Wednesday 25 February 2015

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Sri Lanka bat against Bangladesh

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MELBOURNE (AFP) - Sri Lankas captain Angelo Mathews won the toss and elected to bat in the World Cup Pool A match against Bangladesh at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday.Sri Lanka brought in batsman Dinesh Chandimal in place of all-rounder Jeevan Mendis, who was ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury.Bangladesh retained the same side that defeated Afghanistan in their first game.Bangladesh, playing for the first time at the iconic stadium, have three points and Sri Lanka have two from the two games the rivals have played so far in the tournament.Teams:Bangladesh: Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim (wkt), Mohammad Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman, Soumya Sarkar, Rubel Hossain, Taskin Ahmed.Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews (capt), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara (wkt), Mahela Jayawardene, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dinesh Chandimal, Dimuth Karunaratne, Thisara Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga, Rangana Herath.Umpires: Aleem Dar (PAK), Paul Reiffel (AUS).TV umpire: Richard Kettleborough (ENG).Match referee: Jeff Crowe (NZL).

Tennis: Nervous Nadal into Buenos Aires quarters

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BUENOS AIRES (AFP) - Top-seeded Rafael Nadal overcame some uncharacteristic nerves to surge into the quarter-finals of the ATP Argentina Open on Wednesday with an efficient 6-4, 6-0 victory over Argentine qualifier Facundo Arguello.Nadal, ranked fourth in the world, needed just 64 minutes to win his opening match in the clay court tournament, booking a clash with Federico Delbonis.The Spaniards 714th career win gave him sole possession of 10th on the all-time list in the Open Era, ahead of Boris Becker.Nadal admitted he felt a few nerves opening his Buenos Aires campaign after a semi-final loss to Italian Fabio Fognini in Rio last week.Its never easy to open when you have lost a match like the one I lost in Rio de Janeiro, he said. I started a little nervous, and Arguello played very well in the first set.In the second I felt more comfortable and I was able to attack more.Nadals loss to Fognini -- which ended a run of 52 straight semi-final clay court wins stretching back 12 years -- saw the Spaniard drop from third to fourth in the world, the first time he hasnt figured in the top three since August 2013.This week hes trying to reassert his dominance on clay. He is one clay court title away from Guillermo Vilas record of 46 triumphs on the surface.Delbonis, in a re-match of last years Sao Paulo final, once again triumphed over Italian Paolo Lorenzi with a 6-4, 6-2 win.Third-seeded Pablo Cuevas reached his third straight quarter-final with a 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 win victory over Guido Andreozzi.Cuevas produced seven aces to beat the local wild card. He will next face hometown favorite Juan Monaco, who upset fellow Argentine and fifth seed Leonardo Mayer 6-4, 6-4.

Tennis: Azarenka faces Wozniacki in Qatar quarters

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DOHA (AFP) - Victoria Azarenka will face another former world number one Caroline Wozniacki in an intriguing Qatar Open quarter-final after seeing off WTA rising star Elina Svitolina in three sets in Doha on Wednesday.Azarenka came good 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 6-1 to maintain her quest for a third Qatar title after 2012 and 2013.The unseeded Belarus, who held a match-point at 5-4 in the second set, came across Wozniacki last in the Australian Open when she beat the Dane in the second round.She beat me last time in Australia, so I have to play my best,said Wozniacki, who is into the last eight after unseeded Romanian Alexandra Dulgheru retired trailing 6-1, 3-0 in their second round clash.But its a new place, its a new tournament, and hopefully I can do better this time, the Danish third seed added.Top seed Petra Kvitova was in control of her second round clash with Jelena Jankovic at 6-1, 1-1 when the Serb had to retire with a hip problem.Kvitova had lost her last two meetings with Jankovic and the Czech said: Our match was on a high level until she had to stop. I hope she will get better and compete again soon.She now faces Carla Suarez Navarro, who came through her meeting with Karolina Pliskova 7-6 (7/2), 6-4. Germanys sixth-seed Andrea Petkovic avenged her loss in Dubai last week to Kazakh Zarina Diyas 5-7, 6-2, 6-4.Kvitovas compatriot Lucie Safarova pulled off the surprise of the day, her 14 aces firing her past Russian fifth seed Ekaterina Makarova 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3.Agnieszka Radwanska, the Polish fourth seed, spoiled Flavia Penettas 33rd birthday celebrations, cruising past the Italian 6-1, 6-1 to set up a last eight meeting with Venus Williams.

