Pakistan has hope to beat unbeaten South Africa to take ICC U19 Cricket World home. 

“I think everything is coming together and we’re peaking at the right time,” says Sami

“Execution of our game plan tomorrow and our skills will be vital,” says Markram

Current line (Dubai)

Four times Finalist Pakistan hope to be play in positive and win the ICC U19 Wc2014 3rd time which will played on saturday, while South Africa will aim to break the title drought when it will lock horns with two-time former champion Pakistan in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup UAE 2014 final in front of Star Sports cameras at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

according to U19 World Cup history South Africa finished runner-up in the 2002 and 2008 tournaments while Pakistan remains the only side to win back-to-back titles when it triumphed in 2004 and 2006 in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka respectively. In addition this, Pakistan also reached the finals in 1988 and 2010.

Head To Head

On head to head, the two sides have met only once in the history of this competition when South Africa defeated Pakistan by 98 runs according to the Duckworth-Lewis Method in Kuala Lumpur in the 2008 tournament. Their match in the 2000 tournament in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, was washed out without a ball being bowled.

In the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2014, South Africa is the only side which is unbeaten so far. It defeated the West Indies by 94 runs, Canada by 45 runs, Zimbabwe by seven wickets, Afghanistan by nine wickets in the quarter-final and Australia by 80 runs in the semi-final.

In contrast, Pakistan started its campaign with a 40-run defeat against India and then achieved victory from the jaws of defeat against England in the semi-final by three wickets. In between, it beat Scotland by 146 runs, Papua New Guinea by 145 runs and Sri Lanka in the quarter-final by 121 runs.

Pakistan’s run in the tournament has been dominated by captain Sami Aslam and Imam-ul-Haq, the two openers who have featured in three century partnerships to date. The left-handers, who also played in the 2012 tournament in Townsville where Pakistan finished eighth, have hit one century and five half-centuries between them.

Imam, who has recovered from a hamstring injury and will play on Saturday, is the tournament’s second leading run-getter with 370 runs, while Sami sits in 11^th position with 242 runs. Hasan Raza with 135 runs and Saud Shakeel 123 runs are the other notable Pakistan batsmen.

In the bowling, only Karamat Ali has been a consistent performer with 11 wickets so far. He is followed by Zafar Gohar and Zia-ul-Haq, who have picked up eight wickets apiece. Zafar and Zia are also playing in their second World Cup.

Pakistan's Skipper Sami Aslam 

Sami, speaking at his pre-final media conference at the ICC Headquarters, insisted his side was peaking at the right time.

“Imam and I may have done bulk of the scoring at the top of the order, but the middle and lower middle-order fired in the crucial match against England and got us home. I think everything is coming together and we’re peaking at the right time,” Sami said.

“Saturday will be the day in which we’ll feature in the most important match of our lives. Yes, there will be pressure but I think we have the players who can sustain it and perform to their potential. We will enjoy this match and try to give our best shot.

“We have utmost respect for South Africa. It is the only unbeaten side in the tournament and any team that reaches the final deserves appreciation and respect. I know they’ll try to win the tournament they’ve never won before, but we would also like to win it for the third time so that we can match the achievement of Australia and India.”

Talking about the Kagiso Rabada bowling effort against Australia, Sami said: “Obviously, he bowled very well against Australia. He was quick, fast and accurate, but on Saturday he’ll have to start all over again. We’re ready for the Rabada challenge and I think it will be a good contest.

“The team is encouraged by the support it has received from home as well as in the UAE. I’m confident that we’ll live up to the expectations of our supporters and fans,” Sami concluded.

South Africa captain Aiden Markram

South Africa captain Aiden Markram is the man who has struck form at right time. The 19-year-old from Centurion hit back-to-back centuries against Zimbabwe and Afghanistan and now has 304 runs against his name.

Yaseen Valli is the other batsman who has shown consistency with the bat. He has hit a century and two half-centuries in four innings.

