Penelope Cruz wants to work with SRK

Penelope cruz is very keen on Indian movies and says she would love to work opposite Shahrukh Khan. Cruz, who has been nominated for an Oscar in the best actress category for her role in Volver, expressed her respect for the Indian’ starsgreat body of work. “I am a great fan of Indian cinema and I would love to work with Shah rukh Khan,” she said.”I love india. I have the rights to a book and we are going to shoot the movie in india,”she added. cruz will play the lead in a screen adaption of Javier Moro’s original novel Passion India.

Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif is one amonst the most attractive Bollywood actress of the recent times.Born on July 16, 1984 Katrina Kaif is one of eight siblings, all girls, from a mother who is a Caucasian of British Nationality, and a father who was formerly from Kashmir, India, but who has since acquired British citizenship.

Katrina grew up in Hawaii, but was brought up in London, UK. She started modeling accidentally when she was in Hawaii at the tender age of 14, when she was approached for a jewelery campaign. Thereafter she continued modeling in London.

Continuing to model was the reason she got her break in a Bollywood movie "Boom" offered by none other than film-maker Kaizad Gustad.

She was flooded with modeling assignments the minute she set her foot on Indian soil, especially with her innocent expressive face, hour-glass figure, and drop-dead gorgeous looks.

Professionally she started off as a model with photographer Atul Kasbekar, and upon being accepted, she received offers from LG, Cola, Fevicol, Lakme, & Veet. It was the Lakme commercial that got her noticed. She retained Matrix as her Manager to accept work on her behalf and at the price she deserved.

Moving to different culture and country was not much of a culture shock for her, as she states that no matter where you come from, the bottom line is that everyone wants to be loved, respected, and cared for.

Unlike other artistes from foreign lands, Katrina did not experience any difficulties in getting a visa nor of getting it extended in India.

Although linguistically challenged, Katrina puts on a bold face and states that other Bollywood artistes like Sridevi, who did not know Hindi, did get offers from Bollywood film-makers, and she is no different. She is taking Hindi and dancing lessons to fit in with the Bollywood culture. She likes to display a picture of her learning Kathak dancing where she used to dance 7 hours a day non-stop.

Despite of her soft gorgeous looks, she is not easily intimidated, but admits that she is very emotional, almost an incurable romantic, wears comfortable non-revealing clothes when at home, hates to do her hair, and above all dislikes make-up. Admitting to being lonely in the beginning, but now has several nice friends who she can hang out with.

Although her first movie "Boom" was panned by the critics and shunned by the audiences, two other Telegu movies "Malliswari" and "Pidugu" did get her noticed. She grossed Rs.70 lakhs for Malliswari - making her top the list of the highest paid actresses during a South Indian movie debut.

Not done with South Indian movies, she has been signed in a Tamil movie "Bheema" opposite National Award Winner Vikram.

She has received decent reviews for her part in "Maine Pyar Kyon Kiya", as well as a brief appearance in "Sarrkar". Recently In 2006 katrina kaif has given stunning performnce in her movie called "Hum Ko Deewana Kar Gaye".

Katrina has now made Bombay her base, and doesn't mind singing and dancing around trees while she's at it, and is determined to make it big in Bollywood.

Latest News Katrina Kaif:

"Katrina" ko le ke main jawanga….

After Aish and Abhi much hyped wedding perhaps, the muscular boy, Salman Khan could not control his emotions and has therefore made up his mind to tie nuptial knot with the beautiful Katrina Kaif. Katrina and Salman are going around from last few years but they had never seriously talked about marrying each other. However, it seems that now Salman has become a little focused towards his life and has decided to stick to one. Katrina has been a girl friend of Salman from long and has always been with him in his blues and perhaps that is why their relation has gone so ahead.

Katrina with Sallu on KBC finale

To add spice and glamour to the mega television show hosted by the mega star, Shahrukh Khan, the beautiful Katrina Kaif will make a special appearance with the bold Salman Khan. The celebrity couple of the bold and the beautiful will be seen in the second half of the show followed by the Kareena and Priyanka in the first half. The four well known faces of Bollywood have decided to donate their prize money to different organizations.

This is the first time that the much talked about couple of Salman and Katrina will appear for the first time on a game show on television for a noble cause. Salman and Katrina who make a perfect duo are supposed to embellish the concluding episode of KBC with some humor and good looks. It is reported that Salu and Kats won around Rs. 50 lakhs o the show.