Football: Arsenal stunned as Monaco seize initiative

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LONDON (AFP) - Arsenal are in danger of an embarrassing exit from the Champions League after Monaco romped to a stunning 3-1 win in the last 16 first leg at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.Arsene Wengers team were left shell-shocked as Geoffrey Kondogbia put the French club ahead with a deflected first half strike before former Tottenham forward Dimitar Berbatov marked his return to north London with the second goal after the interval.Berbatovs cool finish was a hammer blow to the Arsenal fans who had jeered him for his past allegiance to their bitter rivals and there was worse to come.Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had just given Arsenal renewed hope with a 90th minute goal when Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco galloped clear to score Monacos third and leave the Premier League team needing a herculean effort in the second leg on March 17 to avoid last 16 elimination for a fifth successive season.It was an especially chastening evening for Wenger, who made his managerial reputation during a seven-year spell at Monaco and was renewing acquaintances with his old club in a competitive match for the first time.The third goal makes our task extremely difficult in the second leg. It looks like we lost our nerve and our rationality on the pitch, Wenger said.The heart took over the head and that doesnt work. Mentally we were not sharp enough to get into the game and we paid for it.Leonardo Jardims side produced a counter-attacking masterclass to leave Arsenal impotent in attack and incompetent in defence and the Monaco coach said: Arsenal have some excellent individuals and we were able to nullify their threat.Nobody really thought this result was possible but we achieved it.Alexis Sanchez has emerged as Arsenals creative fulcrum in his debut season and the Chile winger almost found the key to unlocking the obdurate Monaco rearguard when he exchanged passes with Mesut Ozil before flicking his shot just over.But, emboldened by the ease with which they had kept Arsenal at bay, Jardims team began to push forward with more confidence and Joao Moutinho found space for an acrobatic volley that sailed over.It was a warning that Arsenal failed to heed and the visitors went ahead in the 38th minute.Danny Welbeck lost possession inside his own half and Moutinho quickly moved the ball onto Kondogbia, who had been left unmarked 30 yards from goal.The French midfielder advanced unchecked before lashing a fierce drive that took a big deflection off Per Mertesacker and flashed past wrong-footed Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina.Arsenal still had time to remedy their perilous situation and Olivier Giroud should have equalised early in the second half when he met Sanchezs cross, only to scuff his shot wide from close-range.Giroud was presented with an even better opportunity moments later but ended up pounding the turf in frustration after ballooning a header well over from Santi Cazorlas inswinging free-kick.And Girouds angry reaction was emulated by the entire Emirates Stadium in the 53rd minute when Berbatov doubled Monacos lead in stunning fashion.With Wengers side pouring forward in an undisciplined and panicked search for an equaliser, Anthony Martial made them pay, sweeping away down the right before squaring a pass to the unmarked Berbatov, who had time and space to drive a powerful finish past Ospina.Arsenal needed an immediate response but Girouds nightmare continued as he blazed over from close-range after a Sanchez shot was well saved by Danijel Subasic.Wenger had seen enough and hauled off Giroud, with Theo Walcott on in his place.Walcott fared no better than Giroud as he failed to beat Subasic from close-range before stumbling and getting in the way of Welbecks attempt to convert the rebound.Oxlade-Chamberlain got one back in the 90th minute when the substitute curled a fine finish beyond Subasic from the edge of the area.But it was a false dawn as Ferreira-Carrasco was granted the freedom of the right flank to advance and drive a dagger into Arsenal hearts.