Fast bowler Kabada was almost unplayable in the semi-final against Australia where he picked up six for 25. Justin Dill has provided excellent support to the South Africa bowling attack and has claimed 10 wickets so far, while Valli has displayed his all-round skills by also claiming nine wickets.

Markram, talking to the media at the ICC Headquarters, said he was looking forward to Saturday’s final.

“Its massive for us to be playing in this final,” he said, adding: “We acknowledge that history has not quite gone our way, but I still feel that we can’t really focus too much on winning. Our focus is on the process and getting there. Execution of our game plan tomorrow and our skills will be vital and hopefully the result can take care of itself.

“We don’t have any superstars or first-class players in our side. But that works to our advantage because each day it is an opportunity for a player to do well and win us the game. It works better for us because it also means that we don’t have to rely on just one or two players. All players do their bit.”

Markram admitted his fast bowlers will be targeting the in-form Pakistan openers. “Hats off to the opening batsmen from Pakistan, they have played really well. We have some good bowlers who bowled very well in the semi-final. We’re going to look for their weaknesses and we know where our strengths are,” he concluded.

Teams (to be selected from)

Pakistan – Sami Aslam (captain), Ameer Hamza, Hasan Raza, Hussain Talat, Imam-ul-Haq, Imran Rafiq, Irfanullah Shah, Kamran Ghulam, Karamat Ali, Mohammad Aftab, Saifullah Khan, Salman Saeed, Saud Shakeel, Zafar Gohar and Zia-ul-Haq

South Africa - Aiden Markram (captain), Bradley Bopp, Corbin Bosch, Dirk Bruwer, Kirwin Christoffels, Justin Dill, Clyde Fortuin, Dayyaan Galiem, Sibonelo Makhanya, Greg Oldfield, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Ngazibini Sigwili, Jason Smith, Yaseen Valli

Big Three completely out from ICC U19 World Cup race

Pakistan and South Africa will fight for ICC U19 WC 2014 on saturday

“My plan was to stick to the line and length, and bowl fast,” says man of the match Rabada

Fortuin and Markram also excel in 80-run victory

South Africa will aim to end title drought when it will take on Pakistan on Saturday

Current Line (Dubai) 

the following are the match findings in the final and make row for the ICC U19 Wc conclusive stage and other position,s.

Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada produced the best bowling performance of the tournament to date as South Africa beat three-time former champion Australia by 80 runs in the second semi-final of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2014 in front of Star Sports cameras at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Rabada, who came into the match with seven wickets, returned figures of 8.2-0-25-6 as Australia, chasing 231 for victory, lost its last seven wickets for 54 runs in about 14 overs to be bowled out for 150 in 42.2 overs.

Rabada dismissed the top three batsmen to leave Australia reeling at 33 for three, and then returned to rip the heart out of the Australia middle and lower middle-order with some very fast, aggressive and accurate bowling.

The only Australia batsman to bat with some confidence was Jake Doran who scored 36 while captain Alex Gregory contributed 31. The two batsmen put on 66 runs for the fourth wicket in about 22 overs. The partnership ended when Rabada brought off a smart catch at mid-off to dismiss Gregory.

Both the batsmen fell to Corbin Bosch who finished with impressive figures of two for 25.

Wednesday’s result means both the finalists from the 2012, Australia and India, will now feature in the play-offs, while Saturday’s final will be between two-time former champion Pakistan and South Africa, which has previously reached the final in 2002 and 2008. The final will be broadcast live by Star Sports and will start at 1200 local time.

Earlier, South Africa survived a middle-order collapse to post a competitive total on the board.

Wicketkeeper-opener Clyde Fortuin hit a classy 74 and captain Aiden Markram scored a polished 45 as the two batsmen put on 105 runs in less than 21 overs for the first wicket. This was their first century partnership of the tournament and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

Fortuin, who later excelled behind the stumps by bringing off three smart catches, hit eight fours in a 92-ball innings. Markram, who fell to a spectacular catch by Guy Walker in the gully, hit four fours in a 63-ball 45.

