Dhaka Gladiators have become the 3rd team to enter BPL semis, despite losing against Duronto Rajshahi by three wickets on Monday.
Gladiators scored 116 runs losing all wickets after 18.2 overs. Rajshahi overtook Dhaka's score with three balls and as many wickets remaining.
Rajshahi and Barisal Burners are the two other teams that have confirmed their berths in the semis.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
More drama sees Barisal in BPL semis
In a stunning reversal of its previous decision, the governing body of the Bangladesh Premier League early on Tuesday said Barisal Burners – not Chittagong Kings – will play the second semi-final against table toppers Duronto Rajshahi as the fourth team.
The governing body took the decision at a 2am meeting with the technical committee .The authorities in a press statement made it clear that Barisal were through and the previous declaration that Chittagong Kings had qualified for the semis would stand void.
The confusions and drama running into the match day are surely going to have some effect on the second semi-final. It will leave the inaugural edition of the domestic Twenty20 mired in more controversy after allegations over attempts of spot-fixing emerged.
It had been announced initially on Sunday that Barisal Burners were through to the semi-finals riding on the net run-rate after their dramatic victory against the Kings. And Chittagong, Khulna Royal Bengals and Dhaka Gladiators were left to fight it out among themselves for the remaining two spots.
On Monday, Dhaka Gladiators lost to Duronto Rajshahi by a narrow margin and Khulna Royal Bengals thrashed Sylhet Royals and the results put Khulna in the second place with 12 points, leaving Dhaka, Barisal and Chittagong tied on 10 points.
But in the head-to-head results, Dhaka had a superior net run rate and qualified for the semi-finals taking third place, having beaten Barisal Burners twice and Chittagong Kings once. It meant Chittagong Kings and Barisal Burners were to fight for the fourth spot.
Chittagong Kings had two wins, against Barisal Burners and Dhaka Gladiators, while Barisal had only one, against Chittagong. But, Barisal's net run-rate was superior to Chittagong's.
Chittagong Kings at a press conference at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel late in the morning said they would challenge the latest BPL governing body's decision in court.
The late night meeting ruled that Duronto Rajshahi (14 points) and Khulna Royal Bengals (12 points) finished top two on points and qualified for the semis as the first and second placed teams.
The drama began to unfold on Monday afternoon when BPL governing body president Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu announced that Barisal Burners were left out following the head-to-head results and Chittagong were in the semi-finals, apparently on the basis of a better head-to-head record in the three-way tie on 10 points, which included Dhaka.
But the BPL statement in the wee hours of Monday said that Barisal would be the fourth semi-finalists – understandably because their head-to-head record with Chittagong was tied and they had a better net run rate.
The press statement said the governing body and the technical committee "sincerely regret any misunderstanding that may have risen regarding this issue".
The governing body took the decision at a 2am meeting with the technical committee .The authorities in a press statement made it clear that Barisal were through and the previous declaration that Chittagong Kings had qualified for the semis would stand void.
The confusions and drama running into the match day are surely going to have some effect on the second semi-final. It will leave the inaugural edition of the domestic Twenty20 mired in more controversy after allegations over attempts of spot-fixing emerged.
It had been announced initially on Sunday that Barisal Burners were through to the semi-finals riding on the net run-rate after their dramatic victory against the Kings. And Chittagong, Khulna Royal Bengals and Dhaka Gladiators were left to fight it out among themselves for the remaining two spots.
On Monday, Dhaka Gladiators lost to Duronto Rajshahi by a narrow margin and Khulna Royal Bengals thrashed Sylhet Royals and the results put Khulna in the second place with 12 points, leaving Dhaka, Barisal and Chittagong tied on 10 points.
But in the head-to-head results, Dhaka had a superior net run rate and qualified for the semi-finals taking third place, having beaten Barisal Burners twice and Chittagong Kings once. It meant Chittagong Kings and Barisal Burners were to fight for the fourth spot.
Chittagong Kings had two wins, against Barisal Burners and Dhaka Gladiators, while Barisal had only one, against Chittagong. But, Barisal's net run-rate was superior to Chittagong's.
Chittagong Kings at a press conference at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel late in the morning said they would challenge the latest BPL governing body's decision in court.
The late night meeting ruled that Duronto Rajshahi (14 points) and Khulna Royal Bengals (12 points) finished top two on points and qualified for the semis as the first and second placed teams.
The drama began to unfold on Monday afternoon when BPL governing body president Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu announced that Barisal Burners were left out following the head-to-head results and Chittagong were in the semi-finals, apparently on the basis of a better head-to-head record in the three-way tie on 10 points, which included Dhaka.
But the BPL statement in the wee hours of Monday said that Barisal would be the fourth semi-finalists – understandably because their head-to-head record with Chittagong was tied and they had a better net run rate.
The press statement said the governing body and the technical committee "sincerely regret any misunderstanding that may have risen regarding this issue".
Chittagong Kings to move court
Just two hours to the first semi-final on Tuesday, Chittagong Kings said they will move the court against the BPL's decision to allow Barisal Burnerst to play Duronto Rajshahi in the second semi-final.