Golf: McIlroy savors status as golf's dominant player

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PALM BEACH GARDENS (AFP) - World number one Rory McIlroy, preparing for his 2015 US PGA Tour debut, is relishing his role as the dominant player in golf.Of course I want to be that guy, McIlroy said. I said it last year, golf is waiting for someone like that to step forward, put their hand up and win the big tournaments. This is the position I want to be in, and I want to be in it as long as I can.The Northern Irishman, whose appearance at this weeks Honda Classic launches his build up to the Masters, will be gunning for a third straight major title at Augusta National in April.A victory there would give him a career Grand Slam by the age of 25.With 14-time major champion Tiger Woods season in limbo after back pain forced him out of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines earlier this month, McIlroy is under even more scrutiny.But he said Wednesday hes happy with his role.Its what Ive always wanted to do, he said. I would be wasting my time if I was out there practicing as much as I do and putting as much into it if I didnt want to be in this position.McIlroy is coming off a victory in the Dubai Desert Classic three weeks ago. After competing this week at PGA National hell play in the World Golf Championships event at Doral and then tee it up for the first time in his career at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill before tackling Augusta.I feel like Ive got a nice schedule going into Augusta, he said. Im not playing too much, but Im playing just enough that I should be as sharp as possible going in there.McIlroy said piling up more major wins isnt his only focus.Ive got a few goals in mind, he said. Ive got nine PGA Tour wins, which in two or three years isnt too bad. Its pretty good, but I want to make that a lot more.Ive been on a good run over the past sort of six months, especially finishing off the European Tour last year and into this year where Ive been first or second, seven events, McIlroy said, saying he wants to have the kind of consistency that makes him the man to beat every time he tees it up.McIlroy appeared on course for a wire-to-wire victory here last year, holding the outright lead after each of the first three rounds before struggling to a four-over 74 on the final day.He made it into a four-man playoff that was won by American Russell Henley, who denied McIlroy another title in the tournament he won in 2012 to become number one in the world for the first time.McIlroy is paired in the first two rounds with big-hitting Americans Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka.Henley will play alongside Rickie Fowler and Graeme McDowell.McIlroy will tee it up Thursday with a major off-course headache behind him, after settling a case with his former management company.Its so nice just to be able to focus on golf and put all my time and effort into that, he said.

Athletics: Coe says Russia must not be banned over doping

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MARSEILLE (AFP) - Track legend Sebastian Coe, campaigning for the presidency of world athletics, said Wednesday that Russia should not be kicked out of sport because of its doping scandal.Coe told AFP in an interview that Russia has been through a difficult time but it must be helped to set up a clean sports machine.The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) ethics committee is investigating multiple cases of alleged doping and attempts to cover up drug failures in Russia. Coe said the IAAF leadership is about making sure that those federations who do have these challenges are not isolated or banned as some people have suggested.People are saying we must kick these federations out of sport. No, actually good presidencies make sure that we help them create an environment and systems that do have integrity and do have trust and that is our responsibility as well, said Coe, currently an IAAF vice-president.Coe praised comments by Russias sports minister talking in terms of wanting integrity and trust in sport. They have been through a difficult time but those are the right responses.Having at first denied claims of widespread doping made in a German television documentary, Russian athletics federation Valentin Balakhnichev resigned this month saying he had failed to control rising doping problems. Coe said in December that the IAAF had the power to ban Russia and that the allegations were damaging. But he has since toned down his line.I know that the ministry of sport in Russia and the Russian federation are very keen to establish good working relationships, to establish new systems and and new people and those are the right responses, he declared in the interview.The IAAF must do everything it can to help those federations that want to re-engineer and want to change, he added.A number of top athletes in powerhouses Kenya and Jamaica have also failed tests in recent months. But Coe said no sport should lecture athletics about doping. The IAAF does more testing than any other sport out there. We are very open and very transparent about how we test, said the former Olympic champion who masterminded the 2012 London Games.More than 1,000 top athletes around the world are subject to tests each year which cost more than $3 million (2.6 million euros) a year.The IAAF does more testing than any other sport out there, he said.We must never be complacent and we can always be better but I dont think our sport needs too many lectures about the efforts that it is taking.World and Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt is also the worlds most tested athlete and Coe said athletics had to prepare for the Jamaicans retirement in 2017.Coe said the IAAF had to give marketing support to other stars such as Kenyas 800 metres Olympic champion David Rudisha, New Zealand shot putter Valerie Adams, Ukrainian high jumper Bogdan Bondarenko and Croatias woman high jumper Blanka Vlasic, a former world athlete of the year.These are great, great athletes, said Coe while adding that Bolts departure would leave athletics facing the same dilemma as boxing when Muhammad Ali quit.This is the kind of question that the boxing community might have asked in the 1960s and 1970s -- do you rely too heavily on Muhammad Ali?Well the answer is probably yes and Usain Bolt is probably in that category so we have to make sure that we promote the other great competitors and that we market them and we provide resources for those member federations that unearth these great talents, said Coe. who will be up against Ukrainian pole vault legend Sergey Bubka for the IAAF presidency in August.