Akshay Kumar – Katrina Kaif, the new chemistry

With her drop dead gorgeous looks and her on-screen charisma, Katrina Kaif is never out of news. The damsel who was seen as the Salman Khan girl by the entire film industry and the great Indian fan following, is now up for a image makeover. With her bollywood hits like ‘Humko Deewana Kar Gaye’ and the latest flick ‘Namastey London’ she has improved a lot, both in her performance and in her dialogue delivery (in Namastey London, she has done dubbing in Hindi for the first time with her own voice), but one news besides her constant endeavor to improve, that is selling like hot cakes is her new on-screen chemistry with Akshay Kumar, that has been such an instant hit that there is news of another three films with the same hot pair coming up shortly. This new pair, has become so hot with everyone that, the media has already started to add some spice to it by giving some excerpts on Salman Khan getting furious with Akshay Kumar. But before the things go out of hand, Akshay thought it right to nip it in the bud by saying that Sallu respects him and his on-screen chemistry with Katrina Kaif.

Katrina Kaif - Seeking Perfection

With her great inquisitive nature, the latest beloved of Salman Khan, Katrina has progressed a lot, and has been successful in overcoming her image of being a Salman Khan’s girl. She strives to achieve the heights of glory in whatever she does, be it modeling or films, and because of this she has a earned a good name for herself on ramp as well as on big screen. She describes this perfectionism as being free spirited. The directors have started taking the roles offered to Katrina seriously as they see a budding talent in her and also because of her sincere approach towards her films. The actress, because of her perfectionist nature, is still not satisfied with the kind of roles being offered to her. "Everyone has to prove oneself and I have not yet done so. I have only done light films," states Katrina. This shows that the lady is a good self-assessor.

Salman and Katrina beleaguered by lewd calls

Salman Khan, one of the famous Bollywood actors who is more in news because of his illicit doings rather than his on- screen performances and the actress Katrina Kaif, Salman’s beloved are being harassed by lewd calls and messages. One of the great fans of Salman attempted to meet him personally in his house. He is a 25 year old guy named Ajay Giri who was also assisted by some of his friends. The gang endeavored to barge in the actor’s house and meet him. Ajay was inebriated at that time and so he got into a scuffle with the security guard when the latter tried to stop him. In this scuffle Salman’s postbox got damaged and some of the actor’s mobile phone’s bills got dropped. Ajay picked up the bills and since then he has been harassing Salman and Katrina. He first called up Salman but when the actor did not pick up the phone, Ajay called up Katrina. He started calling and messaging Katrina with abusive words. According to the zonal DCP Vinaykumar Choubey, “Katrina received a call on her cellphone and Khan answered it. The person on the line used abusive language following which an argument started between the two. The caller also issued threats to Katrina and hence the two stars approached us with a written application.An NC has been lodged."

It is reveled that Ajay has also a criminal record of theft and is also reported as a person who illegally acquires the number of girls and messages them with lewd text.

Katrina Kaif gives the newcomer Shaana Diya a good learning experience

Katrina Kaif is all prepared to appear on the big screen with Akshay Kumar once again. The duo will be seen in the upcoming movie “Namastey London”. The film also stars Upen Patel and the newcomer Shaan Diya. The story is about a British-Indian girl born and raised in London. Once while Katrina was shooting for the film, she landed into a big controversy as she entered into a mosque wearing a short skirt. The Muslim authorities asked the director to remove that scene from the movie. But this is not all. Katrina is again in news this time because of the grief that she has goven to the newcomer and her co-star Shaana Diya. In the film Shaana and Katrina are best friends but off the screen Katrina was not at all amiable with this newcomer.

It is said that the supermodel behaved very badly with the newcomer on the sets. She threw many tantrums on Shaana who had no other choice but to bear them. Katrina often bullied her also in order to get her work done. It is said that “Katrina would throw a fit over petty issues and once Katrina sent Shaana back to change her lipstick shade only because it was similar to hers. On several occasions she gave Shaana a lot of grief." However Shaana maintains silence over the entire issue, probably because being new she does not dare to get into controversies. When asked she said "I am a thorough professional and would rather concentrate on my work than nurturing friendships."