"We're taking legal steps. Our representative has already been sent to the court," Samir Quader Chowdhury, CEO of SQ Sports, which owns the Kings, told a media conference at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel around 11:30am.
"We've been dropped in defiance of the bylaws. The rule was fixed by mixing the sub-clauses 1 and 2 of clause 21 (8). But a rule can't be made by taking some parts of different sub-clauses," he added.
Coach Khaled Mahmud and manager Nasir Ahmed were present there.
Shafiqul Haque Heera and Faruque Ahmed, the managers of semi-finalists Dhaka Gladiators and Duronto Rajshahi, respectively, and Khulna Royal Bengals media manager Jahid Razzaq Masum were also present in the conference.
Dhaka's Heera said his team will support the Kings if they were thrown out illegally.
Faruque of Rajshahi said they will also back the Kings if they were dropped unlawfully. He, however, added they are not abandoning the first semi-final against the Burners at 2pm.
"We're taking legal steps. Our representative has already been sent to the court," Samir Quader Chowdhury, CEO of SQ Sports, which owns the Kings, told a media conference at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel around 11:30am.
"We've been dropped in defiance of the bylaws. The rule was fixed by mixing the sub-clauses 1 and 2 of clause 21 (8). But a rule can't be made by taking some parts of different sub-clauses," he added.
Coach Khaled Mahmud and manager Nasir Ahmed were present there.
Shafiqul Haque Heera and Faruque Ahmed, the managers of semi-finalists Dhaka Gladiators and Duronto Rajshahi, respectively, and Khulna Royal Bengals media manager Jahid Razzaq Masum were also present in the conference.
Dhaka's Heera said his team will support the Kings if they were thrown out illegally.
Faruque of Rajshahi said they will also back the Kings if they were dropped unlawfully. He, however, added they are not abandoning the first semi-final against the Burners at 2pm.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Chittagong Kings to move court
Just two hours to the first semi-final on Tuesday, Chittagong Kings said they will move the court against the BPL's decision to allow Barisal Burnerst to play Duronto Rajshahi in the second semi-final.
"We're taking legal steps. Our representative has already been sent to the court," Samir Quader Chowdhury, CEO of SQ Sports, which owns the Kings, told a media conference at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel around 11:30am.
"We've been dropped in defiance of the bylaws. The rule was fixed by mixing the sub-clauses 1 and 2 of clause 21 (8). But a rule can't be made by taking some parts of different sub-clauses," he added.
Coach Khaled Mahmud and manager Nasir Ahmed were present there.
Shafiqul Haque Heera and Faruque Ahmed, the managers of semi-finalists Dhaka Gladiators and Duronto Rajshahi, respectively, and Khulna Royal Bengals media manager Jahid Razzaq Masum were also present in the conference.
Dhaka's Heera said his team will support the Kings if they were thrown out illegally.
Faruque of Rajshahi said they will also back the Kings if they were dropped unlawfully. He, however, added they are not abandoning the first semi-final against the Burners at 2pm.
"We're taking legal steps. Our representative has already been sent to the court," Samir Quader Chowdhury, CEO of SQ Sports, which owns the Kings, told a media conference at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel around 11:30am.
"We've been dropped in defiance of the bylaws. The rule was fixed by mixing the sub-clauses 1 and 2 of clause 21 (8). But a rule can't be made by taking some parts of different sub-clauses," he added.
Coach Khaled Mahmud and manager Nasir Ahmed were present there.
Shafiqul Haque Heera and Faruque Ahmed, the managers of semi-finalists Dhaka Gladiators and Duronto Rajshahi, respectively, and Khulna Royal Bengals media manager Jahid Razzaq Masum were also present in the conference.
Dhaka's Heera said his team will support the Kings if they were thrown out illegally.
Faruque of Rajshahi said they will also back the Kings if they were dropped unlawfully. He, however, added they are not abandoning the first semi-final against the Burners at 2pm.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Tevez could still play role for City: Mancini
Manchester City outcast Carlos Tevez could still play for the club in the Premier League title run-in if he returned from Argentina, manager Roberto Mancini was quoted as saying in British media on Sunday.
"Everyone knows Carlos is a top player," the City manager was reported as saying in The Observer. "If he was here and playing it would be better, because Carlos can change games.
"If he were to come back next week maybe he can still help us in the next three months."
The 28-year-old Argentine striker, who fell out with Mancini after failing to heed his instructions to warm up during a Champions league game in September, had been widely expected to leave the club in the January transfer window.
However, despite interest from AC Milan, Inter Milan and Paris St Germain he was not sold.
He has been fined six weeks' wages for gross misconduct over his disappearance to Argentina without permission in November, a punishment he is appealing to the Premier League, and has also not been paid while he has been absent.
How soon Tevez could feature again for City, who are a point behind local rivals Manchester United with a game in hand ahead of Sunday's visit to Aston Villa, would depend on how quickly he could regain match fitness if he did come back to the club.
He last played for city in a League Cup win over Birmingham city on September 21.
"It depends on his condition, and when he returns," added Mancini. "We have already played a lot of games with only one striker. But Carlos knows the situation.
"I talked to him before he left, to try to resolve this situation, and if he comes back we can talk again. I don't have any problem with that. If he wants to play, it could happen."
