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ScorecardAn unbeaten half-century stand for the seventh wicket helped South Africa Women beat Bangladesh Women by four wickets in Mirpur and square the three match series 1-1. Bangladesh would have fancied their chances in the match when they reduced South Africa to 130 for 6 chasing 180, but Dane van Niekerk, who scored 45 off 64 balls, and Shabnim Ismail thwarted the spin challenge and went past the target with four balls to spare.Bangladesh had chosen to bat first and put up an improved batting display, after both teams had struggled the previous day, to score 179. The highlight of the innings was a 70-run fourth-wicket stand between Lata Mondal and Farzana Haque, both batmen scoring half-centuries. But Legspinner van Niekerk, 2 for 30, and offspinner Sunette Loubser, 2 for 26, picked up regular wickets to keep Bangladesh under 200.South Africa were in trouble early in their reply as they lost four wickets with only 33-runs on board, but unlike falling to spin as in the previous game, the visitors lost three of those wickets to medium-pacer Jahanara Alam. A 64-run stand between Alison Hodgkinson (33) and Marizanne Kapp (39) stabilised the chase before the lower-order saw them through.The third and the final match of the series will be played on September 9 in Mirpur.

ScorecardRory Burns made his first Championship hundred to get Surrey back into the game•PA Photos

For a long time, this was a day dominated by two excellent maiden Championship hundreds, from Rory Burns and Arun Harinath. However, a combination of excellent seam bowling from Toby Roland-Jones and injudicious shot selection from Surrey’s batsmen ensured Middlesex’s victory target was limited to 254.By the close of an intriguing day they had reached 45 for 1 in pursuit. After Chris Rogers and Sam Robson exploited some loose bowling from Jade Dernbach, with Rogers creaming consecutive boundaries through the covers, Gareth Batty claimed him lbw. While Rogers only appeared to be half-forward, he was visibly angered by the decision – so much so that he may face disciplinary action for dissent. With him dismissed, Surrey may consider themselves slight favourites to secure their first championship win since the first game of the season, especially if their spinners can exploit some uneven bounce, of which there were glimpses.However, Burns and Harinath will always remember this as the day they registered their maiden championship hundreds. They reached the landmarks batting together, with Harinath’s century coming only three balls after Burns’ in a five minute spell before lunch.The experience was extra special because of the close friendship between the two. “It was a very special moment, especially to do it with Arun,” Burns said. Harinath added: “We’ve spent a lot of time together and we room a lot. He’s younger than me and I’ve seen him grow up.” He also admitted that, “I would not have liked to have sat on 98 or 99 and it was nice to get it just before lunch”. Even the normally relaxed Burns admitted to being “a little bit nervous” before reaching his hundred.The two centurions combined to add 217 runs for the second wicket, a Surrey record against Middlesex. Both Burns and Harinath displayed steely temperaments and commendable levels of concentration, while steadily accumulating at a strike-rate fractionally over 50. The understanding between them was particularly apparent in their aggressive running, which earned Surrey perhaps 15 runs in quick singles and sharp twos.However, while Burns and Harinath combined to turn around Surrey’s position in the match – and, they will hope, their championship season – their performances had very different personal values. For Harinath, aged 25 but with a previous best Championship score of 63 – against Middlesex at The Oval more than two years ago – the innings could reinvigorate a career that threatened to be stalling. While he has always had obvious qualities of adhesiveness, today he showed a more expansive side with his straight driving and impressive use of his feet against spin.Burns’ century, significant as maiden Championship hundreds invariably are, felt more like a natural progression after a season in which he has illustrated that he has the technique to flourish in Surrey’s perennial problem position of opener. There is a running joke at Surrey that every season Chris Adams says an opener is his priority, but he can’t ever find one. Well, perhaps he now has. After being bowled leaving his first ball as a Championship opener, against Lancashire at Guildford, Burns has been highly impressive and has already withstood the Warwickshire and Nottinghamshire attacks to make fine 70s. Compact, well organised, and particularly strong steering the ball through the offside or off his hips, there is a tangible sense of class in Burns’s batting.But both centurions will regret their dismissals, which exposed Surrey’s flaky middle order to the second new ball just when they appeared to be edging towards a position of impregnability. Harinath fell to a superb catch from Chris Rogers, who reacted smartly after Adam Rossington had spilled his edge; Burns’s 121 was ended when he unwisely attempted to play across the line to the tenth ball of the second new ball, only to be beaten by Roland-Jones’s seam movement.Roland-Jones exploited the opening magnificently. As Burns said, “he does enough consistently to get wickets” bowling a relentlessly nagging line and generating late seam movement. Roland-Jones took three wickets in ten balls with the second new ball, and his figures of 5 for 39 from 24 overs were well deserved. Understandably given his height – 6ft 4in – and county, there have been comparisons with Steve Finn. However, a more apt likening would be to his director of cricket, Angus Fraser, with whom he shares an aptitude for long spells and a penchant for parsimony.Well as Roland-Jones bowled, Surrey’s batsmen failed to follow the example set by Harinath and Burns as they collapsed from 230 for 1 to 341 all out. If they do fail to win, they will regard this as a bad missed opportunity, because, besides Roland-Jones and some reasonable support from Steven Crook, Middlesex’s bowling seldom threatened, with Tom Smith’s left-arm spin bereft of incision. Burns and Harinath certainly wouldn’t have envisaged reaching their tons off bowlers as unthreatening as the occasional legspin of Dawid Malan and Joe Denly.As is too often the case, Surrey’s middle order was too ambitious, too early. Rory Hamilton-Brown and Jason Roy followed Burns only in missing full deliveries attempting to work to leg, while Zander de Bruyn, after some powerful drives in his 23 hinted at a return to form, played a reckless shot outside off-stump. Skipper Batty, whose off-stump was castled by a Roland-Jones delivery that jagged back, could at least say he had little culpability in his dismissal. The same could be said of Murali Kartik, trapped lbw to a shooter from Steven Crook – a sight Surrey would probably have enjoyed more than Middlesex.Sensible batting from Steven Davies, with a sweetly timed backfoot punch for four standing out, ensured Surrey were still able to set Middlesex 254. Though Davies only made 44 before slogging Tim Murtagh to long on, his was an important innings. Especially after Craig Kieswetter’s excellent form in the “reserve Ashes”, Davies needs to amass some significant innings to retain his place as England’s reserve Test wicket-keeper when they tour India.