Fortuin, after the departure of Markram, added 45 runs for the second wicket with Kirwin Christoffels (20) to take the score to 150 for one in 30 overs before South Africa lost the plot and stuttered to 230 for nine, thanks to Yaseen Valli’s 36-ball 31 with three fours at number-six.

Australia bowlers bowled much better in the middle of the innings and were all well rewarded. Matthew Short snapped up two 14, Billy Stanlake claimed two for 36 while Ben Ashkenazi picked up two for 37.

Rabada, 18-year-old from Johannesburg, later said: “My plan was to stick to line and length, and bowl fast. I’m glad that this paid off.

“It is important that we keep our feet on the ground and stay relaxed and composed for the final.”

Markram praised his side for putting up an impressive show, when he said: “It’s an amazing feeling to be in the final. We are delighted but we’ll move forward with our feet on the ground and we will take on the next challenge that lies ahead.

“It is amazing to have Rabada in your armoury. We can call on him whenever, wherever and I believe he was due for this performance. I am extremely happy for him that it paid off.”

Looking ahead to the final, Markram said: “Pakistan has always managed to put out a good side at any level of cricket, so we’re definitely not going to take them for granted. I think it is of massive importance to come here with calm heads and to just enjoy playing in the final.”

A disappointed Gregrory said: “We’re a little bit disappointed but South Africa played very well. They got off to a very good start and carried that momentum right through the game.

“Rabada bowled very well, bowled with good speed and energy. It was very hard to bat against him.

“We’re now hoping to win our game against England and claim third place in the tournament.”

Scores in brief:

Super League semi-final – South Africa beat Australia by 80 runs at Dubai International Cricket Stadium

South Africa 230-9, 50 overs (Clyde Fortuin 74, Aiden Markram 45, Yaseen Valli 31; Matthew Short 2-14, Billy Stanlake 2-36, Ben Ashkenazi 2-37)

Australia 150 all out, 42.2 overs (Jake Doran 36, Alex Gregory 31, James Bazley 22; Kagiso Rabada 8.2-0-25-6, Corbin Bosch 2-25)

Man of the match - Kagiso Rabada

13^th/14^th position play-off, Scotland beat Namibia by five runs at Abu Dhabi Oval 1

Scotland 178, 43.4 overs (Alex Baum 36, Michael English 34; Kobus Brand 2-24, Bredell Wessells 2-34, Jano Coetzee 2-38, Marius Delport 2-38)

Namibia 173 all out, 45.1overs (Joshuan Julius 32, Bredell Wessells 29; Nick Farrar 3-33, Abdul Sabri 3-38, Ryan Brown 2-18)

15^th/16^th position play-off, Canada beat PNG by 11 runs at Abu Dhabi Oval 2

Canada 169 all out 44.1 overs (Yug Rao 77, Stephan Joseph 58; Nosaina Pokana 4-27, Sakavai Gebai 3-25, Riley Hekure 2-45)

PNG 158 all out 48.2 overs(Dogodo Bau 39 not out, Kiplin Doriga 33; Farhan Malik 3-20, Nikhil Dutta 3-27)

Najam Sethi in full swing for getting favor of annoyed and opponents by  offering them services (in PCB) with perks and privileges.

Rashid Latif is the new one who accept his offer to join his camp (PCB) as Chief Selector.

Current line (Lahore)

Patrons appointed PCB chairman Najam Sethi still in search of awarding good jobs to favor him and new hunt is Rashid Latif who agreed the job of chief selector with heavy perks and privileges.

According to PCB media release  " The Pakistan Cricket Board announces induction of Rashid Latif in PCB’s team as Chief Selector.

Rashid, currently serving in Port Qasim Authority, met with Chairman PCB Mr. Najam Sethi today to discuss various plans in cricket and agreed to accept the offer to become the Chief Selector with effect from 1^st April 2014. Rashid will join PCB on deputation from his parent department.