"Everyone knows Carlos is a top player," the City manager was reported as saying in The Observer. "If he was here and playing it would be better, because Carlos can change games.
"If he were to come back next week maybe he can still help us in the next three months."
The 28-year-old Argentine striker, who fell out with Mancini after failing to heed his instructions to warm up during a Champions league game in September, had been widely expected to leave the club in the January transfer window.
However, despite interest from AC Milan, Inter Milan and Paris St Germain he was not sold.
He has been fined six weeks' wages for gross misconduct over his disappearance to Argentina without permission in November, a punishment he is appealing to the Premier League, and has also not been paid while he has been absent.
How soon Tevez could feature again for City, who are a point behind local rivals Manchester United with a game in hand ahead of Sunday's visit to Aston Villa, would depend on how quickly he could regain match fitness if he did come back to the club.
He last played for city in a League Cup win over Birmingham city on September 21.
"It depends on his condition, and when he returns," added Mancini. "We have already played a lot of games with only one striker. But Carlos knows the situation.
"I talked to him before he left, to try to resolve this situation, and if he comes back we can talk again. I don't have any problem with that. If he wants to play, it could happen."
Calm Dhoni takes India home
Gautam Gambhir's 92 at the top and some smart batting by captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni at the finish helped India chase down a 270-run target against Australia in Adelaide on Sunday for their second win in the triangular series.
The visitors, needing 13 runs in the last over, reached the mark with four wickets in hand and two balls to spare, aided by a huge straight six by Dhoni who remained unbeaten on 44 to see India through.
Clint McKay, the most successful bowler for Australia on Sunday with three for 53, made it easier for the Indians by bowling a no-ball in the last over.
Gambhir, who was rested against Sri Lanka in India's last match, was drafted in for Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday as part of India's rotation policy.
Left-handed Gambhir laid the foundation for India, stitching together two fifty-run stands with fellow opener Virender Sehwag (20) and later with Rohit Sharma (33) for the third wicket.
Suresh Raina (30-ball 38) and Dhoni then added 61 runs for the fifth wicket before Raina fell with India still needing 31 runs for victory.
Ravindra Jadeja also departed soon but Dhoni, known for his calm demeanour on the field, stayed till the end to ensure there were no further hiccups.
Earlier, solid half centuries from David Hussey (72) and debutant Peter Forrest (66) took Australia to 269 for eight after captain Michael Clarke opted to bat after winning the toss.
The hosts, who had won both their earlier matches in the tournament, lost openers Ricky Ponting and David Warner within the first 10 overs.
Clarke was also dismissed trying to boost the run rate after making a brisk 38, which reduced Australia to 81 for three wickets.
Forrest and Hussey then added 98 runs for the fourth wicket to lay a solid foundation and Australia looked set for a 300-plus score from there.
But India pulled things back with some tight bowling and quick wickets in the last 10 overs to restrict Australia to a smaller total.
All-rounder Daniel Christian's run out, one of the three in the innings, in the 48th over also robbed Australia of some vital momentum in the closing overs.
India play Sri Lanka at the same venue in the fifth match of the triangular series on Tuesday.
The visitors, needing 13 runs in the last over, reached the mark with four wickets in hand and two balls to spare, aided by a huge straight six by Dhoni who remained unbeaten on 44 to see India through.
Clint McKay, the most successful bowler for Australia on Sunday with three for 53, made it easier for the Indians by bowling a no-ball in the last over.
Gambhir, who was rested against Sri Lanka in India's last match, was drafted in for Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday as part of India's rotation policy.
Left-handed Gambhir laid the foundation for India, stitching together two fifty-run stands with fellow opener Virender Sehwag (20) and later with Rohit Sharma (33) for the third wicket.
Suresh Raina (30-ball 38) and Dhoni then added 61 runs for the fifth wicket before Raina fell with India still needing 31 runs for victory.
Ravindra Jadeja also departed soon but Dhoni, known for his calm demeanour on the field, stayed till the end to ensure there were no further hiccups.
Earlier, solid half centuries from David Hussey (72) and debutant Peter Forrest (66) took Australia to 269 for eight after captain Michael Clarke opted to bat after winning the toss.
The hosts, who had won both their earlier matches in the tournament, lost openers Ricky Ponting and David Warner within the first 10 overs.
Clarke was also dismissed trying to boost the run rate after making a brisk 38, which reduced Australia to 81 for three wickets.
Forrest and Hussey then added 98 runs for the fourth wicket to lay a solid foundation and Australia looked set for a 300-plus score from there.
But India pulled things back with some tight bowling and quick wickets in the last 10 overs to restrict Australia to a smaller total.
All-rounder Daniel Christian's run out, one of the three in the innings, in the 48th over also robbed Australia of some vital momentum in the closing overs.
India play Sri Lanka at the same venue in the fifth match of the triangular series on Tuesday.
Gayle spends a busy day
Chris Gayle has spent a busy day even though his team Barisal Burners was not in action on Sunday.
Gayle launched a product of Elite Paint at 3:00pm in Banasree. After that he launched the 200th ATM booth of AB Bank in Banasree.