Katrina wants no comments on her personal life

The Boom beauty who has actually exploded the Indian audience’s mind with her bedazzling looks and style, Katrina Kaif recently undertook a press interview in which she made it clear that her personal life is not meant to be known to all and that no one has a right to pass any kind of judgment on it. Currently Katrina is in news because of dating the actor famous for his unpleasant acts, Salman Khan.

Katrina said to IANS “I ma suspicious pf people trying to create unnecessary controversies. I cannot allow other people to stand in judgment of my life. If I did, I would be a miserable person. Just because I am in the glamour industry people tend to make assumptions about how I live.”

Talking about her movies Katrina said that though she kick started her career with Boom, her first real step in Bollywood is through her movie ‘Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya’ with Salman Khan. Katrina added, “I think Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya’ would be considered my first real step into Bollywood. I did it with my eyes open.”

The clashing priorities of Salmaan and Katrina

Salman Khan, the Bollywood actor who has given several big hits but is more in news because of some or the other mischief such as hunting of black buck, association with underworld, hit and run case etc. is to cross the age of 40 this year. After sharing a long term relationship with the world beauty Aishwarya Rai, Salman is now involved with the model turned actress Katrina Kaif.

As Salman is looking forward to tie nuptial bonds, Katrina who has just turned 23, is only thinking of her career right now. She is not keen to get married so soon. The priorities of this hot couple are clashing badly. It is also said that Katrina is a little scared to get married because of Salman’s possessive and jealous nature. Due to these clashes there is a lot of tension between the two. However, both claim unflinching love for each other.

Katrina Kaif to promote Pantene

Who would not want to try the stuff endorsed by the gorgeous big-eyed supermodel of Indian cinema, Katrina Kaif. This is the reason the Pantene company decided her to launch Katrina as Face of the Pantene. Katrina is little excited about her launching a shampoo though she has promoted several other products (soaps, hair removal cream etc.) before. This stunning Telugu and Hindi star landed into the world of acting with a bang in the movie Boom. Though the film did not focus much on her acting talent but on skin show, Katrina certainly acquired recognition. During the launch of the Pantene, the lady revealed that apart from acting and working out in gyms, she is a great fan of a sea-food.

Katrina Kaif says ‘Namaste London’

The well-known face in the world of modeling and Bollywood, Katrina Kaif will now be seen in a recent venture by Vipul Shah. Vipul’s upcoming movie Namaste London will feature Katina Kaif opposite to British actor Jason Connery. Jason is the second lead in the film. He will be playing the second romantic hero to Kaif in the film. The movie is inspired from the classic ‘Purab aur Paschim’. Namaste London is basically an Indo-British project with a contemporary subject of both Britons and Indian NRI’s living in London. The movie will involve a cost of around 25 crores and will be completely shot in London.

However Katrina might also be seen in the in Raj Kumar Santoshi’s new film London Dreams. Though the cast of the movie was decided as Ajay Devgan, Salman Khan and Priyanka Chopra, Salman is willing that Priyanka should be replaced by Katrina. Well, now it is upon Santoshi to decide whom to take and whom to leave. For now it can only be said that London is all set to be hit by Katrina.

Katrina's Latest Upcoming movies:
Apne
Partner
Namaste London
Balram Vs Taradas

Deepika posed at the cover of Latin American edition of Vogue Magazine

Shot by prolific photographer Mariana Garcia Burgos at Presidential Palace and Inca ruins, Deepika Padukone’s glamour images appeared on the Latin American edition of the Vogue Magazine. Deepika Padukone is the first Indian, Model actress appearing on the cover of this magazine and she told this to be her life time experience.

Salman to revive friendship with Shahrukh

Salman Khan wanted to bury the hatchet and craft a new episode of friendship with Shahrukh Khan. He is ready to welcome SRK on his show ‘Dus Ka Dum’ and said that though he was always in competition with Shahrukh but he always wished him all the good luck and even today he is ready to shake hands with him by forgetting all the previous mishap.

Jokingly, he said that SRK’s participating on his show is not a big deal as he is not getting married to him. He even expressed his sorrow for the failure of Shahrukh's Kya Aap Panchvi Pass Se Tez Hain? Salman said that he would be happy if Sony television invites Shahrukh on his show.

