England has been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate during its 22-run victory over South Africa.

Match Referee Roshan Mahanama imposed the fines after Andrew Strauss's side was ruled to be one over short of its target at the end of the match when time allowances were taken into consideration. In accordance with the International Cricket Council (ICC) Code of Conduct regulations governing over-rate penalties, players are fined five per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount.
As such, Strauss was fined 10 per cent of his match fee while each of his players received a five per cent fine.

In other news the CSA chief executive, Gerald Majola said on Monday that South Africa's loss to England in their final Champions Trophy group match in Centurion on Sunday was "deeply disappointing".

"There are some hard questions to be answered. At no stage did the team look anything like a team that is the world No 1 in both Tests and one-day internationals.They certainly were way off where they should be at this stage, and I will be speaking to Mickey and the team management to find out what went wrong."

But Majola said there were no plans at this stage to fire either the captain or the coach.
"That's not going to happen, but we definitely want answers. The team's performance in this tournament was just not good enough. I don't want to pick out individuals, but there were problems with the bowling and the batting, and the team's body language was not that of the world's best team." -We just can't get rid of them, can we?



Former Pakistan Test Captain, Javed Miandad is very unhappy calling the pitches being used at the Champions Trophy in South Africa "dangerous".

"(With) the sort of scary pitches they have prepared for such a big event it is not going to help the International Cricket Council (ICC) or its members keep interest in one-day internationals alive," Miandad told Reuters.

"Some of the pitches they have played on can be ranked as dangerous. The bounce is inconsistent. Balls are kicking up from a good length. All this is not good for the survival of ODIs."

"The pitches at Centurion have made matches one-sided with the side winning the toss having the advantage. The ICC is quick to monitor the pitches in member countries but they also need to talk to their curators about the pitches in the Champions Trophy," he said.
The ICC moved the Champions Trophy to South Africa due to security concerns after it was postponed from its original date in Pakistan last year.

Will you accept the fact that Pakistan could have lost the match, if Suresh Raina and Rahul Dravid would have played a bit longer?  

There was little threat. But we knew they would get caught. They tried very hard but we knew our bowlers could have broken the partnership. Actually it is our partnership which made the difference between the two teams. 

Is it your best hundred? 

It would be a memorable one. The team won and I have played a small role which is really very very satisfying. 

What would be your target for this tournament?

I want to carry on the current form in the remaining matches of ICC Champions trophy.

Why did you start slowly?

I wanted to consolidate the situation by being cautious, not losing any wicket. Actually that is my game. After I settle down I normally try to accelerate later. 

That’s what it had happened on Friday against India. You took 70 balls to score 36 runs. But the next 70 run came in 40 balls? 

Team needed that blocking. We did not want to invite any pressure by losing wickets early. 

Were you surprised when Virat Kohli came into bowl? 

Yes, I was. I think Harbhajan would have been brought then. Dhoni then wanted to finish the quota of the fifth bowler by bringing Kohli and Yousuf.  

You got maximum runs by putting the ball in the backward point area? 

Gradually you have become the captain of Pakistan?

I know for sure that I am the vice-captain of Pakistan Team. The deputy of Younus khan as far as the Test and One-day cricket is concerned but captain of Twenty20 team.    

Do you feel any pressure to perform the duty of a skipper?

Pressure? Each and every player has to swallow pressure in international cricket. You must know how to perform under pressure situation. I am enjoying every moment in the cricket field. Life is full of struggle and if you remember you are representing 16 crore people, you will have special feeling. I am really lucky and honored indeed, to have played for Pakistan.    

What is your experience so far playing for Pakistan in the last thirteen years?

Every player has to go through success and failure. So did I, I have no hesitation in announcing that I cried more than laughing in the cricket field.    

How do you see the fortune of Pakistan team in this ICC Champions Trophy?

We have got a very balanced side which gives us tremendous confidence of winning the trophy here as well.    

Why are you so confident this time?

It has got many reasons. First of all, our bowling department. They are very sharp. If you go to the history of Pakistan cricket, you will notice that our bowlers have done a great job for Pakistan. I am sure, they will do a great job this time here also. We are ready to challenge any team.    

Will you not be relieved to have Mohd. Asif in your team?

Oh, Yes. Asif is a match winner. He served his ban period till 22nd September 2009. So he will be available. He is fit and raring to go. And trust me he is very hungry to play in international cricket which would be a major plus point for our team's strength.    

Since you won the World Twenty20, people are expecting that you would do well in ICC Champions Trophy as well. Do you agree?

The entire nation would be disappointed if we fail to deliver. We have our self belief which should be transformed into action in the middle. We can only assure you that we are all focused to do well.

Pakistan was crowned the T20 World Cup Champions. Congratulations. Straight after winning, Younis Khan has anounced his retirement:

"This is my last Twenty20 game," he said at the conclusion of his press conference. "I'm old now for this kind of cricket...This final must go to Bob Woolmer," he said. "He was doing good things with us in 2005 and especially my cricket. I would be very proud if he was alive and sitting with me because he's a very nice guy and was a father figure for us. Why I am captain is because in 2005 - at that time I was not a regular player for Pakistan - he was the guy who all the time was chatting with the chairman and the selectors that Younis will be the next captain. So because of him I have became a captain. I dedicate this final to Bob Woolmer."

Tillakaratne Dilshan was named Player of the Tournament.

So the T20 World Cup of 2009 is coming to an end. The two teams competing are Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Who are you chearing for? I made my decision quite quickly and easily. There was Pakistan who beat SA with not much effort. Afridi pissing Kallis off. But Pakistan made my boys cry. Then there was Sri Lanka... well Malinga, my boy is in the team so I automaticly favor them. Sorry Pak. I tend to stick with one green team. Then cheer the blue. I know it sounds childish. But if you knew the true story behind it then you will understand.