After launching the ATM booth Gayle said, "Bangladesh is a wonderful country. I am really surprised experiencing the hospitality of the country. Happy to be here."
Director Mesbahul Hoque, assistant managing director (credit) Badrul H Khan and assistant managing director (business and commercial) Ahsan Afzal of AB Bank were also present.
The 200th booth of AB Bank has been launched to increase the service in alternative banking sectors.
Earlier, the managing director of Elite Paint welcomed Gayle when he launched 'colour-paste'. Director Sajib Ahmed and Ravej Ahmed of the company were present there.
Elite Paint is the sponsor of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) team Barisal Burners.
Gayle launched a product of Elite Paint at 3:00pm in Banasree. After that he launched the 200th ATM booth of AB Bank in Banasree.
After launching the ATM booth Gayle said, "Bangladesh is a wonderful country. I am really surprised experiencing the hospitality of the country. Happy to be here."
Director Mesbahul Hoque, assistant managing director (credit) Badrul H Khan and assistant managing director (business and commercial) Ahsan Afzal of AB Bank were also present.
The 200th booth of AB Bank has been launched to increase the service in alternative banking sectors.
Earlier, the managing director of Elite Paint welcomed Gayle when he launched 'colour-paste'. Director Sajib Ahmed and Ravej Ahmed of the company were present there.
Elite Paint is the sponsor of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) team Barisal Burners.
Barcelona freeze and title slips away in Pamplona
Barcelona's fading hopes of capturing a fourth consecutive La Liga crown suffered a major setback when they lost 3-2 at Osasuna on Saturday to leave Real Madrid seven points clear at the top with a game in hand.
In freezing conditions in Pamplona, Osasuna striker Dejan Lekic scored twice inside the first 22 minutes and Barca, who have struggled on the road all season, waited too long to react.
Spanish World Cup winners Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas started on the bench, and although Alexis Sanchez pulled one back for the visitors in the 52nd minute, Raul Garcia quickly restored Osasuna's advantage.
Barca's youth team winger Cristian Tello grabbed a second in the 73rd but a late charge just failed to produce the equaliser.
The world and European champions' second defeat of the season left them on 48 points, seven short of leaders Real, who host high-flying Levante on Sunday.
"The league is much tougher now, and I suppose tomorrow we will see the gap grow even larger, " Barca coach Pep Guardiola told reporters.
"If we could play well on this pitch in the second half we should have done so in the first as well. We found it hard to get into the game."
Atletico Madrid climbed to sixth with 31 points despite being held to a 0-0 draw at Racing Santander.
Home keeper Tono was man-of-the-match as he pulled off a string of saves to deny Atletico, who are unbeaten in the six games since Argentine Diego Simeone took the helm and have yet to concede a goal in that time.
Osasuna are seventh also with 31 points, one ahead of King's Cup finalists Athletic Bilbao, who suffered a 2-1 defeat at Real Betis in the late game.
Nelson struck a rasping last-minute winner for Betis, who played the last 25 minutes against 10 men after Bilbao defender Javi Martinez, the scorer of the equaliser, was sent off for a second bookable offence.
BUMPY PITCH
Osasuna's bumpy pitch and a swirling wind saw both sets of players struggling to keep their feet at the Reyno de Navarra stadium, but the hosts adapted quicker than Barcelona.
Serbian striker Lekic beat Victor Valdes at his near post after only five minutes to open the scoring and the Navarrans continued to boss the game until they doubled the lead.
A low cross from the right saw Lekic arrive unmarked again to find the net and Barca went in at the break trailing by two goals for the first time in the league since Guardiola took the helm in 2008.
Barcelona turned to youngsters Tello and Isaac Cuenca at halftime, perhaps reserving Xavi and Iniesta for the return to Champions League action next Tuesday, and the latter provided the cross for Alexis to score in the 51st minute.
It was only a brief respite.
A poor clearance from Valdes, one of a string of errors among Barca's players, led to Osasuna's third, when Raul Garcia squeezed a shot in off the post in the 55th.
Substitute Fabregas laid on the second for Tello, who cut back inside his marker to smash the ball high into the net.
Osasuna hit the post on a counter-attack but the action was all in their area in the closing minutes, and Fabregas had a header saved on the line in the fourth minute of added time.
In freezing conditions in Pamplona, Osasuna striker Dejan Lekic scored twice inside the first 22 minutes and Barca, who have struggled on the road all season, waited too long to react.
Spanish World Cup winners Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas started on the bench, and although Alexis Sanchez pulled one back for the visitors in the 52nd minute, Raul Garcia quickly restored Osasuna's advantage.
Barca's youth team winger Cristian Tello grabbed a second in the 73rd but a late charge just failed to produce the equaliser.
The world and European champions' second defeat of the season left them on 48 points, seven short of leaders Real, who host high-flying Levante on Sunday.
"The league is much tougher now, and I suppose tomorrow we will see the gap grow even larger, " Barca coach Pep Guardiola told reporters.
"If we could play well on this pitch in the second half we should have done so in the first as well. We found it hard to get into the game."
Atletico Madrid climbed to sixth with 31 points despite being held to a 0-0 draw at Racing Santander.