Shahrukh and Salman had no issues earlier, their relationship however turned sour at Katrina’s birthday bash and since then they never left an opportunity to counter attack on one another.

Let’s see how pleasantly Shahrukh accept Salman’s friendship invitation or he will just let it go.

Imran liking T20 support

Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan said T20 cricket being in its infancy it is hard to predict who will win the ICC World Twenty20 in England as no team appears to have a clear planning or strategy on how to approach this format of the game.

"At present the way I see it all the teams are just going with the flow and Twenty20 cricket is only about luck and taking chances. There is no science or planning in how the teams play this format of the game," Imran told reporters during a visit to Karachi.

"One can't make predictions in the present state of things because any team can win on its day. Everyone is just taking chances and if it pays off it looks good." He said when one-day cricket started in the early 70s it took time for the teams to understand the game and plan strategies.

"Just like that, Twenty20 cricket would also evolve with time and teams will start understanding the format better and play it accordingly," Imran said.

"I am sure this will happen with Twenty20 cricket as well but right now it is just 'Tullebaazi' [chance cricket]," he added.

Imran was happy that Twenty20 cricket has been a big hit with the public.

"It is good for the sport that so many people are now coming in to watch these matches."

More to come: Federer

French Open

Roger Federer, with a first French Open and a career Grand Slam carved into his storyboard of achievements, believes he is poised for another record-setting spell, with time stacked in his favour.

The Swiss maestro realised a lifetime dream of finally lifting a Roland Garros title to become only the sixth man in history to win all four majors with his 6-1, 7-6 (7/1), 6-4 victory over Robin Soderling equalling Pete Sampras's record of 14 Grand Slam trophies.

But Federer, who is not 28 until August, vowed there is more to come, with his professional ambition fuelled further by his private life soon to be enriched by wife Mirka bearing their first child.

Federer, acutely aware of the history of the sport, knows that Sampras was four years older, at 31, when he won his last Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2002.

Andre Agassi was already 29 when he won in Paris in 1999 to become the fifth man to complete the Grand Slam.

The colourful American, who presented the French Open trophy to Federer on Sunday, won the last major of his career, his eighth in total, at the Australian Open in 2003 when he was 33.

Agassi was still reaching Grand Slam finals at 35, when he lost the 2005 US Open final to Federer.

The Swiss also knows that more majors will only serve to finish, once and for all, arguments over who is the greatest player of all time.

"I just tried to have the best possible career I can. I think it should be judged at the very end. How well did I do? Good? Great? Very good? Or medium? It's for other people to decide," said Federer.

"Right now, I'm still playing. I haven't retired, and I think I still have many more tournaments to go and many more Grand Slams.

"I'll give it my best shot to have the best possible career.

"I hope I can maintain the records I have and I hope to break some other ones along the way. I hope to stay healthy. That's most important because motivation and drive is not a problem for me."

Next Grand Slam stop for Federer will be the All England Club from June 22 where he will attempt to win back the Wimbledon title he had held for five years until Rafael Nadal took it back to Spain last year.

Nadal, who had defeated Federer in the last three finals in Paris, had himself been knocked out in the fourth round here by Soderling.

The world number one, so long Federer's nemesis, is now a doubt for Wimbledon because of a knee injury, a factor that only serves to boost the new French Open champion's outlook on life and career.

"If I had to retire tomorrow I would be happy because I feel like I've put everything out there," added Federer.

"I always said it doesn't matter when I retire, I'll be at peace. I can walk away from this game tomorrow, but I don't choose to because I love this game too much.

"Tennis is not forever; I know that. But I'll try to definitely enjoy it as long as I can."

Kaka set to sign for Real

AC Milan star Kaka is expected to sign for Real Madrid after undergoing a medical exam in Brazil on Monday, Spanish newspapers reported.

Real Madrid's new president Florentino Perez hopes to make the signing official between Monday afternoon and Tuesday, after sending representatives to Brazil to close the deal, said the sports newspaper AS.

The midfielder is to undergo a medical exam by a Real Madrid doctor in Brazil, after which he will hold his first press conference as a Real Madrid player," said another sports newspaper, Marca.

AS said he will be presented as a Real player on June 30.

The Brazilian 2007 world and European player of the year would be the first major signing by Perez since he returned as president on June 1 vowing to make Real "the best club of the 21st century."

