Kiwis believe they can win the Cup, says McMillan

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, April 6, 2007 (AFP) – New Zealand are capable of winning the World Cup for the first time because they believe they can do it, middle-order batsman Craig McMillan has said. “Probably the key this time is that there is a real belief,” said McMillan, whose side have already posted five successive victories […]

” team cricketers

April 06, 2007 (LBO) — Sri Lanka plans to contract cricketers for the A team for the first time in the island’s history, to nurture talent for upcoming games and the national team, a senior official said Friday.“We want to give our promising players an incentive to concentrate on the game for a longer period […]

Sri Lanka toast new bowling stars

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, April 5, 2007 (AFP) – On the eve of the World Cup, the talk was of Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas. Now the words on Sri Lankan lips are Dilhara Fernando and Lasith Malinga. The 27-year-old Fernando held his nerve on Wednesday to secure his team a heart-stopping two-run win over England […]

Second Landing

April 4, 2007 (AFP) – Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways Wednesday said it will resume flights to Sri Lanka after suspending services following a rebel attack on an airbase next to the island’s only international airport. “Safety is always our top priority,” chief operating officer Tony Tyler said, adding that Cathay would resume services from […]

Talk Only

NEW DELHI, April 5, 2007 (AFP) – Conflict-ridden South Asian nations made little headway in fighting terrorism or boosting trade at a summit this week despite repeated calls for action, analysts said Thursday. The eight-nation South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SSARC) ended a two-day summit Wednesday with a declaration that underscored an “urgent need” […]

Knife-edge finishes will boost Sri Lanka, says Jayawardene

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, April 4, 2007 (AFP) – Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene believes the two heart-stopping finishes against South Africa and England can inspire his team’s push to the World Cup title. Sri Lanka lost by one wicket to South Africa last week but turned the tables on England by clinching a nerve-shredding last […]

Whatmore emerges as frontrunner to succeed Chappell

NEW DELHI, April 5, 2007 (AFP) – Another Australian — Dav Whatmore — has emerged among the frontrunners to succeed Greg Chappell as coach of India, one of the hottest and toughest jobs in cricket. “I’m definitely interested,” Whatmore told Thursday’s Times of India. India, one of the pre-tournament favourites, were upset by Bangladesh in […]

VAT Fraud

April 04, 2007 (LBO) – Sri Lankan police have completed investigations into the multi-billion rupee value-added tax refund fraud and are ready to prosecute seven suspects, officials said. Audits are conducted after refunds and are mandatory in the case of three consecutive refunds, he added. Deputy finance minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said the Criminal Investigations Department […]

Trade Trigger

April 4, 2007 (LBO) – A proposed free-trade deal between Nepal and Sri Lanka could boost trade but analysts say there is more potential for service liberalization. Trade between the two countries is slim at the moment at just 371 million rupees in Sri Lankan exports last year and seven million rupees in imports, compared […]

Clinical South Africa pull off comfortable win over Ireland

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, April 3, 2007 (AFP) – South Africa defied rain and a fighting Ireland to cruise to a seven-wicket win in a World Cup Super Eights match at the Guyana National Stadium here on Tuesday.Ireland, who lost to England by 48 runs in their first Super Eights match, now meet New Zealand in their […]

Fleming ton sees New Zealand home against Bangladesh

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, April 2, 2007 (AFP) – New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming’s 102 not out set the seal on a comprehensive nine wicket victory against Bangladesh in the World Cup Super Eights match here Monday as his side moved a step nearer the semi-finals. Bangladesh next play South Africa in Guyana on Saturday with […]

Pietersen wary of silent assassin Murali

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, April 3, 2007 (AFP) – Kevin Pietersen may have once disdainfully reverse-swept Muttiah Muralitharan for six but that hasn’t lessened the England batsman’s respect for the Sri Lankan spin wizard. “Against Sri Lanka or Australia you cannot slip up for five or 10 overs in the one-day game, you’ve got to nail […]

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