Northamptonshire head coach David Capel has been sacked with immediate effect after six years in the job. David Ripley, the second XI coach and academy director, will take charge on an interim basisThe county reached the midway point in the Championship season handily placed at fourth in Division Two but have suffered a miserable time in one-day and Twenty20 cricket. They only recently managed their first limited-overs win of the season, against Glamorgan in the FLt20, and remain bottom of the Midlands/West/Wales group. They are also bottom of Group C in the CB40. With Ripley moving up, Phil Rowe will take charge of the academy.Capel said: “I am naturally very disappointed at this decision, but can look back with pride at my achievements at Northamptonshire, and am looking forward to moving on and continuing my career in first class cricket at another County.”I would like to take this opportunity to wish David Ripley, Phil Rowe and all the players the very best for the rest of the season and thank the supporters and colleagues for their help, and for all the years of enjoyment I’ve had at the club.”In a brief statement the club chairman Martin Lawrence said: “On behalf of the board of directors and all at the club we sincerely thank David for his good work over the past six years in his current role and his 33 years of great service to the club as player and coach.”David has done an outstanding job with limited resources, but we need to try a new direction as results have not gone with us through the first half of the season. We wish David all the very best in his future in cricket and he remains, of course, most welcome at the County Ground at any time.”

Ireland will play their first international game at Malahide Cricket Club against England on September 3, 2013, subject to clearance from the ICC. The Malahide ground in Dublin has been developed to a capacity of 11,500, making it Ireland’s biggest cricket venue, and will be officially opened at the planned ODI fixture next year.England have won four of the five ODIs between the sides but famously lost to Ireland at Bangalore in the 2011 World Cup. The match could also be of significance to Eoin Morgan, England’s captain on their last visit to Dublin in August 2011, who played for Malahide as a teenager between 2000 and 2002.Ireland coach Phil Simmons said: “I live just around the corner from the ground so it’s fantastic for the club and the area to be hosting a game of this magnitude. It’s going to be a super venue for cricket, and the fact that it’s England coming will give the whole day that extra edge that contests between the countries in all sports seem to inspire.”Alan Hughes, president of Malahide Cricket Club, said “Malahide are delighted to be able to stage this match and look forward to hosting the largest ever crowd at a cricket international in Ireland. It’s certain to be a memorable occasion, and hopefully the first of many top-class matches at the ground.”Ireland’s regular venues for international cricket include Clontarf in Dublin and the Civil Service ground at Stormont. Malahide has also been confirmed as the stage for two Twenty20 games against the touring South Africa A side later this year.

