Kaka defends penalty

FIFA Confederations Cup
South Africa 2009

New Real Madrid signing Kaka has defended the penalty decision that handed Brazil a controversial 4-3 win in their Confederations Cup opener against Egypt.

The former AC Milan playmaker converted the spot kick in the 91st minute to crush Egyptian hopes late Monday after they fought back from 3-1 down.

"It was definitely a penalty," said Kaka, who will link up next year at Real with the club's other big money summer signing, Cristiano Ronaldo.

"It is good for the referee to have people around him to help," he added, referring to English referee Howard Webb apparently awarding the penalty after consulting with the fourth official who Egypt claimed watched a video replay.

Referees are not allowed to use video technology.

Egypt said it would lodge an official complaint with FIFA.

"The Egyptian Football Association finds it very strange that the referee whistles for a corner and the linesman said corner and then the decision came from the fourth official," said deputy coach Shawky Gharib.

"Since when do the regulations say it is a penalty based on the monitors or on the television?"

The controversy overshadowed a thrilling encounter which saw Kaka score twice for Brazil with AS Roma's Juan and Sevilla frontman Luis Fabiano also getting on the scoresheet.

Kaka opened his account with a trademark piece of magic, exploiting hesitancy in the Egyptian defence to give Brazil the lead in the fifth minute.

Barcelona full-back Daniel Alves chipped the ball into the box and Kaka took one touch to lob it over a defender then rounded another before slotting it past goalkeeper Essam al-Hadary.

But Brazil's jubilation did not last long with Egypt back on level terms four minutes later when Mohamed Aboutrika crossed from the right and Zidan rose above Alves to send a powerful header into the net.

There was more drama to come in a breathless opening spell with Brazil taking the lead again after 12 minutes when Elano's free kick found Luis Fabiano, who cleverly directed his header into the bottom left-hand corner.

Brazil got their third eight minutes before the break when Juan climbed above the defence to plant a header past Al-Hadary from Elano's well-placed corner.

Egypt had plenty to prove here after crashing 3-1 to Algeria in World Cup qualifying last week - a result which has put their place at next year's tournament in doubt - and they showed their mettle in the second half.

After a clever build-up Sayed Moawad pulled the ball back from down the left to Mohamed Shawky, who thundered a right-footed strike past Julio Cesar in the 54th minute.

Before a dazed Brazil had time to recover, Zidan found the net barely a minute later to pull Egypt level.

The game looked destined for a draw until substitute Ahmed al-Muhamadi deliberately handled the ball on the Egyptian goal-line and was sent off, leaving Kaka to coolly convert from the spot in the 91st minute.

Brazilian coach Dunga was happy to get the win, saying his team was jetlagged after the long trip from South America.

"We had two tough (World Cup) qualifiers, 23 hours of travel and the time difference. The players have not been sleeping well so obviously we are quite happy with the win," he said.

Rossi stabs USA

FIFA Confederations Cup
South Africa 2009

World champions Italy joined Brazil at the top of Group B after coming from behind to beat 10-man United States 3-1 in an electric Confederations Cup encounter here on Monday.

Landon Donovan put the States into a first half lead only for the Azzurri to hit back after the break with goals from New York-born substitute Giuseppe Rossi and Daniele De Rossi.

USA coach Bob Bradley naturally pointed to Ricardo Clark's red card eight minutes before half-time as a turning point.

"The sending off seemed harsh, for me it was more yellow. To have to play so long down a man was difficult," he said before reflecting on the irony of Rossi's' American connection.

"I've known the Rossi family a long time, Giuseppe's dad coached high school soccer in New Jersey. I certainly hoped that he would have played for us but he made his decision."

Italy coach Marcello Lippi too dwelled on his star substitute's birthplace, smiling: "I was certainly happy tonight Giuseppe was Italian and not American!"

He added: Even though they went a man down it wasn't that easy, they are a strong team but once we found our peace of mind we played with greater lucidity and won, but it wasn't easy.

"Rossi's contribution was significant, he obviously scored a goal seconds after coming on and that helped our mental state."

The state capital's 45,000-seater Loftus Versfeld stadium was three-quarters full with the Tricolor comfortably outnumbering the Stars and Stripes off the pitch and, after Clark's dismissal, on it too.