Formula One: Alonso leaves hospital following crash

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BARCELONA (AFP) - Two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso has left hospital following a crash during testing in Barcelona last weekend, his McLaren team announced on Wednesday.We are pleased to confirm that Fernando Alonso has now left hospital. He has returned to his familys home in Spain for further rest and recuperation, McLaren said in a statement.The Woking-based team also confirmed that Alonso will not drive in this weeks final four-day pre-season test, which begins in Barcelona on Thursday.As a result, he will sit out this weeks final winter test, at which he was due to share driving duties with Jenson Button. Kevin Magnussen, McLaren-Hondas test and reserve driver, will replace him.Alonso crashed into a wall after completing just 20 laps on Sunday and was airlifted to hospital under sedation.The 33-year-old Spaniard suffered concussion but McLaren said scans on the 2005 and 2006 world champion were completely normal.The team blamed unusually strong winds for the crash and categorically denied there had been any mechanical failure with their MP4-30 car.Meanwhile, motorsport website autosport.com reported on Wednesday that the FIA was investigating the incident.The governing body doesnt automatically review incidents at test events, but Alonsos unexpected prolonged stay in hospital has forced them to act.The same report claimed the FIA will review CCTV footage of the crash with McLaren for a clearer insight into what happened.Stricter safety regulations have already been introduced for the new season following the serious accident suffered by Jules Bianchi at the Japanese Grand Prix last year.For 2015 a virtual safety car will be deployed, obliging drivers to reduce their speed to that indicated on their displays on their steering wheels when double waved yellow flags are needed on any section of a circuit where competitors and officials may be in danger, but the circumstances are not as such to warrant deployment of the actual safety car.Moreover, the Australian, Malaysian, Chinese, Japanese and Russian Grands Prix will start an hour earlier than in 2014 to ensure they finish well before dusk.The crash was just the latest setback McLaren have suffered in testing ahead of the new season, which gets underway with the Australian Grand Prix on March 15.After eight days of testing, McLaren have completed less than half the mileage of every other team on the grid and nearly five times less than reigning champions Mercedes.

