ICC Champions Trophy 2013 Final: England v India

India beat England to retain ICC Champions Trophy

India 129-7 (20 overs) beat England 124-8 (20 overs), by 5 runs. 

England looked certain to go one step further this time and claim the title but crumbled at the end of the match as India held their nerve to close out victory. The game was reduced to a 20 over match due to persistent rain earlier in the day but eventually the game got under way. Bopara starred with the ball, taking three wickets as India were reduced to 66-5. Kohli (43) and Jadeja (33*) saved the Indian innings to at least salvage something to protect. England seemed to have one hand on the trophy with only 20 runs needed from 16 balls whilst Morgan and Bopara remained at the crease. However, the next eight balls saw India take four wickets for just 3 runs which swung the match in their favour. Tredwell failed to hit a six on the last ball of the innings as India claimed a tense 5 run victory. 

My Opinion: Absolutely gutted to see England crumble under the pressure for a second Champions Trophy Final in a row to India. Victory looked in their grasp. Some great bowling put England on top as India struggled to 129-7. Ashwin and Kohli deserve credit for scoring those vital runs but it should not have made any difference to the outcome of the game. England batted very conservatively but with only 20 runs to score from 16 balls, you simply have to convert. Very disappointed by that collapse but India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and fully deserve the accolades. 

Match Guide: Key Moments

England won the toss and elected to field first.

IND: 19-1 (3.5), R. Sharma 9 (14), 1 x four, bowled by Broad.

50-2 (8.2), Dhawan 31 (24), 2 x fours, 1 x six, caught Tredwell, Bopara.

64-3 (11.1), Karthik 6 (11), caught Morgan, Tredwell.

66-4 (12.2), Raina 1 (6), caught Cook, Bopara.

66-5 (13), Dhoni 0 (4), caught Tredwell, Bopara.

113-6 (18.3), Kohli 43 (34), 4 x fours, 1 x six, caught Bopara, Anderson.

119-7 (19.2), Ashwin 1 (1), run out by Bell.

129-7 (20), Jadeja 33* (25), 2 x fours, 2 x sixes. Kumar 1* (1).

ENG: 3-1 (1.5), Cook 2 (9), caught Ashwin, Yadav.

28-2 (5.1), Trott 20 (17), 2 x fours, stumped by Dhoni, Jadeja.

40-3 (7.4), 7 (9), caught I. Sharma, Ashwin.

46-4 (8.3), Bell 13 (16), 1 x four, stumped by Dhoni, Jadeja.

110-5 (17.3), Morgan 33 (30), 3 x fours, 1 x six, caught Ashwin, I. Sharma.

110-6 (17.4), Bopara 30 (25), 2 x sixes, caught Ashwin, I. Sharma.

112-7 (18.2), Buttler 0 (1), bowled by Jadeja.

113-8 (18.4), Bresnan 2 (4), run out by Rohit Sharma.

124-8 (20), India win by 5 runs. Broad 7* (5), 1 x four. Tredwell 5* (4).

Best Bowler: Bopara with figures of 3-20-1-(4).

Best Batsman: Kohli for hitting 43 runs off 34 balls.

Man of the Match: Jadeja for scoring 33 not out off 25 balls and taking 2 wickets for 15 runs. 

ICC Champions Trophy 2013 Semi-Final: India v Sri Lanka (Cardiff)

Dominant India thrash Sri Lanka to reach Final

India 182-2 (35 overs) beat Sri Lanka 181-8 (50 overs) by eight wickets.

India strolled to an eight wicket victory over Sri Lanka and will now meet England in the Final. Ishant Sharma and Ashwin starred in the Indian bowling attack as they reduced Sri Lanka to only 181-8 after 50 overs. Some quality batting from Dhawan (68) and Kohli (58*) saw India cross the winning line in only the 35th over as they punished the Sri Lankan bowlers. India, who are the current champions, are the only unbeaten team left in the tournament and will be favourites to beat England in the Final.

My Opinion: India simply outclassed Sri Lanka in this match in every department. Brilliant bowling from Ishant and Ashwin really contained the star Sri Lankan batsmen. Only Angelo Mathews, who made it past 50 runs, was able to score any significant runs for Sri Lanka. The Indian batting top order was quite magnificent. They strolled through the run chase in rapid time with Dhawan and Kohli smashing the ball to the boundary on multiple occasions. It looks like India will be strong favourites for the Final but hopefully England can find some magic.



Match Guide: Key Moments

India won the toss and elected to field first.

SL: 6-1 (2.4),K. Perera 4 (8), 1 x four, caught Raina, Kumar.
18-1 (5), Dilshan retires hurt on 12*.
36-2 (15.2), Thirimanne 7 (31), 1 x four, caught Raina, I. Sharma.
41-3 (18), Sangakkara 17 (44), 1 x four, caught Raina, I. Sharma.
119-4 (36.1), Jayawardene 38 (63), 3 x fours, bowled by Jadeja.
154-4 (45), Mathews makes 50* off 75 balls.
158-5 (45.5), Mathews 51 (89), 1 x four, 1 x six, caught Kumar, Ashwin.
160-6 (46.5), T. Perera 0 (4), caught Dhawan, I. Sharma.
164-7 (47.4), Kulasekara 1 (3), bowled by Ashwin.
171-8 (49.1), Mendis 25 (35), 1 x four, stumped by Dhoni, Ashwin.
181-8 (50), Dilshan 18* (21), 2 x fours. Malinga 7* (8), 1 x four.

