will be kicking themselves after having Surrey on the rack at 131 for 5. Simon Cook, who was overlooked for Middlesex’s last two Championship games, took three early wickets to put Surrey – who were without the injured Adam Hollioake and Azhar Mahmood – on the back foot. But Clarke showed his international class when he hit back with a classy knock featuring 13 fours. Graham Thorpe, who many expected to be warming up with England at Edgbaston today, had earlier notched up another first-class fifty before he was one of Cook’s victims. Cook finished with 3 for 60, and Chad Keegan and Ashley Noffke picked up three wickets each, but they let Surrey off the hook and suffered the prolonged frustration of Ian Salisbury’s quickfire 40 from 48 balls, not to mention Saqlain’s and Ormond’s last stand. Frizzell County Championship Division TwoGloucestershire 271 v Worcestershire 48 for 1 at Cheltenham
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Worcestershire’s Nantie Hayward and Matthew Mason took three wickets each as Gloucestershire were bundled out for a spluttering 271, and that thanks mainly to a enterprising knock from last man Jonathan Lewis, who top-scored with 47. It was a valuable effort from Lewis, as even though all the batsmen bar one reached double figures, none could go on to the big score needed. Mason (3 for 48) was the pick of the bowlers, and he eventually got Lewis, as well as Shoaib Malik, the Pakistan all-rounder making his debut. Worcestershire, who are boosted by the return of Graeme Hick, then finished off a good day’s work as they reached 48 for 1 at the close.Northamptonshire 325 v Somerset 26 for 2 at Northampton
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Two late wickets from Ben Phillips gave Northants the edge against Somerset at Wantage Road. Northants scored a sprightly 325 in which Ian Blackwell took 5 for 96 and removed the top four Northants batsmen, who all made contributions. Tim Roberts, in his Championship debut, hit an impressive 83, including 11 fours and a six, while Phil Jacques (41) and David Sales (38) kept the momentum going. And the lower-order put in their bit too. Graeme Swann scored 44, Adam Shantry, another debutant, hit 38 not out and Andre Nel chipped in with 22 on his return from the South African squad. In their reply, Northants were quickly shot down to 15 for 2 as Phillips removed Peter Bowler for 14 and James Bryant first ball.Yorkshire 326 for 5 v Hampshire at Scarborough
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Matthew Wood led from the front for Yorkshire with a dominating 155 against Hampshire, who made a late fightback inspired by Dimitri Mascarenhas. Captain and top of the order, Wood led by example with 19 fours in his five-hour innings, and with contributions from Victor Craven (47) and Michael Lumb (64), Yorkshire were riding high. However, when Wood was trapped lbw to Mascarenhas with the score on 303 for 3, Mascarenhas then removed Lumb and Craig White first ball with no score added to haul Hampshire back in the game.

Confusion surrounds the sudden resignation of Clive Howard, the chairman of the Hong Kong Cricket Association (HKCA).Howard quit with immediate effect in the middle of the week, but the brief statement from the board cited “family and work commitments”. However, a report in the South China Morning Press stated that he owed the HKCA around HK$210,000 (US$27,000)”During his time as chairman, cricket developed significantly, with the introduction of the “Challenge League” for players not able to find places in teams competing in the regular Saturday and Sunday League competitions run by the HKCA and the setting up of a women’s league competition,” Terry Smith, the board president, said. “He also played a significant part in developing the International Cricket Sixes into an event of true international stature.”Given the scale of the activities now being undertaken by the Association, we are now considering the appointment of a CEO to support the chairman and executive committee and implement all aspects of association policy.”