Afghanistan chasing 211 to beat Scotland

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DUNEDIN (AFP) - Scotland achieved their highest ever World Cup score on Thursday but still left Afghanistan chasing a modest 211 for victory.The Scots were all out for 210 off the final ball of their allotted 50 overs at Dunedins University Oval after losing the toss and being sent into bat in their Pool A clash.Both of the minnow nations are chasing a maiden victory at the World Cup. Afghanistans decision to bowl first after winning the toss paid early dividends on a green wicket but a 62-run ninth-wicket stand took Scotland past 200 for the first time in three World Cup campaigns.Their previous best was 186 against South Africa at the 2007 tournament.Several of Scotlands batsmen made starts but could not convert them in the face of a spirited Afghan bowling effort.Left-arm paceman Shapoor Zadran led the Afghan attack with four for 38.While Scotland set a relatively low total, they will be hoping for a repeat of their last performance against Afghanistan in January, when they skittled them out for just 63.Dawlat Zadrad, who took three for 29, had the new ball swinging viciously and struck in the second over to dismiss Calum MacLeod for a duck.The luckless MacLeod hit the ball straight to Najibullah Zadran at backward point, continuing a poor run at the tournament that has seen him score four runs in three innings.Hamid Hassan, the bandanna-wearing paceman who bases his look on Sylvester Stallones Rambo, maintained the pressure, trapping Hamish Gardiner lbw for five in the 11th over. Scotland dangerman Kyle Coetzer (25) followed Gardiner to the pavilion two balls later, clean bowled when he carelessly attempted to swat Dawlat to the boundary.Skipper Preston Mommsen and Matt Machan combined to steady the innings, bringing up a 53-run partnership off 61 deliveries.But a slower ball from Mohammad Nabi deceived Machan, who was bowled for 31, with Mommsen (23) gone in the next over when he feathered an edge to wicketkeeper Afsar Zazai.Zazai then left Scotland reeling at 132 for six when he took a superb diving catch to send Matthew Cross on his way for 15.With Scotland desperately needing the tail to wag, Majid Haq (31) and Alasdair Evans (28) added valuable runs with their ninth-wicket partnership.

UN Security Council calls for stepping up Yemen talks

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UNITED NATIONS (AFP) - The UN Security Council on Wednesday called for the stepping up of UN-brokered talks on ending a growing crisis in Yemen after President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadis escape from house arrest.The Western-backed president was ousted by the Shiite Huthi militia last month and placed under house arrest in Sanaa, but at the weekend he managed to flee the capital and resurfaced in the southern port city of Aden. The 15-member council demanded in a unanimous statement that the Huthis immediately, unconditionally and safely release Prime Minister Khalid Bahah, members of the cabinet and others still under house arrest.Highlighting Hadis willingness to take part in the UN talks, the council urged all parties to accelerate these negotiations led by UN envoy Jamal Benomar.Hadi on Wednesday met an envoy of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, which has branded the Huthi takeover of Sanaa a coup.The Security Council called on all parties in Yemen, including the Huthis, to resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, reject acts of violence to achieve political goals and refrain from provocation.International alarm has been growing over Yemen, which borders Saudi Arabia and is a key US ally in the fight against Al-Qaeda.

US, Iran have 'mutual interest' in defeating IS: Kerry

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - The United States and Iran have a mutual interest in defeating the Islamic State group but the long-time foes are not cooperating to do so, Secretary of State John Kerry said Wednesday.They are totally opposed to ISIL and they are in fact taking on and fighting and eliminating ISIL members along the Iraqi border near Iran and have serious concerns about what that would do to the region, Kerry told lawmakers, referring to IS by another acronym.So we have at least a mutual interest, if not a cooperative effort.Kerry, who has been pivotal to Washingtons drive to strike a deal to curb Irans nuclear ambitions, said the United States had not asked Tehran to get involved in the fight against the IS group.Since last year, the Sunni extremist group has waged a brutal offensive in Iraq and Syria, grabbing land and carrying out executions and forced religious conversions.Washington forged a coalition of Western and Arab nations to confront the extremists, but mainly Shiite Iran is not officially part of the group.In December, Kerry also denied there was any military coordination with Iran, after the Pentagon said that Iranian jets had deployed against IS fighters in eastern Iraq.