The Spanish press had earlier said Real will pay around 65 million euros for Kaka.

That would make the second most expensive signing by Perez, who approved the transfer of Zinedine Zidane from Juventus for a world record 75 million euros in 2001.

Crunch time for Iran

South Africa 2010, FIFA World Cup

Saudi Arabia and Iran face crunch matches Wednesday as they scramble to book Asia's last automatic place at the World Cup finals, while the race intensifies for the play-off slots.

Australia, Japan and South Korea qualified for South Africa over the weekend and can afford to relax, heaping pressure on the chasing pack.

Saudi Arabia are in the driving seat in Group B, but need to pick up points against South Korea in Seoul before what is shaping up as a do-or-die match at home to North Korea next week.

The Saudis are on 10 points from six games. North Korea, who do not play Wednesday, have 11 points but only have one game left.

Iran have seven points and know they must win their final two matches to stand a chance of qualifying. They should beat United Arab Emirates at home on Wednesday but then have a difficult trip to South Korea a week later.

Iranian coach Afshin Ghotbi admits they face an uphill battle and knows how important it is to get a result on Wednesday.

"We must win so we can at least give ourselves a chance in Seoul to go (to) the World Cup," he said.

The Saudis warmed up for their match with South Korea by thrashing China 4-1 and coach Jose Peseiro hopes they can produce the same sort of form on Wednesday.

"Our main goal is beating South Korea. We scored so many goals against China, I hope we still have enough good luck in next game and beat them," he told reporters.

With Australia and Japan already claiming the top two places in Group A, the race is on to finish third and book a spot in the play-off against the third-placed team from Group B.

Whoever wins that match will then take on New Zealand over two legs, with the victor securing a place in South Africa.

Bahrain, on seven points, are favourites to progress and will do so if they beat Australia in Sydney.

Qatar have five points and Uzbekistan have four but they have both played a game more.

Bahraini coach Milan Macala said he was confident after a comfortable 4-0 warm-up win over Jordan.

"We deserved the victory and this sends a clear message that our players have the ability to win the next two matches," he told reporters.

Australia coach Pim Verbeek insists he will not be doing Bahrain any favours, wanting to see the Socceroos' unbeaten run in qualifying continue.

Qatar's chances of ending third are slim but their French coach Bruno Metsu said holding Australia to a 0-0 draw over the weekend gave the team a boost ahead of their tough task against Japan.

Cameroon hopes fade

South Africa 2010, FIFA World Cup

Troubled Cameroon could only draw 0-0 at home to Morocco on Sunday and their hopes of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa suffered another blow.

The Yaounde result left the 'Indomitable Lions' with a solitary point from two Group A outings and bottom of the table behind Gabon (six), Togo (three) and Morocco (one).

Cameroon hold the African record for World Cup appearances with five, but if they lose away to shock pacesetters Gabon on June 20 they can all but kiss goodbye to featuring in the first to be staged on the continent.

Veteran German coach Otto Pfister quit the 'Lions' a few weeks ago after his assistant had been secretly sidelined and replaced by three other local coaches.

Former national team goalkeeper Thomas N'kono, a member of the first Cameroon team to play at the World Cup 27 years ago in Spain, was hurriedly appointed caretaker coach.

But the 'Black Spider' watched helplessly from the sideline as Cameroon wasted several good scoring chances against opponents who appeared happy to escape with a point.

Daniel Kome from Spanish second division club Tenerife was the chief culprit when it came to wasted opportunities, failing to score with only goalkeeper Nadir Lamyaghri to beat as the first half wound down.

Cameroon supporters at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in the capital city of the central African nation got a fright midway through the opening half when Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o had to leave the field through injury.

The three-time African Footballer of the Year recovered and was involved in a penalty appeal before half-time that was ignored by the Mauritian match officials.

Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu silenced his public and media critics at least temporarily with an ultimately comfortable 3-0 victory over Kenya in a Group B Abuja encounter.

After taking a second-minute lead through Ikechukwu Uche, the 'Super Eagles' survived several early second half scares before a couple of late goals from young Inter Milan striker Obinna Nsofor settled the outcome.

Nsofor converted a softly awarded penalty on 73 minutes and then unleashed a close range shot that flew over goalkeeper Arnold Otieno after the 'Harambee Stars' failed to clear a cross.

