Back in 2003 I wrote a paper analysing every ball of the Cricket World Cup. I have now taken those results and applied them to the current tournament, predicting that Bangladesh will meet India in the final.

To find out why, visit www.robbrooks.net

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Posted By: Rob Brooks - Category: One Day International, Australia, New Zealand, England, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, International Teams

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Women's Cricket Southern Stars Defeat Sri Lanka

March 5th 2009 04:53

Australia’s Southern Stars have completed their preparations for the ICC Women’s World Cup with a runaway win over Sri Lanka at Manly Oval yesterday afternoon.

The world’s top-ranked team was far too strong for Sri Lanka in the last match for both teams before the start of the World Cup on Saturday, making 7-284 before bowling their opponents out for 54 in the 25th over.

“Despite the ease of the win, it was still good to have another hit out in match conditions today after Monday’s win against England,” Australia captain Karen Rolton said.

“We’ll still learn some things from today’s game. We should have made more runs but overall we bowled and fielded well and I think it was pretty solid hit out.

“We’ll now use training over the next couple of days to fine tune our game so that we’re ready to go for the start of our World Cup campaign on Sunday against New Zealand.”

Batting first, Alex Blackwell and Leah Poulton got off to a quick start with a partnership of 99 for the first wicket before their stand ended with Poulton’s stumping for 49 off 52 balls. Blackwell (56 from 51) then retired soon after reaching her half century to ensure players down the order received time in the middle.

Jessica Cameron (42 off 33) and Jodie Fields (59 not out from 57) used their opportunity well with excellent contributions, while Rene Farrell’s (23 from15) late hitting helped guide Australia to an imposing 7-284.

Sri Lanka’s batters were never a match for the Australian attack and were bowled out for 54, with Southern Stars opening pair Emma Sampson (2-10) and Sarah Andrews (2-12) leading a dominant effort with the ball. Delissa Kimmince was the other multiple wicket taker with 2-12 from six overs as Australia cruised to any easy 230-run win.

Australia will play its first match of the ICC Women’s World Cup against New Zealand at North Sydney Oval this Sunday.

Tickets to ICC Women’s World Cup matches start at just $5 and a tournament pass can get you into all matches for only $35.

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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Women's Cricket, Australia, Sri Lanka

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Sri Lankan Players Shot At In Pakistan

March 3rd 2009 11:44

Thilan Samaraweera, Ajantha Mendis, Tharanga Paranavitana, Kumar Sangakkara and Thilan Thushara have been injured after gunmen opened fire on the Sri Lanka team bus on the way to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore ahead of the third day of the second Test against Pakistan, Sri Lanka sports minister Gamini Lokuge confirmed.

Lokuge added two players are receiving treatment in hospital including Samaraweera, who was shot in the thigh.

Cricket Australia have also confirmed that contrary to earlier reports Sri Lankan coach Trevor Bayliss was not harmed and the two Australian umpires Simon Taufell and Steve Davis who were also involved in the attack also escaped injury.

Reports also suggest five policemen were killed when the team bus was fired upon by unidentified armed gunmen 100 metres from the stadium.

Thilan Samaraweera

"We were told that there was a shooting incident while the team was on its way to the stadium. The players have returned to the hotel," Lokuge told CNN-INB.

"Two players are still receiving treatment in hospital. Thilan Samaraweera, Ajantha Mendis, Tharanga Paranavitana, Kumar Sangakkara, Thilan Thushara are those that have been injured. Samaraweera is still in hospital, he has been hit in the thigh."

"We are waiting for more information and a report from the High Commission and Pakistan Cricket Board."

"We are shocked by this incident and we are worried about the players' safety. We are discussing with the other members of the cricket board about what steps to take now. In all probability we will withdraw the team."

A statement on the Sri Lanka government's official website confirmed that a number of players had been injured and that the Test match against Pakistan has now been called off.

"Several Sri Lankan cricketers including Kumar Sangakkara, Ajantha Mendis, Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Paranavitana were injured in a shooting incident in Lahore a short while ago," read the statement.

"According to available information, gunmen fired on a convoy carrying Pakistani and Sri Lankan cricketers. Unconfirmed reports say some policemen had been killed by the shooting."

"Meanwhile the second Test match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan has been called off after the incident."

Sri Lanka were contesting the first Test series to take place in Pakistan in 14 months.

Several teams have recently refused to tour Pakistan due to security concerns and last year's Champions Trophy was postponed over similar worries.

PA Sport

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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Issues, Pakistan, Sri Lanka

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