Water found in astronaut's helmet after spacewalk

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MIAMI (AFP) - A US astronaut found water pooling in his helmet right after completing a six-plus hour spacewalk on Wednesday, raising new concerns about flaws with NASAs spacesuits.The water inside Terry Virts helmet was kind of pooling on the front side of his helmet above the eye level, European Space Agency astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti told mission control in Houston.The water was about three inches in diameter, she said after Virts came back into the Quest airlock and it was repressurized. Cristoforetti said Virts was in no immediate danger, even though the amount of water had increased in the moments since he first noticed it.NASA television showed live images of Virts smiling inside his helmet and blowing on the water to make it ripple, before eventually removing it with Cristoforettis help.Virts and his fellow US astronaut Barry Wilmore had just completed a spacewalk that lasted six hours and 43 minutes.He did not report any problems with his suit during the outing, which was aimed at preparing the space station for the arrival of more commercial spaceships in the coming years.NASA commentator Rob Navias said the problem was not nearly as severe as the near-drowning of Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano, who had to be rushed back inside the space station in 2013 after water began pooling in his helmet.The US space agency said last week engineers were concerned about a recurring problem with the spacesuits, whereby water and condensation was building up and causing a breakdown in a part of the suits temperature control system.Wilmore was shipped a new suit and Virts was wearing a suit with a replacement fan pump separator that had shown some signs of corrosion ahead of the series of three spacewalks that began on Saturday.

Short and sweet as batsmen eye Eden Park run riot

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AUCKLAND (AFP) - Seductive for batsmen, challenging for bowlers and frustrating for captains, Aucklands Eden Park takes centre-stage on Saturday with the grounds peculiar dimensions proving the major talking point for New Zealand and Australia.With the boundary at just 55 metres at both ends and 65m on the square -- much shorter than the International Cricket Council regulations of 64m minimum (straight) -- the ground is exempt from current size demands as Eden Park has been staging international cricket since before 2007.As a result, the compact, diamond-shaped ground means the Pool A clash between co-hosts New Zealand and Australia should be ripe for big scoring.Explosive batsmen such as Glenn Maxwell, David Warner, Aaron Finch and Mitchell Marsh on one side and Brendon McCullum, Martin Guptill, Corey Anderson and Luke Ronchi on the other will strive to match them shot for shot in front of a 40,000 sell-out.Both teams can swing the ball at the top of the innings with the two new balls, so I think thats a strength of both sides, so if they go short its a bonus (for batsmen) when its swinging, said Warner.Built in 1900, Eden Park is named after nearby Mount Eden from where the whole of Auckland city can be seen.Initially plagued by financial problems, the ground was rescued by rugby administrators who made it a two-sport stadium.Eden Park hosted its first Test in 1930 while the first one-dayer was played in 1976.New Zealand have bitter-sweet memories of the venue as they were dismissed for just 26 -- still the lowest Test innings total -- by England in 1955.But on a positive note, New Zealand chased down a 337-run target against Australia in 2007.Martin Crowe struck an unbeaten century to help New Zealand upset Australia in the opening game of the 1992 World Cup on their way to a semi-final finish.Due to the number of rugby games played at Eden Park, drop-in pitches are used for cricket which are flat and generally not helpful for bowlers.But the likes of Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc on one side and Tim Southee and Trent Boult on the other will strive to counter the big hitting and short boundaries.All-rounder Corey Anderson admitted it will be a big challenge.Its a little bit daunting when youre walking back to your mark and you can almost touch the boundary. Thats not the nicest feeling as a bowler but as a batter its nice, said Anderson.Top edges dont go for four, they go for six.Australia will also take inspiration from the fact that Eden Park has been lucky for the former world champions with 11 wins in the 16 one-dayers played between the two sides while New Zealand have won just one of the last seven.Its a bit different to the MCG out there, said Australian all-rounder Shane Watson. It provides more of a challenge to bowlers to defend a ground like Eden Park. There are some very short pockets and some bigger ones as well.Its not your standard cricket ground and it can feel right on top of you with so many New Zealanders not enjoying our company.Pakistan and South Africa -- who play at Eden Park on March 7 -- will also hope power hitters like AB de Villiers and Shahid Afridi take full advantage of the shorter boundaries.