Home keeper Tono was man-of-the-match as he pulled off a string of saves to deny Atletico, who are unbeaten in the six games since Argentine Diego Simeone took the helm and have yet to concede a goal in that time.
Osasuna are seventh also with 31 points, one ahead of King's Cup finalists Athletic Bilbao, who suffered a 2-1 defeat at Real Betis in the late game.
Nelson struck a rasping last-minute winner for Betis, who played the last 25 minutes against 10 men after Bilbao defender Javi Martinez, the scorer of the equaliser, was sent off for a second bookable offence.
BUMPY PITCH
Osasuna's bumpy pitch and a swirling wind saw both sets of players struggling to keep their feet at the Reyno de Navarra stadium, but the hosts adapted quicker than Barcelona.
Serbian striker Lekic beat Victor Valdes at his near post after only five minutes to open the scoring and the Navarrans continued to boss the game until they doubled the lead.
A low cross from the right saw Lekic arrive unmarked again to find the net and Barca went in at the break trailing by two goals for the first time in the league since Guardiola took the helm in 2008.
Barcelona turned to youngsters Tello and Isaac Cuenca at halftime, perhaps reserving Xavi and Iniesta for the return to Champions League action next Tuesday, and the latter provided the cross for Alexis to score in the 51st minute.
It was only a brief respite.
A poor clearance from Valdes, one of a string of errors among Barca's players, led to Osasuna's third, when Raul Garcia squeezed a shot in off the post in the 55th.
Substitute Fabregas laid on the second for Tello, who cut back inside his marker to smash the ball high into the net.
Osasuna hit the post on a counter-attack but the action was all in their area in the closing minutes, and Fabregas had a header saved on the line in the fourth minute of added time.
Jamshed propels Kings to victory
Chittagong Kings snatched a thrilling six-wicket win over Khulna Royal Bengals in their Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match.
Nasir Jamshed's 86 runs in 47 balls assisted Kings to chase the target of 172 with five balls to spare at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday.
Jason Roy (36) was the second highest scorer for the Kings.
Earlier, Royal Bengals, who won the toss and elected to bat, scored 171 for three in 20 overs.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul scored the highest of 59 runs for Royal Bengals while Herschelle Gibbs scored 34 and Dwayne Smith 39.
Shakib Al Hasan was not out 4.
Mahmudullah picked up two wickets for Chittagong Kings while Bravo took one.
Nasir Jamshed's 86 runs in 47 balls assisted Kings to chase the target of 172 with five balls to spare at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday.
Jason Roy (36) was the second highest scorer for the Kings.
Earlier, Royal Bengals, who won the toss and elected to bat, scored 171 for three in 20 overs.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul scored the highest of 59 runs for Royal Bengals while Herschelle Gibbs scored 34 and Dwayne Smith 39.
Shakib Al Hasan was not out 4.
Mahmudullah picked up two wickets for Chittagong Kings while Bravo took one.
Glads overpower Royals
Dhaka Gladiators easily defeated Sylhet Royals by seven wickets their Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match on Sunday.
They reached the modest 125-run target with 10 balls to spare.
Anamul Haque scored 48 while Imran Nazir and Mohammad Ashraful added 26 and 23 not out.
Earlier, Royals were bowled out for 124 in 19.5 overs.
Naeem Islam scored highest 30 runs for Royals while Imrul Kayes scored 23 runs and Brad Hogg remained not out on 18.
Mashrafe Bin Mortaza picked up two wickets for Gladiators while Azhar Mahmood, Kieron Pollard, Elias Sunny and Mohammad Ashraful have one each.
Royals won the toss and elected to bat first.
They reached the modest 125-run target with 10 balls to spare.
Anamul Haque scored 48 while Imran Nazir and Mohammad Ashraful added 26 and 23 not out.
Earlier, Royals were bowled out for 124 in 19.5 overs.
Naeem Islam scored highest 30 runs for Royals while Imrul Kayes scored 23 runs and Brad Hogg remained not out on 18.
Mashrafe Bin Mortaza picked up two wickets for Gladiators while Azhar Mahmood, Kieron Pollard, Elias Sunny and Mohammad Ashraful have one each.
Royals won the toss and elected to bat first.
Rahim fined Tk 25,000 for showing dissent
Mushfiqur Rahim has been fined Tk 25,000 for breaching the code of conduct in a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match.
Rahim, the skipper of the national team, protested the umpire's decision and showed dissent while he was leading Duronto Rajshahi in a BPL match against Barisal Burners on Saturday.
He was reported to match referee Mike Proctor after the game.
Proctor concluded that by challenging the decision of the umpires and clearly showing dissent, Mushfiqur had brought the game into disrepute.
"Rahim accepted that he was guilty of the code of conduct breach," Procter said.
"We took into account his general good conduct history but also felt that as captain of the side he must take responsibility for what happened on the field and a fine was imposed."
Rahim, the skipper of the national team, protested the umpire's decision and showed dissent while he was leading Duronto Rajshahi in a BPL match against Barisal Burners on Saturday.
He was reported to match referee Mike Proctor after the game.
Proctor concluded that by challenging the decision of the umpires and clearly showing dissent, Mushfiqur had brought the game into disrepute.