IND: 77-1 (17), R. Sharma 33 (50), 4 x fours, bowled by Mathews.
110-1 (26), Dhawan hits 50* off 73 balls.
142-2 (31.5), Dhawan 68 (92), 6 x fours, 1 x six, stumped by Sangakkara, Mendis.
(34) Kohli hits 50* off 58 balls.
182-2 (35), India win by 8 wickets. Kohli 58* (64), 4 x fours, 1 x six. Raina 7* (4), 1 x four.

Best Bowler: Ishant Sharma with figures of 3-33-1-(9).
Best Batsman: Dhawan for hitting 68 runs off 92 balls.
Man of the Match: Ishant Sharma for some spectacular bowling.

ICC Champions Trophy 2013 Semi-Final: England v South Africa (The Oval)

England power past South Africa into the Final

England 179-3 (37.3) beat South Africa 175 all out (38.4) by seven wickets.

South Africa crumbled again in a major Semi-Final as a batting collapse left them at 80-8 with the England bowlers in full flow. Miller (56*) and Kleinveldt (43) put on a 10th wicket partnership of 95 runs to at least restore some pride but it was just simply not enough. Jonathan Trott was in imperious form, hitting an unbeaten 82* off 84 balls whilst Joe Root scored 48 runs to help guide England comfortably to victory and a place in the Final.

My Opinion: A brilliant performance by England but an even worse effort by South Africa. Anderson, Broad and Tredwell all bowled tremendously whilst the majority of the Proteas batsmen didn't turn up at all. A lot of credit must go to Trott for keeping a cool head and scoring runs at a quick rate which kept South Africa on the back foot throughout the match. If England can match this performance in the Final then they will have a great chance of going one step further than before.



Match Guide: Key Moments

England won the toss and elected to field first.

SA: 1-1 (0.5), Ingram 0 (5), lbw, Anderson.
4-2 (1.4), Amla 1 (3), caught Buttler, Finn.
45-3 (10.5), Peterson 30 (41), 4 x fours, lbw, Anderson.
50-4 (13.4), De Villiers 0 (9), caught Buttler, Broad.
63-5 (16.5), Duminy 3 (11), bowled Tredwell.
70-6 (18.4), Du Plessis 26 (39), 3 x fours, caught Buttler, Tredwell.
76-7 (20.2), Mclaren 1 (5), run out by Trott.
80-8 (22.3), Morris 3 (6), caught Buttler, Tredwell.
168-8 (37), Miller hits 50* off 48 balls.
175-9 (38.3), Kleinveldt 43 (61), 4 x fours, 1 x six, caught Buttler, Broad.
175 all out (38.4), Tsotsobe 0 (1), caught Buttler, Broad. Miller 56* (51), 5 x fours, 2 x sixes.

ENG: 22-1 (6.2), Cook 6 (21), caught AB De Villiers, Morris.
41-2 (11), Bell 20 (30), 2 x fours, caught AB De Villiers, Kleinveldt.
114-2 (26), Trott hits 50* off 64 balls.
146-3 (32), Root 48 (71), 7 x fours, bowled by Duminy.
179-3 (37.3), England win by seven wickets. Trott 82* (84), 11 x fours. Morgan 15* (19), 2 x fours.

Best Bowler: Tredwell with figures of 3-19-1-(7).
Best Batsman: Trott for hitting 82* off 84 balls.
Man of the Match: Trott for a brilliant batting performance.

ICC Champions Trophy 2013 Day 12: Sri Lanka v Australia (The Oval)

Sri Lanka through to face India in Semi-Finals

Sri Lanka 253-8 (50 overs) beat Australia 233 all out (42.3) by 20 runs.

Sri Lanka claimed a 20 run victory to set up a Semi-Final with India whilst the result knock both Australia and New Zealand out of the competition. Jayawardene's (84*) sensational knock proved too much for the Australian bowlers to handle as Sri Lanka posted 253-8 after their 50 overs. Australia got off to a poor start as they stumbled to 80-5. Voges (49) and Wade (31) put Australia back on the winning trail but were both dismissed. McKay's attempt to save the game was not enough as the Australian was caught and bowled by Dilshan which wrapped up a Sri Lankan victory.

My Opinion: Jayawardene was simply the difference in this match. The Sri Lankan's batted more impressively than the Aussies overall but to be unbeaten on 84 was a spectacular feat. Australia, who needed a miracle run rate to go through, lost too many early wickets from which they could not recover from. Sri Lanka deserve to progress from the group as New Zealand and Australia showed a lack of quality throughout the tournament.



Match Guide: Key Moments

Australia won the toss and elected to field first.