Oil market rebounds on US energy report

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NEW YORK (AFP) - Global oil prices rebounded sharply Wednesday after a mixed US oil inventories report left traders focusing on its positive elements for demand: falling gasoline and distillates stockpiles.New Yorks benchmark West Texas Intermediate for April leaped $1.71 to close at $50.99 a barrel.In London, Brent North Sea crude for April delivery, the global benchmark, settled at $61.63 a barrel, up $2.97 from Tuesdays close.The US governments Department of Energy said Wednesday that crude inventories rose 8.4 million barrels in the week ending February 20 to a record 434.1 million barrels, more than double the increase expected.However, the DoE also reported that stockpiles of distillates, which include diesel and heating fuel, slid 2.7 million barrels, while gasoline reserves sank by 3.1 million.The rally ... was fuelled by news that both gasoline and distillate stocks had decreased sharply last week, said Forex.com analyst Fawad Razaqzada. Falling stockpiles can indicate strengthening demand in the worlds largest crude consumer.For Gene McGillian of Tradition Energy, the draw in products and gasoline suggests the drop weve seen in crude prices is starting to translate into increased demand, and I think thats why the market is picking up.Crude prices have lost about half of their value since June.Brent crude oil is getting a modest lift from talk of firming demand as Chinas preliminary PMI data complemented comments from Saudi Arabian oil minister Ali al-Naimi citing a constructive shift to a calmer oil market supported by growing consumption, said Tim Evans of Citi Futures.Brent also drew support from a report that Libyas Sarir oil field, which produces 185,000 barrels per day, was shut due to a loss of power supply, he said.

Dollar slips as Yellen signals steady path on rate hike

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NEW YORK (AFP) - The dollar dipped against other major currencies Wednesday as Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen hewed to a steady path on interest rates in a second day of testimony in Congress.Yellen, appearing before a House of Representatives panel, provided no fresh clues on the timing of the rate increase, seen this year, but again signaled again that the central bank was in no hurry to raise rates.The recent pullback in the dollar indicates that investors had hoped for more from Yellen, but a June rate hike was never realistic, said Kathy Lien of BK Asset Management. The central bank doesnt want to raise interest rates too quickly because they fear that a premature increase would undermine the recovery and hamper job healing.Lien said the Fed likely will signal a rate change in June and follow up in September with a rate increase. The federal funds rate has been pegged near zero for more than six years to keep credit flowing in support of the recovery.The dollar has softened just enough in February to be on course for its first down month in eight, said Joe Manimbo of Western Union Business Solutions. Weighing modestly on the buck has been mixed US data and signals from the Federal Reserve that higher interest rate policy may arrive later rather than sooner.

Afghanistan win toss and bowl against Scotland

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DUNEDIN (AFP) - Afghanistan won the toss and sent Scotland in to bat in the World Cup Pool A match at Dunedins University Oval on Thursday.Both nations are chasing their first ever win at the World Cup. Scotland are participating in their third tournament while Afghanistan are making their debut.Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi said he was backing his pace attack to take early wickets on a grassy looking surface.Its a fresh wicket and well try our best to put pressure on Scotland early. We have a good fast bowling attack, he said, adding there was huge interest in the fixture back in Afghanistan.Scotlands skipper Preston Mommsen said his opening batsmen needed to see off the new ball to prevent the mercurial Afghanis getting on top early.Up front we need to be tight and get runs on the board, he said.Obviously a start is fundamental, a partnership, a platform up front to give us a chance to get some runs at the back end.Both nations have virtually no chance of reaching the quarter-finals, making a maiden win their major goal at the tournament.Afghanistan have a 5-3 record over Scotland in one-day internationals. Teams:Scotland: Calum MacLeod, Kyle Coetzer, Hamish Gardiner, Matt Machan, Preston Mommsen (capt), Richie Berrington, Matthew Cross, Josh Davey, Majid Haq, Alisdair Evans, Iain Wardlaw.Afghanistan: Javed Ahmadi, Nawroz Mangal, Asghar Stanikzai, Samiullar Shenwari, Mohammad Nabi (capt), Najibullah Zadran, Afsar Zazai, Gulbadin Naib, Dawlat Zadran, Hamid Hasan, Shapoor Zadran.Umpires: Simon Fry (AUS) and Ruchira Palliyaguruge (SRI).TV Umpire: Chris Gaffaney (NZL).Match referee: David Boon (AUS).
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