Cricket

Cricket's Olympic future still unclear

The sport has only featured in one Olympics so far, the 1900 Games in Paris, but the International Cricket Council (ICC) is understood to be close to announcing a formal application to join the programme for 2024.

Earlier this year, ICC chief executive David Richardson told Press Association Sport a decision would have to be reached by the end of July and the "time was right" for cricket to make a concerted push for Olympic inclusion.

SA take control of second Test

Dean Elgar, Hashim Amla and returning captain Faf du Plessis all brought up half-centuries, with the home attack forced to toil for their wickets before the Proteas declared on 343-9.

Alastair Cook had a first-ball lbw dismissal by Morne Morkel overturned on review as England began an improbable attempt at what would be a world-record chase of 474 and, even though he and Keaton Jennings nervily reached one without loss at the close, Joe Root's side are likely to head to The Oval at 1-1 in the four-match series.

Pakistan stun India to win ODI title

Fakhar capitalised on a lucky escape to strike a superb 114 and lift Pakistan to a commanding total of 4-338 and fast bowler Amir ripped out India's top three batsmen before the defending champions subsided to 158 all out.

Pakistan had come into the tournament as the lowest-ranked team and lost heavily to India in their opening group match but they beat South Africa and Sri Lanka to make the semi-finals where they knocked out hosts England.

Bangladesh hold nerve to beat New Zealand

The result saw the Tigers claim their first triumph over the Black Caps outside of Bangladesh and also served as a dose of revenge for last week's four-wicket loss against the same side. 

Fittingly, Mahmudullah (46) struck the winning runs in a contest that saw him surpass 3,000 runs in one-day internationals, as Bangladesh enjoyed a pre-ICC Champions Trophy morale boost.

After the early loss of Luke Ronchi (2), New Zealand upped the run rate as captain Tom Latham (84) and Neil Broom (63) compiled a 133-run partnership.

Hong Kong an 'unbelievable experience' for PNG captain

The 29 year old featured in all four round robin games for the Galaxy Gladiators Lantau, playing alongside the likes of Kumar Sangakkara and Jesse Ryder, in a team mentored by West Indian great Brian Lara.

Vanuatu, Samoa, Fiji cricketers make winning start

Jelany Chilia was the pick of the bowlers, with 3 for 10, as Vanuatu dismissed Indonesia for 82 before the opening pair of Josh Rasu and Jonathon Dunn chased down their victory target in just 9.1 overs.

Samoa captain Ben Mailata starred with bat and ball in a seven wicket win over Japan.

The 32 year old claimed 5 for 27 as Japan were dismissed for 144 and then led the way with the bat, top-scoring with 58 not out from 52 balls, including five sixes, as the Polynesian side overhauled their target inside 26 overs.

Kohli fires India past England

Ben Stokes (62) had raced to his team's fastest 50 in India to join Jason Roy (73) and Joe Root (78) as one of three tourists to produce half centuries, England posting an imposing total of 350-7. 

But the tight boundary at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium also worked in the hosts' favour, captain Kohli plundering 122 and Jadhav 120.

Australian fast bowler becomes No.1

Hazlewood snared 32 wickets in six Tests on home soil against South Africa and Pakistan to be ranked the third on the bowling rankings - behind Indian spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

Sri Lanka tweaker Rangana Herath came in fourth with South African quick Dale Steyn fifth - meaning Hazlewood ranks as the premier fast bowler.

Hazlewood's new ball partner Mitchell Starc was 10th on the list and also ranked 7th out of the Test all-rounders.

Warner made us look foolish – Wahab

Warner became just the fifth batsman to achieve the feat and the first on Australian soil as he clocked up 100 runs off just 78 balls in the first session in Sydney.

Wahab finally dismissed the Australia opener on 113 when he drew an outside edge that flew to wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed.

However, the Pakistan paceman said Warner, who also claimed a ton in the Boxing Day Test, had already done the damage.

"Everybody knows Warner is an attacking player and we know where he is strong," said Wahab.

White Ferns captain scoops top awards

In the past 12 months, which included the ICC Women's World Twenty20 in India and the ICC Women's Championship, Bates scored 472 runs in eight ODIs at an average of just over 94.

She also took eight wickets at an economy-rate of 3.75.

In the shortest format of the game, Bates was the leading run-scorer with 429 runs at an average of 42.90 and a strike-rate of over 115 runs per 100 balls.

A delighted Bates said from Perth, where she plays for the Scorchers in Australia's Big Bash T20 competition, that winning the two awards is an honour.