SL: 8-1 (0.3), Perera 8 (3), 2 x fours, lbw Johnson.
20-2 (3.2), Sangakkara 3 (11), caught Maxwell, Mckay.
91-3 (22.2), Dilshan 34 (58), 1 x four, caught Watson, Doherty.
(27), Thirmanne hits 50* off 72 balls.
128-4 (31.3), Thirimanne 57 (86), 4 x fours, caught Watson, Johnson.
159-5 (37), Mathews 12 (20), 1 x four, bowled by Faulkner.
(42), Jayawardene hits 50* off 57 balls.
224-6 (46.2), Chandimal 31 (32), 1 x four, 1 x six, caught Hughes, Johnson.
234-7 (47.4), Kulasekara 6 (5), run out by Maxwell.
244-8 (49.1), Herath 2 (5), run out by Marsh.
253-8 (50), Jayawardene 84* (81), 11 x fours, Malinga 2* (1).

AUS: 9-1 (1.2), Watson 5 (7), 1 x four, bowled by Kulasekara.
45-2 (5.2), Hughes 13 (10), 3 x fours, caught Sangakkara, Kulasekara.
59-3 (6.3), Maxwell 32 (20), 5 x fours, 1 x six, bowled by Malinga.
69-4 (8.3), Bailey 4 (7), run out by Kulasekara.
80-5 (13), Marsh 4 (14), bowled by Mathews.
127-6 (19.1), Wade 31 (23), 4 x fours, 1 x six, caught Dilshan, Kulasekara.
163-6 (23.5), Faulkner 17 (14), 3 x fours, caught Sangakkara, Herath.
168-8 (25), Johnson 4 (4), 1 x four, caught Kulasekara, Eranga.
189-8 (29.1), Australia are OUT of tournament with a lower run rate than Sri Lanka.
192-9 (30.2), Voges 49 (62), 2 x fours, caught Eranga, Herath.
233 all out (42.3), Mckay 30 (58), 2 x fours, caught and bowled by Dilshan. Sri Lanka win by 20 runs.

Best Bowler: Kulasekara with figures of 3-42-0-9
Best Batsman: Jayawardene for hitting 84 not out off 81 balls.
Man of the Match: Jayawardene for a match winning performance with the bat.

ICC Champions Trophy 2013 Day 11: England v New Zealand (Cardiff)

England through to the Semi-Finals

England 169 all out (23.3 overs) beat New Zealand 159-8 (24 overs) by 10 runs.

England beat New Zealand by 10 runs to progress into the Semi-Finals of the ICC Champions Trophy. Due to rain falling in the morning, the game was reduced to a 24 over match. Cook (64) and Root (38) helped England to a total of 169 runs but Kyle Mills took four wickets as New Zealand bowled England out in the 24th over. Williamson (67) and Corey Anderson (30) looked in dangerous form but a good bowling effort from England held New Zealand, who in the end fell 10 runs short of the required total. New Zealand now need Australia to beat Sri Lanka in order to progress.

My Opinion: England batted poorly, apart from Cook and Root who saved the innings. The bowlers offered no runs to the cause which meant the game was up for grabs for the Kiwis. Thankfully, the England bowlers kept taking wickets to break up any partnerships throughout the innings. This gave New Zealand no momentum which ultimately left them 10 runs short.  

Match Guide: Key Moments

New Zealand won the toss and elected to field first.

Eng: 16-1 (2.1), Bell 10 (8), 1 x four, caught B. McCullum, McClenaghan. 

25-2 (3.2), Trott 8 (6), 1 x four, caught N. McCullum, Mills.

100-3 (14.2), Root 38 (40), 2 x fours, 1 x six, caught Ronchi, McClenaghan.

119-3 (17), Cook hits 50* off 30 balls.

141-4 (18.4) Cook 64 (47), 2 x fours, 2 x sixes, caught and bowled by N. McClenghan.

143-5 (19.4) Morgan 15 (15), 1 x six, lbw, Vettori.

159-6 (21.3), Buttler 14 (9), 2 x fours, caught N. McClenaghan, Mills.

166-7 (22.4), Bopara 9 (11), 1 x four, caught Williamson, McClenaghan.

169-8 (23), Bresnan 4 (3), run out by Franklin.

169-9 (23.2) Broad 0 (2), caught N. McCullum, Mills.

169 all out (23.3), Tredwell 0 (1), caught McClenaghan, Mills. Anderson 0* (0).

NZ: 14-1 (3.4), Ronchi 2 (12), caught Trott, Anderson.

14-2 (4), Guptill 9 (12), 1 x four, bowled by Anderson.

27-3 (6), Taylor 3 (6), lbw, Bresnan.

48-4 (11.4), B. McCullum 8 (17), caught Root, Bopara.

62-5 (13.5), Franklin 6 (6), 1 x four, caught Morgan, Bopara.

115-5 (20), Franklin hits 50* off 48 balls.

135-6 (21.2), Williamson 67 (54), 8 x fours, 1 x six, caught Anderson, Broad.

140-7 (22.2), C. Anderson 30 (24), 2 x fours, 1 x six, caught Anderson, Bresnan.

159-8 (24), N. McCullum 13 (11), 1 x four, 1 x six, caught Buttler, Anderson.

Mills 5* (2), 1 x four. England win by 10 runs. 

Best Bowler: Mills for taking 4-30-0-4.3.

Best Batsman: Williamson for scoring 67 runs off 54 balls.

Man of the Match: Cook for scoring an important 64 runs off 47 balls and making key fielding decisions. 