Lippi was without injured World Cup winning captain Fabio Cannavaro, but back on national duty was another World Cup winner, Gennaro Gattuso, fit after a knee injury that had kept him sidelined since Christmas.

Six of Bradley's CONCACAF Gold Cup winners were veterans of the bruising 1-1 draw with Italy at the World Cup in which two US and one Italian were sent off.

Italy, who hadn't lost to the States for 75 years, had the early run of play.

On eight minutes Gianluca Zambrotta lobbed a long ball for Vincenzo Iaquinta to head into the path of Alberto Gilardino only for the Florentina forward's shot to fall safely into the hands of Tim Howard.

Nicola Legrottaglie's diving header in the 20th minute would have posed a greater threat if it hadn't gone wide of the Everton stopper's right post.

Gianluigi Buffon had his first taste of action when Michael Bradley, the US coach's son, burst into the box only for Legrottaglie to take the punch out of his angled shot.

The US's lone striker, Jozy Altidore, then came calling on the Italian captain but his slide rule pass from the left failed to make it to the waiting Benny Felhaber.

The States went a man down in the 32nd minute after Clark was sent off, arguably harshly, by Chilean referee Pablo Pozo, for a foul on Gattuso triggering heated protests from the men in white.

Soon after the Italians had the ball in the back of the net thanks to US defender Jonathan Bornstein's boot, only for Mauro Camoranesi to be ruled offside.

The Americans took the lead in the 41st minute when Altidore was felled by Juventus defender Giorgio Chielleni in the box with Pozo pointing immediately to the penalty spot.

Donovan stepped up to do the honours, his country's all-time top scorer slotting home his 40th international goal on his 111th cap.

With their numerical superiority Italy came out for the second half intent on restoring world order against a team ranked 10 places below them in FIFA's rankings.

Lippi brought on striker Rossi for Gattuso and Ricardo Montolivo for Mauro Camoranesi on 57 minutes and seconds later Rossi let loose a 30 metre cannonball which flew past Howard's fingernails to land in the top left hand corner of his net.

Howard had to look lively to punch away a shot from Andrea Pirlo but he had no answer when De Rossi, in the 72nd minute, struck with his right foot from 20 metres, the ball bouncing once on its journey into the bottom right corner.

Rossi rounded off the night with Italy's third in the fourth minute of injury time.

'Pakistan not cheats'

ICC World Twenty20
England 09

Pakistan captain Younus Khan said the additional scrutiny his team had been placed under at the World Twenty20 because of ball-tampering allegations was "embarrassing".

Fast bowler Umar Gul's feat in taking a Twenty20 international record five wickets in a comprehensive victory over New Zealand last weekend was soon mired in controversy after the Black Caps made an informal complaint regarding the state of the ball.

However, no action was taken after match officials satisfied themselves there had been no foul play although that did not stop umpires Rudi Koertzen and Rod Tucker making repeated spot checks at the Oval on Monday as Pakistan beat Ireland by 39 runs to book their place in the World Twenty20 semifinals.

"We're not cheating and today was very embarrassing with the umpires checking the ball all the time," Younus told reporters.

"Sometimes it is very embarrassing because there are a lot of cameras so how can we cheat?"

It was at the Oval three years ago that Pakistan became the first side in history to forfeit a Test match when Australian umpire Darrell Hair, supported by West Indian colleague Billy Doctrove, penalised them five runs for ball-tampering.

Although they were subsequently cleared at an International Cricket Council hearing, their first visit to England since 2006 has seen them plunged into fresh controversy.

"Why does this happen all the time in England?" asked Younus. "Don't talk about a bowler like Umar Gul because he has a good reputation. Why is it always about Pakistan?

"I think we should forget about this thing and just focus on the game. There are a lot of cameras so why didn't the cameras catch us doing something?

"In this cricket there are a lot of sixes and the ball goes into the crowd a lot so the ball changes like that. It is an art actually, it's not cheating."

Younus indicated he felt New Zealand's complaint might be a case of sour grapes.

"Everyone has their own opinion, especially when you lose a game like that. New Zealand have a good reputation around the world and they are upset about getting out cheaply.

"I still believe for reverse swing you need pace and a good action and he [Gul] has a good action."

Defeat ended the involvement in this World Twenty20 of Ireland, the last non-Test nation left in the tournament.