"Rahim accepted that he was guilty of the code of conduct breach," Procter said.
"We took into account his general good conduct history but also felt that as captain of the side he must take responsibility for what happened on the field and a fine was imposed."
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Arambagh floor Brothers
Arambagh rallied back to upset Brothers Union 2-1 in the Bangladesh Premier League at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Tuesday.
Nigerian forward Joshua Olalekan put his team ahead five minutes before half-time. His compatriot Samson Lliasu fed him with a nice through pass and Joshua beat his marker and placed the ball in the far post net.
Arambagh's Ujumefun Joel equalised in the 75th minute with a delicate side volley off a cross curved by Aminur Rahman Shohag from the right flank.
In the last minute of the three-minute stoppage time, Joel scored the winner after Elita cut the ball back to him and the Nigerian placed the ball in the near post.
Nigerian forward Joshua Olalekan put his team ahead five minutes before half-time. His compatriot Samson Lliasu fed him with a nice through pass and Joshua beat his marker and placed the ball in the far post net.
Arambagh's Ujumefun Joel equalised in the 75th minute with a delicate side volley off a cross curved by Aminur Rahman Shohag from the right flank.
In the last minute of the three-minute stoppage time, Joel scored the winner after Elita cut the ball back to him and the Nigerian placed the ball in the near post.
Fifa donate $250,000 to victims of Egypt disaster
Fifa are to donate $250,000 (157,321.75 pounds) to the families of the victims of last week's Egyptian stadium disaster in which 74 people were killed after violence flared at a soccer match in Port Said between al-Masry and Cairo-based Al Ahli.
"I stated after the tragedy that this day was a black day for football. I'm still very shocked by what happened. Many of the victims were so young," Fifa president Sepp Blatter said in a statement.
"They were also a crucial support for their families, who now need help. The football community, including Fifa, must assist its Egyptian brothers and sisters."
Fifa said the sum would be paid into a charity account opened by Al Ahli.
At least 1,000 people were also injured in the violence when fans invaded the pitch after al-Masry's victory on Feb 2. Most of the deaths were among people trampled in the crush of the panicking crowd, while others fell or were thrown from terraces.
"I stated after the tragedy that this day was a black day for football. I'm still very shocked by what happened. Many of the victims were so young," Fifa president Sepp Blatter said in a statement.
"They were also a crucial support for their families, who now need help. The football community, including Fifa, must assist its Egyptian brothers and sisters."
Fifa said the sum would be paid into a charity account opened by Al Ahli.
At least 1,000 people were also injured in the violence when fans invaded the pitch after al-Masry's victory on Feb 2. Most of the deaths were among people trampled in the crush of the panicking crowd, while others fell or were thrown from terraces.
United fight back to hold Chelsea
Manchester United fought back from three goals down to draw 3-3 with Chelsea in a thrilling Premier League match at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Two penalties from Wayne Rooney and a header by Javier Hernandez kept the champions in touch with leaders Manchester City after Chelsea had built a 3-0 lead after 51 minutes through an own goal by Jonny Evans, a scorching left-foot volley from Juan Mata and a David Luiz header.
But United, who dominated most of the first half, struck back with two penalties from Wayne Rooney after 58 and 69 minutes and Hernandez powered in a header seven minutes from time after Cech had saved a Rooney shot.
The result left Manchester City two points clear of United at the top of the table with 57 points, both teams having played 24 games.
Chelsea, without injured skipper John Terry and midfielder Frank Lampard and the suspended Ashley Cole, stayed in fourth place on 43 points, six behind Tottenham Hotspur who play at Liverpool on Monday.
In the day's earlier game, Newcastle United beat Aston Villa 2-1 to move above Arsenal into fifth place on 42 points.
Substitute Papiss Cisse scored on his debut to secure Newcastle's victory.
Two penalties from Wayne Rooney and a header by Javier Hernandez kept the champions in touch with leaders Manchester City after Chelsea had built a 3-0 lead after 51 minutes through an own goal by Jonny Evans, a scorching left-foot volley from Juan Mata and a David Luiz header.
But United, who dominated most of the first half, struck back with two penalties from Wayne Rooney after 58 and 69 minutes and Hernandez powered in a header seven minutes from time after Cech had saved a Rooney shot.
The result left Manchester City two points clear of United at the top of the table with 57 points, both teams having played 24 games.
Chelsea, without injured skipper John Terry and midfielder Frank Lampard and the suspended Ashley Cole, stayed in fourth place on 43 points, six behind Tottenham Hotspur who play at Liverpool on Monday.
In the day's earlier game, Newcastle United beat Aston Villa 2-1 to move above Arsenal into fifth place on 42 points.
Substitute Papiss Cisse scored on his debut to secure Newcastle's victory.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Dravid likely to announce retirement shortly
Rahul Dravid's glorious international career may have come to an end on Friday, with the veteran batsman likely to announce his retirement shortly.
The 39-year-old Dravid, one of the game's greatest batsmen, is believed to have told some of his team-mates after another failure against Australia in the final Test that he had decided to hang his boots, reports Times of India.