Tunisia lead the group with six points and host Nigeria (four) in two weeks while Mozambique (one) and Kenya (none) can forget South Africa and concentrate on third place and a ticket to the 2010 African Nations Cup in Angola.

Benin collected their first Group D points thanks to a 1-0 win over poor travellers Sudan in Cotonou with striker Razack Omotoyossi the 21st-minute match winner.

The 'Squirrels' share first place on three points with group favourites Ghana, who will lack several injured stars when they face Mali in Bamako later Sunday.

Ivory Coast overtook Burkina Faso on goal difference at the summit of Group E after a 2-1 win in Guinea courtesy of goals from Baky Kone near half-time and Koffi 'Romaric' Ndri midway through the second half.

Sambegou Bangoura had levelled on 61 minutes for Guinea, whose French coach Robert Nouzaret was told by the military rulers of the west African state to plot a victory or face the sack.

Qadir quits

Pakistan chief selector Abdul Qadir, reportedly angry over player selections, resigned Monday, a day after Pakistan lost their opening match of the ICC World Twenty20 tournament.

"I have resigned from my post in the best interests of Pakistan cricket," Qadir told AFP, adding it had nothing to do with Sunday's defeat to tournament hosts England.

"I played my cricket with respect and wanted the same as selector but things were not like that," said Qadir, who was reportedly angry with the selections for the World Twenty20 and the Pakistan "A" team for a tour of Australia.

A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesman confirmed the former leg-spinner had resigned.

"Qadir has tendered his resignation to the chairman of the PCB, who has accepted," PCB spokesman Raza Rashid told AFP.

Qadir, who assumed charge in October last year, was apparently unhappy over the inclusion of paceman Rao Iftikhar as a replacement for injured Shoaib Akhtar in Pakistan's World Twenty20 squad.

Pakistan lost to England by 48 runs in their opening match of the tournament at the Oval -- a defeat that jeopardised their chances of progressing to the Super Eight stages.

Pakistan must now beat the Netherlands on Tuesday by a big margin to sneak into the next round on net run-rate.

"Like others, I am also hurt with the defeat but it has nothing to do with my decision," said Qadir, who took 236 wickets in 67 Tests. He also had a tally of 132 wickets in 104 one-day internationals.

SA promise no let-up

ICC World Twenty20
New Zealand v South Africa

South Africa coach Mickey Arthur has insisted his side will be at full strength for their ICC World Twenty20 group game against New Zealand on Tuesday even though it is a 'dead' tie.

Both Test teams have assured their qualification out of Group D after contrasting wins over minnows Scotland.

And with their second phase Super Eight programme already mapped out for them, there is no reward in terms of an 'easier' draw for the winners of Tuesday's match at Lord's.

But Arthur still intends playing his strongest team against the Black Caps, having seen South Africa start the tournament with a 130-run thrashing of Scotland - a side that gave New Zealand a scare before succumbing to a seven-wicket loss in a match reduced by rain to seven overs per side.

"Everybody is 100 per cent fit," said Arthur at the Oval here on Monday.

"We will be playing our full side. We know what our best combination is.

"We want those guys to play together more and more and to get more and more confidence for the bigger games that lie ahead.

He added: "We want to win, we want to win convincingly and take that confidence forward. As much as winning is a habit, losing is a habit and we certainly don't want to be losing any games.

"We might have a little odd tweak in our batting order to give a guy who we know is going to have a crucial role through the tournament a little more batting time but that's all."

New Zealand are set to provide a more accurate guide to the Proteas' potency at this tournament. But for the second match in a row they could be without captain Daniel Vettori.

The left-arm spinner was due to undergo a scan later Monday on the shoulder injury that kept him out of the Scotland game and, with little riding on the outcome of the South Africa clash, seemed unlikely to be risked at Lord's.

"I think Vettori is a big loss. I'm not sure if he is going to turn out tomorrow [Tuesday]," said Arthur.

"He is a major bowler in this form of the game, he is right up there with the best in the world.

"Conditions are showing that spinners are going to play a major role through the competition, so New Zealand with Vettori in it is a really good unit.

"I think their bowling group lacked him against Scotland."

However, Arthur was quick to stress that, even without Vettori, New Zealand still had several other "game-breakers: "Brendon McCullum is really dangerous, Jesse Ryder, Ross Taylor offer a huge amount with the bat."