But having beaten Bangladesh - a side they defeated along with Pakistan at the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean - and then run Sri Lanka close before losing by nine runs on Sunday, Ireland captain William Porterfield was proud of the way his side had performed.

"I think we've learnt an awful lot," he said. "We've shown and reinforced that we can compete with these sides and hold them to respectable totals and really put pressure on them.

"I think with the bat we've learnt a lot of things and looking at these teams and playing against them, that we've got to make a step up in class."

"The lads have seen what level we have to be at and hopefully we'll be better prepared for the next Twenty20."

Younus has repeatedly said that this format is all about entertainment and enjoyment for spectators.

But he stressed he was utterly determined Pakistan, who lost the inaugural World Twenty20 final by five runs to arch-rivals India in Johannesburg two years ago, go all the way at this event.

"Only two games more and we win the World Twenty20. This is still good fun for the crowd, but everybody knows I am very serious about my cricket."

SA put final nail in India's coffin

ICC World Twenty20
England 09

South Africa warmed up for the semifinals of the World Twenty20 by fighting back to defeat ousted champions India by 12 runs here on Tuesday.

The Proteas hit back after being restricted to 130-5 by keeping error-prone India down to 118-8 in the last Super Eights match at a Trent Bridge ground packed with some 15,000 disappointed Indian supporters.

Graeme Smith's men topped group E with three straight wins in the Super Eights and now await resurgent Pakistan in the first semifinal at the same venue on Thursday.

Sri Lanka, the group F champions, take on the West Indies in the other semifinal at the Oval in London on Friday.

"The bowlers did well but we have a few things to work on when it comes to the batting," said India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

South Africa captain Smith praised his team's ability to adapt to all surfaces and conditions.

"I think 130 on that wicket was a good total. The wicket was slow and the way we defended the total was excellent," he said.

India, who won the inaugural event in South Africa two years ago, collapsed after a bright start when openers Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma put on 48 by the sixth over.

The Indians, 55-1 at one stage, lost four top order wickets for 14 runs against a seven-man South African attack.

Dhoni highlighted his team's poor batting display by being run out off a wide ball from Morne Morkel when Yuvraj Singh refused his call for a sharp single.

Off-spinner Johan Botha removed Gambhir in his first over and Suresh Raina in his second, and also dismissed Harbhajan Singh at the end, to finish with three for 16.

A.B. de Villiers starred in the field with three catches, while fast bowler Dale Steyn claimed two wickets in one over to hasten India's end.

India's chase effectively ended when Yuvraj, who made a run-a-ball 25, was given out caught at the wicket off Steyn in the 19th over after the umpires took the help of the TV official.

The Indians won just two preliminary matches against Bangladesh and Ireland, while losing all three Super Eight games against the West Indies, England and now South Africa.

Dhoni's men, who have been on the road since February, will depart for the West Indies after the tournament to play four one-day internationals.

South Africa, who elected to bat on a slow wicket, struggled against the Indian attack to make just 130-5.

De Villiers top scored with 63 off 51 balls, but the Proteas made painful progress with no boundaries scored between the sixth and 13th overs.

Dhoni used eight bowlers to fill up the 20 overs, with five of them picking up wickets as the Proteas attempted to increase the run-rate.

Skipper Smith was the only other batsman besides de Villiers to cross 20 as South Africa managed just 32 runs in the last five overs.

BRIEF SCORES
South Africa: 130 for 5 in 20 overs (AB de Villiers 63, Smith 26, Boucher 11; Zaheer 1-25, Jadeja 1-9, 1-6, RP Singh 1-22)

India: 118 for 8 in 20 overs (Gambhir 21, Rohit Sharma 29, Yuvraj Singh 25; Dale Steyn 2-25, Botha 3-16)

Result: South Africa won by 12 runs.

Man-of-the-match: AB de Villiers.

Gayle very happy

ICC World Twenty20
England 09

England skipper Paul Collingwood (L) walks away as the West Indies team members celebrate after knocking the hosts out of the ICC World Twenty20 at The Oval in London on Monday.Photo: AFPAfp, London

West Indies captain Chris Gayle was a happy man as his side atoned in part for their "disaster tour" of England by going through to the semifinals of the World Twenty20 at the hosts' expense.

Set a revised target of 80 in nine overs, West Indies beat England by five wickets in a rain-affected match at the Oval here on Monday.