In addition to his responsibilities as  Chief Selector, Rashid will also assist PCB in imparting training and conducting lectures on Anti-Corruption matters.

Commenting on his meeting today Rashid said “I am excited on getting associated with PCB. I will endeavor to build a strong team keeping in view the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. I will also assist PCB in whatever way I can in Anti-corruption matters.”

Mr. Najam Sethi, Chairman PCB said “Rashid is an extremely valuable addition to our team. I have keenly followed his forthright views on cricket in the past and I trust he will be able to bring about positive change in our cricket”.

After IPL BPL also found guilt of match and spot fixing 

Currentline(Dhaka)

According to BanglaDesh Cricket board the following release have been made about findings and investigations in BPL. 

The Tribunal resumed today to give its determination on the guilt or otherwise of the contesting defendants.

In the meantime, the Tribunal have received two rounds of written submissions and convened on 23rd February to hear oral submission from the counsel of the contesting defendants.

After careful and detailed deliberation and consideration of the evidence, the Tribunal has today published its conclusion and orders in respect of its determination.

With the consent of the representatives of each of the parties before the Tribunal, following excerpts of the Tribunal’s determination is being made available to the media:

“Having considered the evidence against each of the Contesting Defendants separately, the Tribunal’s determination in respect of each of them is as follows:

As against Shihab Jishan Chowdury:

(1)   Art. 2.1.1 charge for being a party to an effort to fix the Chittagong match: Guilty

(2)   Art. 2.1.1 charge for being a party to an effort to fix the Barisal match: Not Guilty

(3)   Art. 2.1.4 charge for soliciting Cobb, Stevens, Pont and Tolchard to help fix Friends Life T20 matches: No jurisdiction and Not Guilty

Against Salim Chowdury:

(1)   Art. 2.1.1 charge for being a party to an effort to fix the Chittagong match: Not Guilty

(2)   Art. 2.1.1 charge for being a party to an effort to fix aspects of the Khulna  match: Not Guilty

(3)   Art. 2.1.1 charge for being a party to an effort to fix the Barisal match: Not Guilty

(4)   Art. 2.1.4 / 2.5.2 charge for covering up his son’s solicitation of Cobb, Stevens, Pont and Tolchard to help fix Friends Life T20 matches: No jurisdiction and Not Guilty

Against Gaurav Rawat:

(1)   Art. 2.1.1 charge for being a party to an effort to fix the Chittagong match: Not Guilty

(2)   Art. 2.1.4 charge for being a party to an effort to fix aspects of the Chittagong match: Not Guilty

(3)   Art. 2.1.1 charge for being a party to an effort to fix an aspect of the Khulna match: Not Guilty

(4)   Art. 2.1.1 charge for being a party to an effort to fix the Barisal match: Not Guilty

(5)   Art. 2.1.4 charge for being a party to an effort to fix an aspect of the Barisal match: Not Guilty

Against Mohammad Rafique:

(1)   Art. 2.1.4 charge in relation to the Chittagong match: Not Guilty

(2)   Art. 2.1.4 charge in relation to the Barisal match: Not Guilty

(3)   Art. 2.1.1 charge in relation to the Barisal match: Not Guilty

Against Mosharaff Hossain (Rubel):

(1)   Art. 2.1.1 charge for being a party to an effort to fix the Chittagong match: Not Guilty

(2)   Art. 2.1.1 charge for being a party to an effort to fix the Barisal match: Not Guilty

Against Mahbubul Alam (Robin):

(1)   Art. 2.1.1 charge for being a party to an effort to fix the Chittagong match: Not Guilty

(2)   Art. 2.1.1 charge for being a party to an effort to fix the Barisal match: Not Guilty

Against Darren Stevens:

(1)   Art. 2.4.2 charge for failing to report JC’s approach to him on 2 February 2013 to help fix the Chittagong match: Not Guilty

(2)   Art. 2.4.2 charge for failing to report JC’s approach to him in April or May 2013 to help fix 2013 Friends Life T20 matches: No jurisdiction and Not Guilty.”