ICC Champions Trophy 2013 Day 10: India v Pakistan (Egbaston)

India dominate Pakistan to remain unbeaten

India 102-2 (19.1) beat Pakistan 165 (39.4) by 8 wickets (D/L method).

India cruised to an 8 wicket victory over a poor Pakistan effort. The Indian bowling attack proved too much for Pakistan to handle as they were bowled out for a woeful 165 runs in only 40 overs. India raced away to 102-2 after 19.1 overs before the rain stopped play for the day. There was no doubt to who was going to win this encounter and with the help of the Duckworth-Lewis method, India were vastly ahead of the required run rate. It was a poor showing from Pakistan, who are already knocked out, whilst India look strong going into the semi-finals and are the only team unbeaten so far.

My Opinion: India really thrashed Pakistan here. It was a slow start from the Pakistan batsmen but losing five wickets for only 34 runs at the end of the innings shows a real weakness in their team. On the other hand, India look to be getting stronger as the tournament progresses. A great bowling display which was backed up by some strong batting showed why they are favourites to retain their title.



Match Guide: Key Moments

India won the toss and elected to field.

PAK: 4-1 (2.3) Jamshed 2 (9), caught Raina, Kumar.
50-2 (12.1) Hafeez 27 (31), 5 x fours, caught Dhoni, Kumar.
56-3 (15.1) Akmal 21 (38), 2 x fours, caught Kohli, Ashwin.
110-4 (26.4) Misbah 22 (33), 1 x four, bowled by Jadeja.
131-5 (31.1) Shafiq 41 (57), 3 x fours, caught Dhoni, I. Sharma.
139-6 (33) Malik 17 (23), 2 x fours, lbw Jadeja.
140-7 (33.3) Riaz 0 (2), bowled by Ashwin.
159-8 (38.1) Ajmal 5 (16), caught R. Sharma, I. Sharma.
159-9 (38.2) Junaid Khan 0 (1), run out by Kohli.
165 all out (39.4) Irfan 0 (2), run out by Yadav. Amin 27* (26), 3 x fours.

IND: 58-1 (10.4) R. Sharma 18 (32), 2 x fours, caught Misbah, Ajmal.
78-2 (14.3) Dhawan 48 (41), 5 x fours, caught Jamshed, Riaz.
102-2 (19.1) India win by 8 wickets on D/L method. Kohli 22* (27), 3 x fours. Karthik 11* (15), 1 x four.

Best Bowler: Kumar with figures of 2-19-2-(8).
Best Batsman: Dhawan for scoring 48 runs off 41 balls.
Man of the Match: Kumar for a brilliant bowling display which helped limit Pakistan's total.

ICC Champions Trophy 2013 Day 9: South Africa v West Indies (Cardiff)

West Indies are eliminated as rain forces a draw with South Africa

South Africa 230-6 (31 overs) drew with West Indies 190-6 (26.1)

The rain thwarted any chance of the West Indies progressing further in the tournament after their draw with South Africa. The match looked set to be completed after a reduced 31 over tie was in motion. Frustratingly for the West Indies, the rain came with only five overs left to play in a situation where they needed 41 runs from 29 balls. It was good news for South Africa who now advance from the group stage into the semi-finals.

My Opinion: Terribly bad luck for the West Indies who looked to be in a winning position before the rain poured down. It was a decent game with South Africa posting a competitive total from 31 overs. With Dwayne Bravo and Darren Sammy at the crease, who knows what could have happened in those last five overs. South Africa have played well so far in the tournament and will be looking forward to a semi-final spot.



Match Guide: Key Moments

West Indies won the toss and elected to field.

SA: 80-1 Amla 23 (27), 2 x fours, caught Gayle, Samuels.
124-2 Ingram 73 (63), 6 x fours, 2 x sixes, caught Darren Bravo, Pollard.
128-3 Duminy 2 (5), caught Charles, Dwayne Bravo.
153-4 AB De Villiers 37 (26), 2 x fours, 1 x six, caught Darren Bravo, Rampaul.
221-5 Du Plessis 35 (32), 3 x fours, 1 x six, run out by Dwayne Bravo.
229-6 Miller 38 (29), 1 x four, 3 x sixes, caught Sammy, Dwayne Bravo.
230-6 (31 overs), Mclaren 7* (4), 1 x six. Peterson 0* (0).

WI: 35-1 Charles 16 (26), 2 x fours, caught De Villiers, Steyn.
75-2 Gayle 36 (27), 5 x fours, 1 x six, caught Du Plessis, Morris.
87-3 Smith 30 (29), 4 x fours, lbw Peterson.
104-4 Darren Bravo 12 (7), 2 x fours, run out by Amla.
162-5 Samuels 48 (38), 6 x fours, 2 x sixes, bowled Steyn.
190-6 Pollard 28 (23), 5 x fours, caught Steyn, Mclaren. Dwayne Bravo 8* (7), 1 x four.

Best Bowler: Steyn with figures of 2-33 off six overs.
Best Batsman: Ingram with 73 runs off 63 balls.
Man of the Match: N/A

ICC Champions Trophy 2013 Day 8: England v Sri Lanka (The Oval)

Sangakkara hits 134* to help Sri Lanka to victory over England

Sri Lanka 297-3 (47.1 overs) beat England 293-7 (50 overs) by seven wickets.

Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara was just too good for England as they claimed a much needed win in their bid to qualify from group A. England's hopes of qualification took a hit from this defeat but they can still progress if they beat New Zealand. It was a good start for England as Cook (59), Trott (76) and Root (68) all provided decent knocks to provide a dominant position at 249-4 after 45 overs. However, a middle order batting collapse saw England only score five runs for the loss of three quick wickets in a mad two over spell. A quite brilliant performance from Bopara salvaged England after scoring an unbeaten 33 runs off 13 balls to take the hosts to 293-7 after 50 overs. Disappointingly, it was not enough as the Sri Lankan batsmen dominated England's bowling attack. Dilshan (44), Jayawardene (42) and Kulasekara (58*) all scored heavily and quickly but it was Sangakkara who quite simply stole the show with his unbeaten 134* to guide Sri Lanka home in the 48th over to finish on 297-3.

My Opinion: England batted well and got off to a good start. The middle order fell apart at around the 250 run mark but some brilliance from Bopara saved the team to post a solid total. England's inability to stop runs off every ball cost them in this match. Sri Lanka batted extremely well and all credit must go to them but poor fielding and bowling from England enabled the likes of Sangakkara to score so heavily.



Match Guide: Key Moments:

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field.

ENG: 48-1 (24) Bell 20 (37), 3 x fours, caught K. Perera, Eranga.
109-1 (24) Cook makes 50* off 72 balls.
131-2 (28.3) Cook 59 (85), 3 x fours, lbw Herath.
160-2 (34) Trott makes 50* off 63 balls.
218-3 (42) Trott 76 (87), 5 x fours, lbw Herath.
249-4 (45.3) Root 68 (55), 5 x fours, caught Jayawardene, Malinga.
249-5 (45.4) Morgan 13 (10), 1 x four, lbw Malinga.
249-6 (46.2) Buttler 0 (2), caught Sangakkara, Kulasekara.
254-7 (47.5) Bresnan 4 (7), bowled Eranga.
293-7 (50) Bopara 33* (13), 2 x fours, 3 x sixes. Broad 7* (4), 1 x four.

SL: 10-1 (2.2) K. Perera 6 (11), 1 x four, caught Bopara, Anderson.
102-2 (20.5) Dilshan 44 (56), 3 x fours, 1 x six, caught Root, Swann.
103-2 (22) Sangakkara makes 50* off 59 balls.
187-3 (35.2) Jayawardene 42 (43), 3 x fours, 1 x six, caught Sub, Anderson.
210-3 (39) Sangakkara makes 100* off 111 balls.
269-3 (44) Kulasekara makes 50* off 30 balls.
297-3 (47.1) Sri Lanka win by seven wickets. Sangakkara 134* (135), 12 x fours. Kulasekara 58* (38), 5 x fours, 3 x sixes.

Best Bowler: Herath with 2 wickets for 46 runs.
Best Batsman: Sangakkara with 134* off 135 balls.
Man of the Match: Sangakkara for a match winning knock with the bat and even managed to take a catch.

ICC Champions Trophy 2013 Day 7: Australia v New Zealand (Edgbaston)

Points shared after match abandoned due to continuous rain

Australia 243-8 (50 overs) drew with New Zealand 51-2 (15 overs).

Despite Australia posting a score after 50 overs, they were denied a chance to win as the rain kept falling during the New Zealand innings. The result favours New Zealand as they are now two points clear of Australia. It is good news for England as a win against Sri Lanka will see them qualify to the next stage. Australia started poorly with the bat, losing two early wickets before Adam Voges (71) shined to help guide the Aussies to 243-8 after 50 overs. It would have been an intriguing conclusion to the match if the rain had kept away as McKay took two wickets, to leave the Kiwis on 51-2 after 15 overs. Frustratingly, the rain came and stayed for the remainder of the day which meant a result was not possible.



Match Guide: Key Moments:

Australia won the toss and chose to bat.
AUS: 5-1 (1.3) Watson 5 (7), 1 x four, caught Ronchi, McClenaghan.
10-2 (3.1) Hughes 0 (4), Run out by Guptill.
74-3 (19) Wade 29 (57), lbw N. McCullum.
121-3 (29) Bailey makes 50* off 71 balls.
151-4 (35) Bailey 55 (91), 5 x fours, bowled by N.McCullum. Voges makes 50*.
193-5 (42) Marsh 22 (24), 3 x fours, caught Ronchi, McClenaghan.
196-6 (43.1) Voges 71 (76), 7 x fours, caught B. McCullum, McClenaghan.
210-7 (46.3) Faulkner 6 (12), caught McClenaghan, Williamson.
219-8 (47.4) Johnson 8 (6), 2 x fours, caught B.McCullum, McClenaghan.
243-8 (50) Maxwell 29* (22), 1 x four, 2 x six. McKay 2* (4).

NZ: 18-1 (4) Guptill 8 (13), 1 x four, caught Maxwell, McKay.
26-2 (7.1) Ronchi 14 (17), 2 x fours, caught Watson, McKay.
51-2 (15) Rain Stops Play. Williamson 18* (37), 1 x four. Taylor 9* (23).
Match Abandoned.