Sachin Tendulkar has said that his nomination to the Rajya Sabha, India’s upper house of Parliament, was due to his contribution to sport and no other reason, and affirmed that he would not be trading cricket for politics. His comments, at a function in Pune, came amid a public debate over his nomination.”I have played cricket for 22 and a half years and I understand that I was nominated because of this reason. I am not a politician,” Tendulkar said. “There are many responsibilities on me. I would definitely like to contribute in the field of sports because that is my expertise.”Tendulkar, 39, said he hoped to silence critics who questioned how he could balance his sporting commitments with his duties as an MP. “When you get nominated because of your contribution in your field, it’s an honour. I was excited to be nominated. I am a sportsman and will always remain one,” Tendulkar said.He met Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on April 26 and was offered one of the 12 seats in the nominated category. He accepted the offer of a nomination, which was then formally approved by the Indian President. “I am not going to enter politics giving up cricket, which is my life. I will continue to play cricket,” Tendulkar said.He is the first sportsman to be nominated in this category, which has no election process. (Former Indian hockey captain Dilip Tirkey, who took oath as a Rajya Sabha in April, was elected.) Previous nominated MPs include the musician Ravi Shankar, the singer Lata Mangeshkar and the artist MF Husain.His nomination has been criticised on several grounds, chiefly his relative inexperience in public affairs.

Match facts

Monday, May 14, 2012
Start time 2000 (1430 GMT)Super Kings have two remaining games as opposed to Knight Riders’ three•AFP

Big Picture

The Saturday double-header produced unexpected results, adding more intrigue to the race for the playoffs. Both Delhi Daredevils and Kolkata Knight Riders – the top two teams – suffered heavy defeats, giving the teams below a chance to sneak into the final four at the end of the league stage.Chennai Super Kings’ campaign, which had stuttered midway, was revived by two consecutive victories, the latest coming against Daredevils. The manner in which they brushed aside the table leaders in Chennai should cause shivers to Knight Riders, who took their foot off the pedal on Saturday and paid the price. Super Kings silenced a powerful batting order on a pitch that gave the seamers a lot of assistance. Knocking off the required 115 was a mere formality. If Super Kings lose to Knight Riders and then beat Kings XI Punjab to finish on 17 points, they’ll need a lot of other results to fall into place for them to make the last four. Having seen off one powerhouse, they need to get past another.Knight Riders are ahead of Super Kings by points, but, have played one game less at this stage. One win in their remaining matches will give them a very good chance of qualifying. However, their aim won’t be to just qualify. They’ll want to finish among the top two and give themselves the best chance of making it to the final.

Form guide

(most recent first, completed games)
Chennai Super Kings: WWLWL
Kolkata Knight Riders: LWWWW

Players to watch

In a forgettable game with the ball for Knight Riders against Mumbai Indians, Shakib Al Hasan was the lone wicket-taker and finished with the best economy rate – 6.75 – off his four overs. Shakib returned after nearly a month on the bench and enhanced his reputation by bowling 12 dot balls.Ben Hilfenhaus was the standout performer for Super Kings against Daredevils with a match-defining 3 for 27, but Albie Morkel‘s contribution was also significant. He took a wicket but gave away just 15 runs off four overs. Morkel’s overall economy rate for Super Kings over five seasons is a pricey 8.22. His returns on Saturday were a refreshing change.

Stats and trivia

• Ravindra Jadeja is Super Kings’ leading wicket-taker with ten wickets and has bowled 29 overs. Dwayne Bravo is second with nine but has bowled 13 overs more.
• Sunil Narine has gone wicketless in an innings only twice in his ten games for Knight Riders.

Quotes

“Ben’s action is different to that of Doug [Bollinger]. But, Ben is very good at swinging the brand new ball. It is an asset, though his action is a little different to both Albie [Morkel] and Doug.”
.”Calling his innings excellent will be an understatement. It’s hard to describe his innings in words.” .

Giles Clarke has been rubber stamped as ECB chairman for a third term after the completion of the election process where he was the only candidate for the role.The 41 members of the ECB, which comprises the 18 first-class counties, 21 county boards, the MCC and the Minor Counties Cricket Association, returned Clarke as chairman for a third term which runs until the AGM in 2015.”I am honoured to be re-elected as Chairman of the ECB until 2015, and would like to thank the members for their continued confidence and support,” Clarke said. “We have a magnificent complement of players, fans, volunteers and staff representing our sport, from the grassroots structures to the top of the professional game. Their continued dedication and commitment to the sport is irreplaceable, and deeply appreciated by all those who love the game.”Before taking up the role of chairman, Clarke, as ECB chairman of marketing, was instrumental in the controversial deal that saw live television rights sold exclusively to Sky Sports in 2005. In January, he brokered an extended agreement, with Sky remaining the sole live broadcaster of cricket until 2017 after paying an estimated £260 million.Clarke recently settled his legal dispute with sports marketing company IMG out of court. IMG had brought a libel case against Clarke over an email he sent to the BCCI about meetings between the Indian board, IMG and several county representatives over what Clarke thought were discussions about forming an IPL-style competition in England.