ICC World Twenty20 - Younus puzzled

Pakistan captain Younus Khan was left struggling to explain his side's lacklustre display after their comprehensive 48-run loss to England in the ICC World Twenty20.

Sloppy fielding by the 2007 finalists helped England to a competitive 185 for five at the Oval on Sunday, featuring 58 from Kevin Pietersen, while the Pakistan reply never got going.

Three wickets in the powerplay left Pakistan well behind the run-rate and Younus, who finished unbeaten on 46, could only watch from the other end as a succession of batsmen came and went.

"I would never had thought we would end up chasing 185," Younus told reporters. "Our fielding was bad and we easily gave away 20-25 runs.

"This is a matter of concern for us. I have no idea why our fielders are unable to field properly. It is not as if we are not working hard but we are not just getting it right for reasons unknown to me."

Pakistan, whose homeland has become a virtual no-go zone for the rest of world cricket following the armed attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore in March, have been starved of international competition in recent months.

And now they must not only beat the Netherlands, shock four-wicket winners over England in Friday's tournament opener, they must do so by a large margin at Lord's on Tuesday if they are to join the hosts in the Super Eights.

"We will have to do it because if we don't we will be out of the competition," said Younus of the need for a big win against the Dutch.

"Hopefully the senior guys will come forward and do a job for our team. It's the only chance we have. The onus lies on the senior guys like Shahid Afridi, Misbahul Haq, Shoaib Malik and myself."

But while the rest of the world's leading sides treat Twenty20 almost as seriously as nearly all other international cricket, Younus was conscious of the founding principle behind its creation as a professional sport.

"It is international cricket but it is only a fun game," he said. "It will be sad for us not to reach the Super Eights but it won't be a disaster.

"At the moment we have a couple of guys who are struggling but Shahid Afridi could score a hundred in the next game.

"Twenty20 cricket is all about entertaining the crowd, about fun."

ICC World Twenty20

Australia sent packing

Skipper Kumar Sangak kara and Tillakaratne Dilshan hit robust half-centuries as Sri Lanka sent Australia packing from the ICC World Twenty20 with a six-wicket win on Monday.

Australia, asked to bat by Sangakkara in his first match as captain, managed only 159-9 in good batting conditions as mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis and fast bowler Lasith Malinga claimed three wickets each.

Opener Dilshan then plundered 53 off 32 balls and left-handed Sangakkara made an unbeaten 55 to fire Sri Lanka home with six deliveries to spare.

Jehan Mubarak hit 21 not out to keep his captain company till the end, which came when Mitchell Johnson sent down a wide off the first delivery of the final over.

Ricky Ponting's men, beaten by the West Indies in their first match, bowed out of the tournament with their fifth successive Twenty20 defeat and ample time in hand to prepare for next month's Ashes series.

Sri Lanka and the West Indies, who take the two Super Eights places from the group, play each other in the inconsequential last league match on Wednesday.

Mendis, who turns the ball both ways without a visible change in his bowling action, wrecked the top order in a match Australia had to win to stay in the competition.

Slinger Malinga took care of the lower order as Australia collapsed to 94-6 in the 15th over, before David Hussey and Johnson led a late revival.

The pair put on 41 off 21 balls for the seventh wicket with Hussey hitting 28 off 22 balls and Johnson smashing 38 off 13 with two fours and as many sixes.

Sri Lanka were playing their first international match since the terror attack on their team bus in the Pakistani city of Lahore on March 3 which left seven players injured and killed eight Pakistani securitymen.

Sangakkara's team was greeted to Trent Bridge by some 100 people waving banners in protest against what they claimed was killing of innocent Tamils by the Sri Lankan armed forces in the war against the Tamil Tigers.

SCORES IN BRIEF
AUSTRALIA: 159 for 9 in 20 overs (D Hussey 28, Johnson 28 not out, Ponting 25, Watson 22, Haddin 16, Lee 15, Clarke 11; Mendis 3-20, Malinga 3-36, Udana 2-47)
SRI LANKA: 160 for 4 in 19 overs (55 not out, Dilshan 53, Mubarak 21, Silva 11; Lee 2-39)
Result: Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets.
Man-of-the-match: Kumar Sangakkara.