He could not be reached for his comments. Dravid, like most other Indian batsmen, has had a poor run in the current four-Test series which will conclude on Saturday with India likely to suffer another defeat to give Australia a clean sweep.
He made 194 runs at an average of 24.25 in this series. Dravid has already announced his retirement from one-day cricket and Twenty20.
The elegant right hander, nicknamed 'The Wall' for his dour defence, is the second highest run getter in Test history with 13,288 runs, behind only Sachin Tendulkar who has 15,470 runs. He has 36 Test centuries with a highest score of 270 and an average of 52.31.
Dravid has also taken more catches (210) than anyone else in Test history during his 164 Test matches since he made his debut against England at Lord's in 1996.
He captained India from December 2005 to August 2007. There is a question mark over another Indian veteran VVS Laxman who too had a miserable run against Australia in the current series. There was no word yet about his future plans.
The 39-year-old Dravid, one of the game's greatest batsmen, is believed to have told some of his team-mates after another failure against Australia in the final Test that he had decided to hang his boots, reports Times of India.
He could not be reached for his comments. Dravid, like most other Indian batsmen, has had a poor run in the current four-Test series which will conclude on Saturday with India likely to suffer another defeat to give Australia a clean sweep.
He made 194 runs at an average of 24.25 in this series. Dravid has already announced his retirement from one-day cricket and Twenty20.
The elegant right hander, nicknamed 'The Wall' for his dour defence, is the second highest run getter in Test history with 13,288 runs, behind only Sachin Tendulkar who has 15,470 runs. He has 36 Test centuries with a highest score of 270 and an average of 52.31.
Dravid has also taken more catches (210) than anyone else in Test history during his 164 Test matches since he made his debut against England at Lord's in 1996.
He captained India from December 2005 to August 2007. There is a question mark over another Indian veteran VVS Laxman who too had a miserable run against Australia in the current series. There was no word yet about his future plans.
Lyon gets off the roller to mow down Tendulkar
A little over a year ago, Nathan Lyon was an Adelaide Oval groundsman watching from the sidelines as Australia crashed to an innings defeat on their way to a humiliating Ashes series defeat.
On Friday at the same ground, he took three wickets for 57, including what could be final dismissal of Sachin Tendulkar in a Test on Australian soil, to put his country on the brink of a 4-0 series sweep over India.
The 24-year-old, the latest in a long line of spinners tried out by Australia since the retirement of Shane Warne five years ago, agreed that it had been quite a surreal turnaround.
"It's been a different side of the fence enjoying the Test match rather than sitting on the roller watching it," he told reporters.
"It's been a fantastic experience playing in front of the home crowd and I've enjoyed every moment of it."
Lyon only made his first-class debut in February last year after impressing the previous month in Australia's domestic Big Bash Twenty20 tournament.
The off-spinner did not have to wait long for his Test debut on the tour of Sri Lanka last August and his return to the Adelaide Oval was his 10th appearance for his country in the longer form of the game.
Tendulkar was not the only famous name to fall to Lyon on Friday although he admitted that the ball that induced stand-in India captain Virender Sehwag to hole out at cover was not a special delivery.
"Sehwag? it was a full toss," he said.
"Probably wasn't my best ball but I'm not going to call him back, that's for sure.
"Ricky Ponting came up to me just before that ball and said 'do him in the air' so I was pretty happy with it."
There was another surreal moment after Lyon had dismissed VVS Laxman when Australia put nine fielders close in around nightwatchman Ishant Sharma.
"To have that many fielders around the bat was something I'd never had before except in backyard cricket," Lyon said.
"It didn't work but we'll give it another crack another time."
Lyon's three wickets on Friday doubled his tally in his three matches in the series despite Adelaide being the only one going to five days, when a spinner would be expected to play a big role.
"I felt I bowled pretty well the whole summer," he said. "It's just good to be able to contribute to what will hopefully be a team victory.
"I can't see it being too bad of a wicket (tomorrow), it's still a good wicket to bat on when the ball's in the middle. There's plenty of rough for the spinners so hopefully I can play a role."
On Friday at the same ground, he took three wickets for 57, including what could be final dismissal of Sachin Tendulkar in a Test on Australian soil, to put his country on the brink of a 4-0 series sweep over India.
The 24-year-old, the latest in a long line of spinners tried out by Australia since the retirement of Shane Warne five years ago, agreed that it had been quite a surreal turnaround.
"It's been a different side of the fence enjoying the Test match rather than sitting on the roller watching it," he told reporters.
"It's been a fantastic experience playing in front of the home crowd and I've enjoyed every moment of it."
Lyon only made his first-class debut in February last year after impressing the previous month in Australia's domestic Big Bash Twenty20 tournament.
The off-spinner did not have to wait long for his Test debut on the tour of Sri Lanka last August and his return to the Adelaide Oval was his 10th appearance for his country in the longer form of the game.
Tendulkar was not the only famous name to fall to Lyon on Friday although he admitted that the ball that induced stand-in India captain Virender Sehwag to hole out at cover was not a special delivery.
"Sehwag? it was a full toss," he said.
"Probably wasn't my best ball but I'm not going to call him back, that's for sure.