They won with four balls to spare after a stand of 37 between senior batsmen Ramnaresh Sarwan (19 not out) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (17 not out) saw them recover from 45 for five.

This victory was especially sweet as West Indies had been on the end of drubbings by England in both Test and one-day series earlier in this English season, defeats that called into question their character and commitment.

Opening batsman Gayle said: "It was very satisfying. They had had the better of us.

"We are happy to be in the semifinal after our disaster tour of England. We wanted to give our supporters something to cheer about. It's been a long hard summer for us, so to be in the semifinal is brilliant."

Before they batted, the West Indies held England to 161 for six off 20 overs and Gayle said the home side had paid for a lack of power hitting down the order after star batsman Kevin Pietersen fell for a relatively modest 31.

"The game was won and lost in that middle period. They lost Pietersen, they lost crucial wickets at crucial times. They needed a couple of hitters down there would have been really handy.

"To restrict them to 161 was a good effort from our bowlers.

"We didn't then have the start to our innings we wanted but we couldn't have had a better situation into which to have two experienced batsmen at the crease and they brought it home for us."

The West Indies scored 13 runs off both the seventh and eighth overs, bowled by England seamers James Anderson and Stuart Broad, and Sarwan said: "We knew we were one big over from getting to a run-a-ball.

"I always believe in myself and my team-mates. The most important thing was that I was calm and I had Shiv at the other end," he added.

The Oval has been the scene of some of the West Indies' greatest triumphs in England, including their 2004 Champions Trophy final win over the hosts.

And they could well be back at the south London ground, where they have traditionally enjoyed strong support from the local Afro-Caribbean community, for Friday's semifinal.

Last year Gayle led the Stanford Superstars, a West Indies side in all but name, to a Twenty20 win over England in Antigua in a match where his team received one million dollars each for their victory.

Asked if this was better, a smiling Gayle replied: "Definitely, you are just trying to get me into trouble now."

IIFA manages to pull off without many top Bollywood players

Despite the absence of many top Bollywood stars, the IIFA 2009(International Indian Film Academy) pulled off as a gala event amidst much glamour and glitter. It was a special event for the host Amitabh Bachchan as his wax statue from Madame Tassauds has been unveiled at this ceremony and was displayed there till June 13 after which it was sent back to London.

An overwhelmed Big B said, “I am very happy and I thank Madame Tussauds for considering me worthy of a wax statue. I hope many more from India fraternity join me in the museum.”

Daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai said, “The statue is nice but you can’t beat the original.”

The fashion extravaganza held at Venetian Hotel on June 12 was hosted by celebrity duo Zayed Khan and Sophie Choudhary, who appeared in Manav Gangwani creations. Many Bollywood stars walked the ramp showcasing creations by leading Indian designers Rocky S, Manav Gangwani, Anamika Khanna and Farah Ali Khan — along with a new collection by Hong Kong designer Chris Chang. Hrithik and wife Suzzane Roshan showcased the jewelary by Farah Ali Khan. Sonam Kapoor carried the stylish evening wear by Anamika Khanna with commendable poise. Bipasha Basu appeared in a creation by Rocky S, while Dia Mirza, Dino Morea and Madhavan modeled for Manav Gangwani, and Neil Nitin Mukesh and Mugdha Godse were show-stoppers for Siyaram. As an icing to the cake was the performance by international singing sensation Peter Andre.

The event also saw performance by the host family members Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan. Inspite of the absence of beau John Abraham, Bipasha Basu gave a dazzling performance. Nonetheless, IIFA, this year, missed many key players including SRK, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, Preity Zinta, Ajay Devgan, and Rani Mukherji to list a few.

Priyanka, Harman stopped talking

Though Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja are doing Ashutosh Gowariker’s ‘What’s Your Rashee’, the two are not in talking terms. They are even not reluctant to do any intimate scenes.

According to a source, “Harman and Priyanka have two songs to complete for Ashutosh Gowarikar’s What’s Your Rashee scheduled for an August-September 2009 release; and once those songs are canned, the couple will go their separate ways professionally too. News from the What’s Your Rashee set is that neither of the actors were comfortable doing the romantic scenes after their split”.

Harman admits that they are no longer on talking terms but they were linked up professionally.

Harman and Priyanka’s love story hit the headlines during the days of ‘Love Story 2050’ but they never made any official announcement. With the disaster of Harman’s debut film their love saga also met with its end.