Best Batsman: Voges, for hitting a quality 71 off 76 balls.
Best Bowler: McClenaghan for taking four wickets for 65 runs.
Man of the Match: N/A

ICC Champions Trophy 2013 Day 6: India v West Indies (The Oval)

Dhawan hits an unbeaten century as Pakistan are knocked out

India 236-2 (39.1 overs) beat West Indies 233-9 (50 overs) by 8 wickets.

India defeated the West Indies by 8 wickets which means that Pakistan are now out of the competition. It was a strong performance from the Indian batsmen who quickly chased down a target of 234 runs. Charles (60) and Sammy (56) were the only two West Indian batsmen to contribute decent runs for their team as a brilliant bowling display from Jadeja, who took a fifer, limited the West Indies to 233-9 after 50 overs. Rohit Sharma (52) and Dhawan (102) put on a first wicket century partnership which gave India a strong platform from which to chase the remaining runs. Karthik (51) made his fifty before India easily chased down their target to clinch victory at the Oval.



Match Guide: Key Moments:

India win the toss and choose to field first.
WI: 25-1 (5) Gayle 21 (18), 4 x fours, caught Ashwin, Kumar.
92-1, Charles makes his fifty.
103-2 (9.5) Charles 60 (55), 7 x fours, 2 x sixes, lbw Jadeja.
105-3 (22) Samuels 1 (8), lbw Jadeja.
109-4 (24) Sarwan 1 (6), caught Dhoni, Jadeja.
140-5 (33.1) Darren Bravo 35 (83), 2 x fours, stumped Dhoni, Ashwin.
163-6 (37.5) Dwayne Bravo 25 (40), 3 x fours, caught Jadeja, Yadav.
171-7 (42.1) Pollard 22 (32), 2 x sixes, caught Kumar, Ishant Sharma.
179-8 (43.4) Narine 2 (8), caught Karthik, Jadeja.
182-9 (45.3) Rampaul 2 (7), bowled Jadeja.
233-9 (50) Sammy 56* (35), 5 x fours, 4 x sixes. Roach 0* (8).

IND: 98-0 (15) Rohit Sharma 50* and Dhawan 50*.
101-1 (15.3) Rohit Sharma 52 (56), 7 x fours, caught Charles, Narine.
127-2 (20) Kohli 22 (18), 4 x fours, bowled Narine.
204-2 (35.1) Rain stops play.
232-2 (38.1) Dhawan scores 100* off 102 balls.
236-2 (39.1) India win by 8 wickets. Karthik 51* (54), 8 x fours. Dhawan 102* (107), 10 x fours, 1 x six.

Best Batsman: Dhawan for his unbeaten century.
Best Bowler: Jadeja for taking five wickets for 36 runs with two maidens and one catch.
Man of the Match: Jadeja for a brilliant performance with the ball which limited the West Indies total.

ICC Champions Trophy 2013 Day 5: Pakistan v South Africa (Edgbaston)

Dominant South Africa beat Pakistan by 67 runs.

South Africa's victory means that Pakistan face elimination if India win their next match. Hashim Amla scored  81 runs off 97 deliveries to help guide South Africa to 234-9 after 50 overs. It was too much for a poor Pakistan performance, even with a fighting Misbah who hit 55 off 75 balls, who were only able to post 167 as Ryan Mclaren took four wickets for 19 runs.



South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first. It was a decent opening as the Proteas progressed to 36-0 after their opening ten overs. They lost their first wicket to Hafeez, who dismissed Ingram (20) lbw to leave them 53-1. Amla stylishly moved to his fifty off 65 balls before Du Plessis (28) was caught off a top edge to reduce South Africa to 122-2. Ajmal took the vital wicket of Amla (81) who was caught after attempting a reverse sweep. Misbah showed some excellent fielding as he managed to run out both De Villiers (31) and Duminy (24) to leave S. Africa on 195-5. Mclaren (4) was out lbw before South Africa lost a further three wickets in the last two overs. Miller (19) was caught at extra cover by Misbah, Morris (1) was run out by Riaz and Phangsio (0) didn't even face a ball before being run out after the last delivery of the innings by Akmal which left South Africa on 234-9 after 50 overs.

Pakistan got off to a poor start as Morris bowled Farhat (2) at the end of the second over. Morris then took another wicket after Hafeez (7) was caught at square leg to leave them 18-2. Malik (8) was bowled by Duminy before Jamshed (42), who was going well, was caught and bowled by Tsotsobe as Pakistan were reduced to 86-4. Two quick Mclaren wickets saw Amin (16) and Akmal (0) both dismissed in the 39th over as Pakistan struggled to 134-6. Pakistan's last hope in Misbah was gone after being caught at midwicket for 55 runs. It was soon all over as Phangsio bowled Riaz (13) before Mclaren took the final two wickets of Ajmal (5) and Junaid (4) to leave Pakistan 167 all out as South Africa coasted to victory by 67 runs.

Performance of the Day: Hashim Amla who scored an impressive 81 runs off 97 balls which put South Africa out of sight against a poor Pakistan batting display.

ICC Champions Trophy 2013 Day 4: New Zealand v Sri Lanka (Cardiff)

New Zealand deny Sri Lanka to win by one wicket.

