South Africa stay afloat
Birmingham: Prolific batsman Hashim Amla (81) hit a splendid half-century before Ryan Mclaren took four wickets as South Africa mauled Pakistan by 67 runs to keep themselves in the race for the Champions Trophy semifinals, here on Tuesday. Pakistan bowlers did a fantastic job by restricting South Africa to 234 for nine, which was built around Hamla’s knock and small contributions from Faf du Plessis (28), skipper AB de Villiers (31) and JP Duminy (24). Pakistani batsmen though could not compliment the good job done by their bowlers as they failed to apply themselves under challenging conditions. Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq (55) and opener Nasir Jamshed (42) were the only ones, who showed intent to resist the Proteas as Pakistan were all out for 167 in 45 overs. Brief scores: SA: 234/9 (Amla 81, AB de Villiers 31; Md Irfan 1/27, Shoaib Malik 1/27) beat Pak: 167 in 45 overs. (Misbah ul Haq 55, Nasir Jamshed 42; Ryan Mclaren 4/19) by 67 runs.
ex Pak players criticise team show
Karachi: A can of worms has been opened up following Pakistan’s near exit situation from the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy with former players gunning for the heads of the members of the team, head coach Dav Whatmore, selectors and board officials. Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar minced no words in stating that the country’s cricket structure needed a complete overhaul. “We shouldn’t be surprised by these results because we neither have quality batsmen nor bowlers and the reason for this is, we are not producing quality talents because of an inapt and mismanaged cricket structure,” he said. Akram said that the Pakistani batsmen had laid to waste the good work of the bowlers by playing senseless and defensive cricket, which was hard to comprehend. “Our batsmen played without a plan. There were no singles or twos at all. No rotation of strike. Things must change now if we are to do well at the top level consistently,” he said.
‘I demanded suspension of CSK, RR’
New Delhi: Former BCCI president IS Bindra on Tuesday said that he had written a letter to current head of interim group Jagmohan Dalmiya ahead of Monday’s Working Committee demanding suspension of controversial franchises Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. “I had written to Jagmohan Dalmiya before the working committee meeting about suspending the two franchises. The issue was raised on the floor of the Committee. Mr Dalmiya said that the role of the two franchises will be probed further and the matter is being looked into,” Bindra said.
msd should be given notice: Savant
New Delhi: Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s alleged conflict of interest situation has not gone down well with the BCCI with its new treasurer Ravi Savant saying that he should immediately disassociate himself from the company. Savant said that Dhoni should be given a notice for conflict of interest if it was not part of his contract earlier. Dhoni found himself in a controversy when it came to light that he had 15 per cent stake in Rhiti Sports, which also manages Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja and Pragyan Ojha. “Dhoni should immediately disassociate himself from the management firm while he is captain. Dhoni should be given a notice for conflict of interest if this was not part of his contract earlier,” Savant said. PNS/Agencies