Kajol not suitable for Ajay

Don’t draw any conclusion with the headline, Kajol and Ajay Devgan always makes a perfect couple and keeps their relationship go on smoothly with love and trust. Kajol is always suitable for Ajay but not best suited for Ajay’s next directional venture with is an action drama.

"I'm directing a film in mid-2009. There is no role for Kajol in my next film. The leading lady's role in that film doesn't suit her," Devgan said. Kajol and Ajay was liked by the audience in U Me Aur Hum and Ajay as a director was appreciated.

Ajay who is away from action film for a long said, "My next film as a director would be an action film with an undercurrent of dark humour. Even Milan Luthria's film that I'm acting in is an action film. I believe audiences want to see me back in action. In fact when I made my entry balanced between two speeding cars in Golmaal Returns people immediately remembered my entry in my first film Phool Aur Kante. The action in my directorial venture will be something unusual."

How difficult is it to perform stunts, Ajay said, "Action scenes have become much safer now. Earlier we had to do it all by ourselves. Now when you jump from the fifth floor you're harnessed. Earlier you just did it, or didn't."

Presently, Kajol is shooting for Karan Johar’s ‘My Name Is Khan’ in New York with Shahrukh.

Kaka clinch a thriller

FIFA Confederations Cup

Real Madrid's new signing Kaka rescued Brazil with a last-gasp penalty to hand the defending champions a thrilling 4-3 win over Egypt in the Confederations Cup on Monday.

Brazil were leading 3-1 with first-half strikes from Kaka, Luis Fabiano and Juan cancelling out Mohamed Zidan's effort before Egypt drew level with two second-half goals inside a minute.

The game looked destined for a draw until substitute Ahmed al-Muhamadi deliberately handled the ball on the Egyptian goal-line and was sent off, leaving Kaka to coolly convert from the spot in the 91st minute.

Once again the match was played in front of thousands of empty seats, despite FIFA president Sepp Blatter's criticism that organisers had not done enough to sell tickets for Spain's game with New Zealand on Sunday.

But there was a carnival atmosphere inside the ground that was ignited by an incredible opening 12 minutes that saw three goals.

Kaka produced a piece of magic, and exploited hesitancy in the Egyptian defence, to open the scoring in the fifth minute.

Barcelona full-back Daniel Alves chipped the ball into the box and Kaka took one touch to lob it over a defender then rounded another before slotting it past goalkeeper Essam al-Hadary.

But Brazil's jubilation did not last long with Egypt back on level terms four minutes later when Wael Gomaa crossed from the right and Zidan rose above Alves to send a powerful header into the net.

There was more drama to come in a breathless opening spell with Brazil taking the lead again after 12 minutes when Elano's free kick found Luis Fabiano, who cleverly directed his header into the bottom left-hand corner.

After three goals in seven minutes, the game calmed down somewhat although both Elano and Juan had chances for Brazil, while at the other end Hosni Abd Rabbou went close with a long-range drive.

Brazil got their third eight minutes before the break when Juan climbed above the defence to plant a header past Al-Hadary from Elano's well-placed corner.

Egypt had plenty to prove here after crashing 3-1 to Algeria in World Cup qualifying last week - a result which has put their place at next year's tournament in doubt - and the African Nations Cup holders showed their mettle, rattling Brazil with quick goals that drew them level.

After a clever build-up Sayed Moawad pulled the ball back from down the left to Mohamed Shawky, who thundered a right-footed strike past Julio Cesar.

Before a dazed Brazil had time to recover, Egypt had another with Zidan finding the net barely seconds after the restart.

It sparked a new urgency to the game with the crowd getting behind the underdogs.

Brazil coach Dunga took off Manchester City pair Robinho and Elano soon after and replaced them with Benfica midfielder Ramires and AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato but it was Kaka who ultimately saved the day.

Brazil next face CONCACAF Gold Cup winners United States on Thursday before a heavyweight bout with fellow contenders and world champions Italy on June 21.

Egypt play Italy on Thursday before meeting the United States.

Dhoni offers no excuse

ICC World Twenty20


England fast bowler Ryan Sidebottom celebrates after beating India by three runs during the Super 8s match of the ICC World Twenty20 at Lord's on Sunday.Photo: AFPAfp, London

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni refused to blame a packed playing schedule for the defending champions World Twenty20 exit at the hands of England.