It was a low scoring affair in Cardiff as New Zealand dramatically beat Sri Lanka by one wicket. Sangakkara (68) saved a dismal batting display from Sri Lanka as they were bowled out for 138 runs after only 37.5 overs. Mitchell McClenaghan was in impressive form to take four wickets for 43 runs. Amazingly, New Zealand suffered a similar batting collapse as they struggled to reach their target of 139 runs. Some brilliant bowling from Lasith Malinga, who took four wickets, helped reduce New Zealand to 134-9. After Nathan McCullum (32) was dismissed, it looked as if Sri Lanka were going to win the match as they needed just one more wicket to win whilst New Zealand needed a further five runs. In a very tense finish, New Zealand managed to secure the runs required to finish on 139-9 and beat Sri Lanka by one wicket.



Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat first. It was the worst possible start for Sri Lanka as Pererak (0) was dismissed from the first ball of the day. The day did not get any better for the Sri Lankan batsmen after three further wickets fell in the first ten overs. McClenaghan bowled Dilshan (20), Jayawardene (20) was out lbw to Vettori and Chandimal (0) lasted four balls before edging behind to leave Sri Lanka 34-4 after nine overs. They managed to survive the next ten overs without loss of a wicket after slow progression. McClenaghan returned to the bowling attack to bowl Angelo Mathews (9) before Thirimanne (9) was run out by Williamson. Somehow amongst all the chaotic batting, Sangakkara completed his fifty, taking Sri Lanka to 99-6. It was not long until they lost their last four wickets though as Perera (29) was caught at long-on. The last hope for Sri Lanka was wiped out as Sangakkara (68) was caught at backward point before Nathan McCullum took his second wicket as Eranga (0), who lasted four balls, was caught in the field. It was all over in the 38th over for Sri Lanka as Malinga (2) edged into the slips to leave his team 138 all out.

From what should have been a simple run chase for New Zealand, it turned out to be a real struggle. It started with Ronchi (7) being dismissed after edging behind in the fourth over. However, the real problems for the Kiwis started in the ninth over as they lost three wickets for only one run in the space of seven balls. It went quickly from being 48-1 to 49-4 in a disastrous spell for New Zealand. Malinga dismissed Williamson (16) lbw, Herath then got Taylor (0) out lbw before Guptill (25) edged into the slips. New Zealand continued to struggle as Franklin (6) was dismissed lbw before Vettori (5) suffered the same fate as the Kiwis were left on 80-6 after the first 20 overs. The important wickets of the two McCullum brothers were both taken by Malinga as he bowled Brendan (18) and got Nathan (32) lbw. It looked anyone's game when Mills (3) was run out to leave New Zealand needing a further five runs to win with one wicket left. Fortunately, Southee (13*) and McClenaghan (1*) were able to spare New Zealand's blushes and claim victory by one wicket.

Performance of the Day: Nathan McCullum two important wickets and scoring 32 much needed runs.

ICC Champions Trophy 2013 Day 3: England V Australia (Edgbaston)

England start with a 48 run win over Australia

England got off to a great start in their opening match against Australia as they won by 48 runs. It looked as though England were making slow progress in their innings but great knocks from Ian Bell (91) and Ravi Bopara (47*) helped England reach 269-6 after 50 overs. It was only a brilliant bowling display from England to deny Australia reaching their target of 270 runs. Australia were reduced to 126-6 as Anderson overtook Darren Gough to become England's leading ODI wicket taker. Despite fifties from Bailey (55) and Faulkner (54*), it was not enough as England strolled to victory.



England won the toss and elected to bat which seemed a decent decision as they made their way to 54-0 after the opening powerplay. Unfortunately, Alistair Cook (30) edged behind as Shane Watson took Australia's first wicket. It was then slow but steady progress for England as Ian Bell made his fifty in the thirtieth over whilst at the crease with Jonathan Trott as England made their way to 142-1. In a effort to increase the run rate, Trott (43) edged behind to give Australia a much needed wicket. Two England wickets fell in the space of five balls as Faulkner bowled Ian Bell (91) before Root (12) was caught at mid-wicket to leave England on 189-4. It was a brief appearance from Morgan (8) who was bolwed by Mckay whilst to the disappointment of the crowd, Faulkner bowled Buttler (1) two balls later as England were reduced to 213-6 in the 43rd over. Fortunately, a 56 run partnership off 41 balls between Bopara (46*) and Bresnan (19) changed the game in favour of England as they pushed on to 269-6 after 50 overs.

Australia lost an early wicket as Broad dismissed Warner (9) in the sixth over to leave Australia 17-1. An important wicket fell in the fifteenth over as Watson (24) was caught at gully. Joe Root managed to dismiss Hughes (30) lbw to leave the Aussies on 94-3. It was then a batting collapse as Australia needed to up the run rate. Bresnan bowled Voges (15) Marsh (5) was caught at point. Five balls later Wade (1) was caught behind as Australia struggled to 136-6. Bailey completed his fifty but was soon caught at long-on. Bopara dismissed Johnson (8), who was caught at cover point, before Anderson put England closer to victory by bowling Starc (5) to leave Australia needing 80 runs off 31 balls with one wicket remaining. Faulkner impressively hit 54* off 42 balls whilst Mckay finished on 7* but it was not enough as they ended up on 221-9 after 50 overs which meant that England claimed victory by 48 runs.