Accordingly the Tribunal, amongst others, ordered as follows:

“Shihab Jishan Chowdhury having been found guilty of the Art. 2.1.1 charge against him for being a party to an effort to fix the Chittagong match shall attend before the Tribunal on a date to be fixed for the hearing on sanctions and costs either in person or with his legal representative. In the event that he fails to attend or is not represented, the Tribunal shall proceed with the hearing in his absence.

Each of the Defendant Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are discharged in respect of the charges on which they have been found to be not guilty.

The Provisional Suspension imposed upon each of Mosharraf Hossain Rubel and Mahbubul Alam Robin is lifted with immediate effect.”

The Tribunal expects to give its full reasons for the aforesaid determination within a few days, hopefully within the next two weeks.

The hearing of the sanction and cost is adjourned to a date to be fixed after two weeks from the date for delivery of the full reasons of the judgment of the tribunal.

More match fixing come out from Bangla Dash Premier League disappoint ICC and BCB  

Currentline (Dubai)

The ICC released the following statement after found new guilt in BPL.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have issued the following statement after the BCB Anti-Corruption Tribunal announced its determination in respect of the contesting defendants in the anti-corruption proceedings arising out of the BPL 2013:

“The ICC and the BCB have received the determination and are surprised and obviously disappointed with the outcome.

“Both organisations await the Tribunal’s detailed written determination setting out the reasons for the outcome, which will be provided shortly, and will consider it carefully before determining the next steps, including whether to appeal any aspect(s) of the judgment. 

“In the meantime, no further comment will be made by either the ICC or the BCB.”

Pakistan beats England in a cliffhanger to reach fifth ICC U19 Cricket World Cup final

  

Zafar and Amad put on 63 runs to gather for final finish in favour of Pakistan, as Pakistan stays on course for third title

  

Dubai (Current Line) Pakistan Beat England in nail biting Semi final of ICC U19 WC and waiting for title Contest opponent in the Final.

the match was superbly lead by Zafar Gohar and Amad Butt put on 63 runs for the unfinished eighth wicket as Pakistan defeated England by three wickets in a low-scoring but nerve-racking thriller to reach its fifth ICC U19 Cricket World Cup final in front of Star Sports cameras at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday.

A delighted Pakistan captain Sami Aslam later said: “I think some of the players played some bad shots. But I think Saud Shakeel controlled the innings well, and then Amad Butt and Zafar Gohar won us the game.

“Zafar Gohar is a very good all-rounder. We were always confident that he would win us the match. He played very sensibly and stayed till the end.”

Reflecting on the match, England captain Will Rhodes said: “Pakistan are tough opponents. We’ve played them numerous times, recently in England and I wish them the very best of luck for the final.

“We came so close that it was heartbreaking to lose the game, but this is the way cricket goes and unfortunately it didn’t go our way today.”

Pakistan, in its run-chase, had failed to capitalise from another solid 41-run start from Sami Aslam (18) and Imam-ul-Haq (28) when it was reduced to 57 for four. Saud Shakeel (45) and Ameer Hamza (35) took the score to 131 before the two, as well as wicket keeper Saifullah Khan, fell victim to over-adventurous shots to leave Pakistan reeling at 142 for seven in 37 overs.

Sayer was the bowler who gave England a sniff of victory when he accounted for Imam and Ameer as he finished with figures of two for 39. Fisher bowled his heart out and was rewarded with the wickets of Saud and Saifullah as he finished with two for 21. Rob Jones picked up the scalps of Imam and Kamran Ghulam (0) conceding 39 runs.

Earlier, England captain Will Rhodes hit a well-constructed 76 not out and lifted his side to 204 for seven after it had slipped to two for one and then 119 for six.

England, after electing to bat first, made a horror start when it lost both its openers with one run on the board. England plunged into further trouble when its in-form batsman Ben Duckett (22) also returned to the dressing room to make the score 38 for three.