Defeat by three runs at Lord's on Sunday meant India, who won the inaugural 2007 World Twenty20 in South Africa, no longer had any chance of reaching the semifinals ahead of their final Super Eights match against South Africa at Trent Bridge on Tuesday.

Leading Indian players such as wicketkeeper/batsman Dhoni have been on a virtual non-stop carousel of cricket for the past two years, their international commitments and the Indian Premier League leaving them with little time for a break.

But Dhoni said: "If a cricketer says he didn't perform well because he was tired, it's a bad excuse. The more cricket you play the better it is. We can't say we didn't do well because we are playing too much cricket, we just didn't play well."

As for the IPL, which this year was staged in South Africa because of security concerns, Dhoni said: "It is a demanding event but it is not an excuse. If you can see I looked tired, I should be the one responsible for it."

India held England to 153 for seven but could only manage 150 for five as they struggled against short-pitched bowling from England's pace attack at a packed Lord's.

Big-hitting Yuvraj Singh, who famously smashed six sixes in an over off Stuart Broad at the 2007 tournament, only appeared at the fall of the fourth wicket despite the sluggish progress made by the top order.

"I am very disappointed," said Dhoni. "We were not up to the mark. Hopefully, this will be a good learning lesson.

"It's not the first time in Twenty20 that the bouncer was used. When you are out of the sub-continent bouncers will be bowled and they bowled them well."

Asked about Yuvraj's place in the batting order, Dhoni replied: "Maybe next time I will send in Yuvraj.

"If I knew Yuvraj would do it for the team, I would have promoted him. What we hoped is that Ravindra Jadeja would stabilise for a few overs. I didn't want Yuvraj to bat under pressure as early as the third or fourth over."

India's build up to this tournament was overshadowed by reports of a bust-up between Dhoni and star opening batsman Virender Sehwag, who in the end didn't play at the World Twenty20 because of a shoulder injury.

"We know what really happened," said Dhoni as he again tried to defuse talk of a major row. "In the dressing room the atmosphere was great.

"Sehwag, when he starts off, the bowler is under pressure. We missed him but that was because of an injury."

He added: "We are more upset than the fans but we understand their emotion."

However, Dhoni stressed he did not feel as low now as when India made an early exit from the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean.

"Cricket never tests your character when you are doing well but as a player and a team when you are not doing well.

"We were never up to the mark but we will improve, most of the guys are youngsters and they will play for another eight years or so. This loss is disappointing but it doesn't come close to the 2007 World Cup."

Pakistan almost there

ICC World Twenty20

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal (L) pulls a rising delivery during his exciting knock of 57 against Ireland in a Super Eights match of the ICC World T20 at The Oval yesterday. Photo: AFPAfp, London

Pakistan ended Ireland's slim hopes of qualifying for the World Twenty20 semifinals with a 39-run victory at The Oval here on Monday.

Pakistan made 159 for five and then held Ireland - the only non-Test side to have qualified for the second round Super Eights - to 120 for nine, with off-spinner Saeed Ajmal taking four wickets for 19 runs.

Victory all but assured Pakistan of a place in the last four with Tuesday's match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka set to decide which two teams qualify out of Group F.

Opener Kamran Akmal's 57 was the cornerstone of Pakistan's total in an innings where Ireland off-spinner Kyle McCallan again proved his worth with two wickets for 26 runs.

Meanwhile, pace bowler Boyd Rankin's four overs cost just 11 runs.

Akmal faced 51 balls with a six and five fours.

Ireland lost opener Niall O'Brien early in their chase when the wicket-keeper was caught and bowled off a miscued hook by 17-year-old paceman Mohammad Amir.

Paul Stirling, himself only 18, came in for his first match of the tournament with Ireland 13 for one but got off the mark first ball with a superb cover-driven four off left-armer Aamir.

But the teenager, on 16, became the latest batsman to be bowled playing across the line against leg-spinner Shahid Afridi, who struck with his sixth ball and Ireland were 42 for two off seven overs.

Ireland captain William Porterfield batted steadily for 40 off 36 balls but when he was caught by opposing skipper Younus Khan off the bowling of Ajmal, Ireland were 87 for three in the 14th over.