On behalf of the CCA and the entire Cricketing community, we wish to extend our condolences to Dr. and Mrs. Barry Mills of Winnipeg, Manitoba on the sudden loss of their beloved son, Damian At 24, he passed away in his sleep last evening.We are shocked to learn of the untimely death of Damian Mills, one of the members of the Canadian HP players, who was actively training for CCA High Performance Events in 2004.Karran Bayney, CCA 2nd Vice President, knew Damian well and expresses the horror felt by all who have known Damian. Damian was the Captain and opening batsman of the Winnipeg Juniors cricket team of Manitoba.He was a pleasant outgoing chap who loved the game of cricket more than life. He was often seen at the park earlier than most and stayed longer than the rest. He was the most exciting player that Manitoba has seen for a long time. He was their best player in 2003, scoring over 1100 runs and winning batting honours in several provinces this year. He even travelled to Ontario to play with the CCA U23 and Overseas teams when he could find time in his busy schedule.He always encouraged less gifted players and always generous with his advice. He was an ardent student of the game. He was always modest despite huge accomplishments and positive about any perceived shortcomings. He trained constantly and was a willing student of the gamein fact a coach’s dream.Damian, Canadian born, learned the game of Cricket in Manitoba. He has represented Canada both at the junior and senior team levels. As a junior, he shares a record opening pair stand.Damian worked for the Manitoba Telecomm System when he was not attending university. He was scheduled to graduate from the University of Manitoba Faculty of Management with a Major in Marketing in the spring of 2004.The Manitoba and Canadian Cricket Associations and the entire cricketing community will miss this very talented and generous young man. He offered so much and asked for so little. Cricket in Manitoba and in Canada will search long and hard to find another Damien.”In the midst of life, we are in death.””Those whom the Gods love, die young.”Rest in peace Damian!

Summer may not have arrived in New Zealand but the Christmas turkey did and, as New Zealanders pile into their cars and head for the holiday spots, television becomes all-important for cricket fans to keep in touch with the international season cricket. As Boxing Day dawned for the first ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Auckland, the featured a column outlining what Sky Television had to offer this season. The opinion piece was the work of New Zealand’s greatest ever batsman, Martin Crowe, who also happens to be the head of Sky’s cricket coverage.Of note was Crowe’s admonishing of Hawk-Eye, the visual technology commonly used to demonstrate whether or not a delivery will hit the stumps. In his column, Crowe said Sky would only use technology that could assist the umpire. In his view, Hawk-Eye was a hindrance that could never be used by umpires as it could only guess where the ball would have travelled. Not only is his logic flawed – umpires and commentators alike are themselves guessing – he failed to paint the full picture for readers on the merits of Hawk-Eye and instead promoted a new Sky-designed gimmick. As Cricinfo’s S Rajesh demonstrated earlier, this year Hawk-Eye is in fact correct 99% of the time, a figure umpires are unable to achieve.Also of interest on the opening day of the season was Crowe’s announcement of Sky’s commentary team. Along with the regulars, all of whom were ex-New Zealand players, Crowe recruited the recently-retired Mark Richardson as well as the injured duo of Shane Bond and Chris Harris. The decision to not include a Sri Lankan commentator was both curious and potentially dangerous. While Crowe is no doubt correct when he said entertainment was the overriding consideration for television, accuracy on player information can never be compromised. This is particularly so when Sri Lanka has not featured regularly on New Zealand television for over 18 months. When a commentary team lacks someone with intimate knowledge of a touring side,the risk of misinformation increases.And so it happened before a ball was bowled at Eden Park. As the Sri Lankan openers, Sanath Jayasuriya and Saman Jayantha, made their way out to the middle Crowe, opening up on Sky Television, said that Jayantha had been promoted ahead of Marvan Atapattu. The obvious surprise in Crowe’s voice was misplaced since Atapattu had not opened in an ODI since the tour of Zimbabwe in April while Jayantha had partnered Jayasuriya regularly since then.Having an expert on Sri Lankan cricket would not only have seen such errors rectified quickly but would help the New Zealand commentators to really get to know the Sri Lankan players. It would also add another perspective to the comments such as “Cairnsy” and “we’re looking good” – something we heard from Adam Parore today.

Mohammad Kaif will miss the forthcoming VB Series against Australia and Zimbabwe.Kaif damaged a thumb while playing for the India A team and will not recover in time to take any part in the triangular competition. A replacement will be named by the selectors within a couple of days.Kaif visited orthopaedic surgeon Dr Anant Joshi, and was immediately declared unfit. He was only named in the one-day squad because India’s physio had said that he would recover by the start of the series.