Ryan Higgins then held the middle-order together when he added 31 for the fourth wicket with Ed Barnard (13) and another 50 runs with Rhodes. Higgins departed at the score of 119 after scoring a patient 52 off 99 balls with one four, as wicketkeeper Joe Clarke’s first-ball dismissal reduced England to 119 for six in 37.4 overs.

Rhodes, who had a quiet tournament until the semi-final, then rose to the occasion and delivered some lusty blows, particularly in the late overs to take the score to 204 for seven. Rhodes was unbeaten on 76 from 79 balls with four fours and a six, and received good support from Sayer (18 not out) with whom he put on 50 runs in 31 balls for the unfinished eighth wicket, including 26 runs in the last three overs.

For Pakistan, wrist spinner Karamat Ali finished as the pick of the bowlers with two for 36 while fast bowlers Amad Butt and Zia-ul-Haq equally shared four wickets between them conceding 43 and 46 runs, respectively.

Man of the Match

Zafar, later adjudged man of the match, scored a priceless 37 not out and Amad chipped in with an invaluable 26 not out as Pakistan returned from 142 for seven in pursuit of a 205-run target to achieve a memorable victory with five balls to spare. Pakistan, winner in 2004 and 2006, had needed 36 from the last five overs, then 12 runs off 12 balls and finally four runs off the last over.

Zafar, who also played in the 2012 tournament in Townsville, hit three fours in a 53-ball innings while Amad, who hit the winning runs, hit two fours and a six in a 37-ball innings.

Final of ICC U19 WC

In Saturday’s final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan will face the winner of Wednesday’s second semi-final between Australia and South Africa.

Bad Luck for England the title winner of ICC U19 WC in 1998

While the victory has kept Pakistan on course for its third ICC U19 Cricket World Cup title, it was a heart-breaking result for England which had come agonising close to its first final since winning the title in 1998.

Scores in brief:

Super League semi-final – Pakistan beat England by three wickets at Dubai International Cricket Stadium

England 204-7, 50 overs (Will Rhodes 76 not out, Ryan Higgins 52, Ben Duckett 22; Karamat Ali 2-36, Amad Butt 2-43, Zia-ul-Haq 2-46)

Pakistan 205-7, 49.1 overs (Saud Shakeel 45, Zafar Gohar 37 not out, Ameer Hamza 35, Imam-ul-Haq 28, Amad Butt 26 not out; Matthew Fisher 2-21, Rob Sayer 2-39, Rob Jones 2-39)

Man of the match – Zafar Gohar (Pakistan)

Pak u19 leads to the semi finlal of ICC U19 WC after thrashing Sri lanka

Currentline(Sharja)

Pakistani skipper samiAslam's brilliant 95 took his team to the semi final of ICC U19 WC 2014. 

Boom Boom Afridi injured in result of  Junaid's Full toss in batting practice camp for Asia Cup

 the first image of Boom Boom's Injury 

Afridi going to pavilion after getting injury 

Current line (Lahore)
Shahid afridi injured in result of Junaid's ball on which he was trying to hit for four runs. Boom Boom Shahid afridi the Ex captain of Pakistan' cricket team was doing practice in a camp set to prepare for Asia cup in Lahore on Thursday around 4pm.
Treatment.
To give him relief the doctors first treatment was icing his cheeks, because according to Doctors it is not a serious injury and no need of any stitches.
Head Coach Moeen Khan
Head coach Pakistan Cricket Team moen khan told media that "he is alright and doing rest because his injury was minor so there is no worry, he will participate in the practice session of Friday morning"
Manager Pakistan Cricket Team Zakir Khan
the manager of Pakistan Cricket team Zakir khan said "Shahid Afridi's injury's not serious but he is feeling much pain" while talking to the Current Line Head of Sports Adrees Malik based in Lahore.
Sources
the sources confirmed the Current line that Afridi will fly with team who is leaving for Dhaka on friday mid night to defend Asia Cup title which will held in Bangla Desh form next week.