With six overs left Ireland needed 72 more runs to win.

John Mooney, trying to keep Ireland up with the rate, also fell to Ajmal after he was caught in the deep by Abdul Razzaq.

Then Umar Gul, who took a Twenty20 international record five wickets against New Zealand, got in on the act by bowling Trent Johnston for a duck.

At 99 for five in the 17th over the game was up for Ireland, who later saw four tailend wickets tumble for three runs in six balls.

Both Akmal and fellow opener Shahzaib Hasan struck a six off Johnston, whose four overs went for an expensive 45.

The 19-year-old Shahzaib holed out off seamer Alex Cusack, who took four wickets in Ireland's narrow nine-run loss to Sri Lanka at Lord's on Sunday.

The hard-hitting Afridi showed glimpses of his talent while making 24 before striking McCallan's third ball straight to Mooney at long-on.

And 78 for two became 102 for three in the 13th over when Younus was bowled after an ugly slog sweep against New Zealand born left-arm spinner Regan West.

Akmal, looking to press on, was dismissed by a Johnston yorker as he went down the pitch.

SCORES IN BRIEF
PAKISTAN: 159-5 in 20 overs (Akmal 57, Shahzaib 23, Afridi 24, Younus 10, Misbah 20, Razzaq 15 not out, Malik 4 not out, extras 6; Johnston 1-45,Cusack 1-41, West 1-33, McCallan 2-26)
IRELAND: 120-9 in 20 overs (W. Porterfield 40, K. O'Brien 26, extras 13; Aamir 1-19, Afridi 1-26, Ajmal 4-19, Gul 2-19)
Result: Pakistan won by 39 runs.
Man-of-the-match: Kamran Akmal.

Windies enter semis

ICC World Twenty20


Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul steered the West Indies into the semifinals of the World Twenty20 at England's expense as they beat the hosts by five wickets on the Duckworth/Lewis method here Monday.

West Indies, set a revised target of 80 in nine overs after rain delayed the start of the second innings, finished on 82 for five at the Oval with four balls to spare to triumph in a Super Eights match where the winners knew they were going through to the last four.

Sarwan was 19 not out and Chanderpaul 17 not out, their unbroken stand worth 37 after West Indies had been wobbling at 45 for five in the sixth over.

But the experienced duo got the target down to 16 off two overs.

And that became four off seven balls when left-hander Chanderpaul clipped Stuart Broad off his pads for a boundary.

They were left needing three off the last over from Ryan Sidebottom and Sarwan's second ball four saw them home.

Earlier, West Indies captain Chris Gayle square cut James Anderson for four but later in the first over opening partner Andre Fletcher fell for his third straight duck when he skied the bowler to wicket-keeper James Foster.

That left the West Indies six for one but in the next over, from left-arm quick Sidebottom, Gayle drove and square cut two superb boundaries.

However, with his fifth ball, Sidebottom bowled the left-hander for 15 and the West Indies were 16 for two.

And the very next ball that became 16 for three when Lendl Simmons was out for a golden duck after a cut off Stuart Broad flew straight to Sidebottom at third man.

But Kieron Pollard rallied West Indies by driving off-spinner Graeme Swann for six.

Leg-spinner Adil Rashid was then launched for six first ball over extra-cover by Dwayne Bravo but hit back fourth ball to bowl Pollard.

West Indies were 43 for four at the end of five overs but two balls later Foster, who'd stumped India star Yuvraj Singh during England's nailbiting three-run win which saw the defending champions go out at Lord's on Sunday, whipped off the bails to get rid of Bravo.

Sarwan though counter-attacked with a cover-driven four off Anderson and next ball whipped him down to the fine leg boundary.

England made 161 for six in their full 20 overs.

Ravi Bopara top-scored with 55 but no other batsman made more than Kevin Pietersen's 31.

Pietersen, who made 46 against India, pulled his first ball, from Pollard, for four and next ball flicked him behind square for another boundary.

Opener Bopara too showed plenty of class in on-driving Darren Sammy, a late replacement for the injured Fidel Edwards (back) and fellow quick Jerome Taylor for high quality boundaries.

But a stand worth 56 was ended when Pietersen was caught by Andre Fletcher at deep square leg off medium-pacer Simmons for 31.

Bopara, having made a fine fifty, could not press on and was lbw to occasional off-spinner Gayle.