Performance of the Day: Ian Bell for hitting 91 off 115 balls to provide England with stability and match winning runs. Unlucky not to make a century but played a pivotal role in England's first win the ICC Champions Trophy.

ICC Champions Trophy 2013 Day 2: West Indies v Pakistan (Oval)

West Indies win by two wickets against Pakistan at The Oval

In a low scoring game, the West Indies struggled over the winning line as they reached their target of 171 in the 41st over after losing eight wickets. Pakistan's Misbah hit an unbeaten 96* but was completely let down by his team-mates as only Jamshed, who hit fifty, was able to reach double figures in their innings. They were bowled out for 170 after 48 overs before the West Indies got off to a poor start themselves. It was eventually left to Ramdin and Roach to see the West Indies across the winning line after a batting collapse of their own.



The West Indies won the toss and elected to bowl first in their opening encounter with Pakistan. It looked as though it was a great decision as Pakistan began awfully to their campaign as the West Indies reduced them to 15-3 in the seventh over. Farhat (2) only lasted five balls before being caught from a thick outside edge, Hafeez (4) lasted nine balls before being bowled by Roach whilst Shafiq (0) only lasted four balls as Roach ripped through the top order and take three early wickets. Jamshed and Misbah gave Pakistan some much needed stability as they put on a sizeable partnership of 90 runs. However, Jamshed (50) was caught in the field and this led to a complete batting collapse for Pakistan as they lost their next six wickets for only 55 runs. Malik (0) suffered a golden duck before Akmal (2) edged behind. Riaz (6) and Ajmal (2) were both run out before Khan (0) edged into the slips. A poor display from Pakistan was finally over after Irfan (2) was caught at short leg as they finished on 170 all out after 48 overs. If it wasn't for Misbah's unbeaten 96*, Pakistan would have been extremely embarrassed today.

With a small target of 171, the West Indies got off to a similarly poor start to Pakistan. Charles (9) was caught off a top edge whilst Bravo (0) edged behind to leave the West Indies 15-2 in the fifth over. The dangerous Gayle was dismissed for 39 after being bowled by Ajmal before Sarwan (1) quickly followed through an edge behind to leave the West Indies on 81-4. Samuels (30) was stumped by Hafeez in the 25th over before Pollard (30) edged behind as the West Indies continued to lose wickets. Bravo (19) was then out lbw before Narine (11) edged behind, leaving West Indies 165-8. There was still hope for Pakistan as they only needed two more wickets to win. However, the West Indies remained calm and collected as Ramdin (11*) and Roach (5*) scored the required six runs to claim victory by two wickets.

Performance of the Day: Kemar Roach for taking three important wickets and scoring the winning runs.

ICC Champions Trophy 2013 Day 1: South Africa v India (Cardiff)

India beat South Africa by 26 runs in opening match of ICC Champions Trophy

Dhawan hit 114 to help guide India to victory over South Africa in the first match of the ICC Champions Trophy. It was great start to the tournament as both teams played well in a high-scoring opening match. India made 331-7 after their 50 overs but it was too much for South Africa to chase as they ended up all out on 305.



South Africa won the toss and chose to field first on a good pitch in Cardiff. India started off very strongly as they raced to 53-0 after their opening powerplay. It only took them another five overs before Sharma and Dhawan completed their century partnership as India coasted to 100-0. The first wicket finally fell in the as Sharma (65), looking to score heavily, was caught in the field, leaving India 127-1. More Indian dominance saw Dhawan complete his century as they powered to 203-1. However, the wicket of Kohli (41) in the following over seemed to be a catalyst for further wickets to fall. Dhawan (114) was caught on the boundary after playing a sweep whilst Karthik (14) edged behind soon after as India were reduced to 240-4. India managed to put on a further 90 runs in the last 10 overs of their innings but three more wickets fell. Raina (9) and Dhoni (27) were both caught out whilst Ashwin (10) was run out by Mclaren. Jadeja  played an important role as he finished on 47* as India ended up on 331-7 after 50 overs.

South Africa got off to a slow start as Ingram (6) only lasted five balls before being caught after a thick edge. It was soon 31-2 as Amla (22) edged behind at the end of the third over. Both Peterson and AB De Villiers provided some stability for South Africa as they both scored their half centuries to guide them to 137-2. This important partnership was broken after Dhoni ran out Peterson (68). South Africa then lost three wickets in rapid succession as Duminy (14) was out lbw, De Villiers (70) was caught in the field and Miller (0) was run out before even facing a ball to leave them 187-6. It was then a tough task to get back in the game and got even harder as Du Plessis (30) edged into the slips. The game was pretty much settled after two quick wickets saw Kleinveldt (4) edge behind and Tsotsobe (3) bowled by Kumar, leaving South Africa on 257-9. Mclaren did his best to get South Africa back in the game with an unbeaten fifty but it was not enough as India won the match after Jadeja bowled Morkel (8) with the last ball of the match to leave the Proteas 305 all out which meant that India won by 26 runs.

Performance of the Day: Shikhar Dhawan for hitting 114 off 94 balls. This proved to be a pivotal innings for India in such a closely contested game.