Match facts

February 19, Hamilton
Start time 1900 (0600 GMT)
Martin Guptill was central to New Zealand’s victory in Wellington•Getty Images

Big Picture

New Zealand had won seven international matches in a row before the first Twenty20 against South Africa. Their success began with the celebrated Test win in Hobart, and continued through the home series against Zimbabwe, whom they did not merely beat, but pulverised. Yet, New Zealand had to prove their form was real and not inflated by a succession of matches against relatively weak opposition. They had to reproduce it against South Africa.And they did. Brendon McCullum’s side had a near-perfect performance in Wellington. Their bowlers did not let South Africa’s batsmen find rhythm, and their batsmen did not let South Africa’s bowlers settle. The intensity of New Zealand’s fielding was jaw dropping too, and their athleticism produced breakthroughs at times when South Africa were trying to kick on. It is hard to imagine how New Zealand can substantially improve on that performance. They were that good. The challenge for them will be to maintain such high standards when South Africa raise their game.Because South Africa can raise their game, substantially. None of their capable batsmen were any good at the Westpac Stadium. Justin Ontong devastated Kane Williamson for four balls and JP Dunimy was steady not spectacular, but 147 was below-par on a flat pitch with short boundaries. It allowed New Zealand to chase at their own pace. South Africa’s bowlers also allowed New Zealand to chase at their own pace. Wickets were far between and the fact that the target was reached with four balls to spare flattered them.South Africa can certainly improve, and the chances are they will to some extent at Seddon Park. If they do, are New Zealand strong enough to produce a similar game? Can they be more intense than they were in Wellington?

Form Guide (most recent first)

New Zealand WWWWW
South Africa LWLLW

Players to watch …

In the absence of Jacques Kallis, Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers are South Africa’s best players of spin. They were dismissed cheaply by terrific fielding efforts in the first game and the rest of the batsmen, apart from Justin Ontong, struggled for fluency against the slow bowlers. How well South Africa tackle New Zealand’s spinners will depend on how long Amla and de Villiers bat.If Martin Guptill scores a fifty at Seddon Park, he will be the fifth batsman to make seven consecutive international half-centuries. His 78 off 55 balls in Wellington, which included a 127-metre six that hit the roof, ensured New Zealand were never in danger during the chase. Before he won the game off his bat, though, Guptill had produced two moments of magic in the field to dismiss Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers. He is easily among the world’s best fielders at present.

Team news

Allrounder Jacob Oram did not play the first Twenty20 because of a calf injury sustained during the third ODI against Zimbabwe. On the eve of the Wellington game, Brendon McCullum had hoped Oram would be fit to play in Hamilton. If that is the case, Oram could return in place of Colin de Grandhomme. New Zealand are likely to leave Michael Bates and Andrew Ellis on the bench once again.New Zealand (probable): 1 Rob Nicol, 2 Martin Guptill, 3 Brendon McCullum (capt & wk), 4 Kane Williamson, 5 Colin de Grandhomme/Jacob Oram, 6 James Franklin, 7 Nathan McCullum, 8 Doug Bracewell, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Kyle Mills, 11 Ronnie Hira.South Africa left out spinner Robin Peterson, and fast bowlers Wayne Parnell and Marchant de Lange from the first game. While it was the batsmen that contributed most to the defeat, the visitors don’t have any replacements to call upon in that department. They are unlikely to make a change after one defeat, though if they do, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, who conceded 28 in three overs, could make way for Parnell.South Africa (probable): 1 Hashim Amla, 2 Richard Levi, 3 Colin Ingram, 4 AB de Villiers (capt & wk), 5 JP Duminy, 6 Justin Ontong, 7 Albie Morkel, 8 Johan Botha, 9 Morne Morkel, 10 Lonwabo Tsotsobe/Wayne Parnell, 11 Rusty Theron.

Stats and Trivia

• New Zealand have not lost a Twenty20 international at Seddon Park. They have beaten West Indies, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Zimbabwe, with the narrowest margin of victory being five wickets.
• A total of 402 runs was scored in the previous Twenty20 at this venue – between New Zealand and Zimbabwe – less than a week ago.
• Brendon McCullum has two half-centuries in three innings at Seddon Park, and a total of 153 runs at a strike-rate of 180. His brother, Nathan, has six wickets in nine overs, and an economy-rate of 5.11.

Quotes

“It was a huge game for us. Everyone in the country was probably wondering if we could carry on the form from the Zimbabwe series against a higher quality opposition.”
“I feel I made a few mistakes [with field settings] so I take a lot of responsibility for what happened.”