Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Australia retain Champions Trophy title

Shane Watson struck another commanding century to lead holders Australia to a six-wicket win over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final on Monday.Australia restricted New Zealand to 200 for nine before reaching 206 for four in 45.2 overs.

It was not all plain sailing for Australia, however, as New Zealand fast bowlers Kyle Mills and Shane Bond claimed a wicket each in the first three overs to leave the defending champions reeling on six for two.

New Zealand had elected to bat first and found themselves in early trouble when McCullum was caught behind off Peter Siddle for a 14-ball duck.

Pakistan's cricket team accused of throwing games

A Pakistani parliamentarian has accused the national cricket team of deliberately losing matches in this month's Champions Trophy tournament and has demanded an explanation from its coach, captain and chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board.
"We will be meeting with them on Oct. 13 as we feel the team deliberately lost the games against Australia and New Zealand," Jamshed Dasti, chairman of the Standing Committee on Sports in the Pakistan Lower House.

"They lost to Australia just to keep India out of the tournament," Dasti said.

Australia might not have qualified for the semifinal had Pakistan won against the defending champion, and India could have advanced had they defeated West Indies by a big margin.
"There are lots of doubts on the performance of the team and we feel it has to be cleared by the PCB officials and the team management," Dasti said. "The way we lost in the semifinal, it has left the whole nation disappointed and the PCB has to give answers."

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