"Ricky Ponting came up to me just before that ball and said 'do him in the air' so I was pretty happy with it."
There was another surreal moment after Lyon had dismissed VVS Laxman when Australia put nine fielders close in around nightwatchman Ishant Sharma.
"To have that many fielders around the bat was something I'd never had before except in backyard cricket," Lyon said.
"It didn't work but we'll give it another crack another time."
Lyon's three wickets on Friday doubled his tally in his three matches in the series despite Adelaide being the only one going to five days, when a spinner would be expected to play a big role.
"I felt I bowled pretty well the whole summer," he said. "It's just good to be able to contribute to what will hopefully be a team victory.
"I can't see it being too bad of a wicket (tomorrow), it's still a good wicket to bat on when the ball's in the middle. There's plenty of rough for the spinners so hopefully I can play a role."
Indian squad`s WC memorabilia to be auctioned
Despite India staring at their second consecutive overseas series whitewash, the World Cup-winning players` autographed bat is all set to go under the auctioneer`s hammer next month.
A bat and a ball signed by the members of the triumphant 2011 World Cup-winning squad led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni are among various sports memorabilia listed for the auction to be held in Mumbai on Feb 11 to raise money for actor Rahul Bose`s charitable trust The Foundation, reports Zeenews.
Among other notable items that would be auctioned off, includes Dhoni`s bat that he used in the World Cup, the autographed bat by all captains who took part in the mega event, the shoes worn by pacer Zaheer Khan.
Retired Indian footballer and former captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who is associated with The Foundation since last year, was present at the memorabilia unveiling function on Friday.
Two T-shirts worn by the 'Sikkimese Sniper' during his farewell encounter against Bayern Munich at New Delhi earlier this month would also go under the hammer.
And Bhutia said that the proceeds would go to 'Sikkim Relief Fund'.
Spanish tennis great Rafael Nadal's autographed tennis shoes and a football autographed by Argentina's mercurial player Lionel Messi will also be up for grabs.
Among the 29 sports items to be auctioned off are West Indian great Brian Lara`s bat, the running shoes worn by 'Flying Sikh' Milkha Singh when he finished fourth in the 200m at the 1960 Rome Olympics and the memorabilia of erstwhile all-rounders Kapil Dev, Imran Khan, Ian Botham and Richard Hadlee.
Other sports items to go under the hammer belongs to cricketers VVS Laxman and Harbhajan Singh, five-time women's world boxing champion MC Mary Kom, tennis duo of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, 2010 world wrestling champion and Olympic bronze medal winner Sushil Kumar, Beijing bronze medal-winning boxer Vijender Singh and hockey ace Dhanraj Pillay.
Also in the list to be auctioned off are the Test blazers and pullovers of the erstwhile Indian spin quartet as well as an autographed ball by the foursome - Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrasekar, Srinivas Venkataraghavan and Bishen Singh Bedi.
The proceeds of the auction, other than those mentioned by Bhutia, would go towards Bose's charitable foundation.
A bat and a ball signed by the members of the triumphant 2011 World Cup-winning squad led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni are among various sports memorabilia listed for the auction to be held in Mumbai on Feb 11 to raise money for actor Rahul Bose`s charitable trust The Foundation, reports Zeenews.
Among other notable items that would be auctioned off, includes Dhoni`s bat that he used in the World Cup, the autographed bat by all captains who took part in the mega event, the shoes worn by pacer Zaheer Khan.
Retired Indian footballer and former captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who is associated with The Foundation since last year, was present at the memorabilia unveiling function on Friday.
Two T-shirts worn by the 'Sikkimese Sniper' during his farewell encounter against Bayern Munich at New Delhi earlier this month would also go under the hammer.
And Bhutia said that the proceeds would go to 'Sikkim Relief Fund'.
Spanish tennis great Rafael Nadal's autographed tennis shoes and a football autographed by Argentina's mercurial player Lionel Messi will also be up for grabs.
Among the 29 sports items to be auctioned off are West Indian great Brian Lara`s bat, the running shoes worn by 'Flying Sikh' Milkha Singh when he finished fourth in the 200m at the 1960 Rome Olympics and the memorabilia of erstwhile all-rounders Kapil Dev, Imran Khan, Ian Botham and Richard Hadlee.
Other sports items to go under the hammer belongs to cricketers VVS Laxman and Harbhajan Singh, five-time women's world boxing champion MC Mary Kom, tennis duo of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, 2010 world wrestling champion and Olympic bronze medal winner Sushil Kumar, Beijing bronze medal-winning boxer Vijender Singh and hockey ace Dhanraj Pillay.
Also in the list to be auctioned off are the Test blazers and pullovers of the erstwhile Indian spin quartet as well as an autographed ball by the foursome - Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrasekar, Srinivas Venkataraghavan and Bishen Singh Bedi.
The proceeds of the auction, other than those mentioned by Bhutia, would go towards Bose's charitable foundation.
Success brings confidence, not pressure: Nadal
Novak Djokovic comes into the Australian Open final shouldering the expectations of defending champion and with a huge target on his back after winning back-to-back Grand Slam titles.
But Rafa Nadal would swap places with him in a heartbeat.
The Spaniard, who will face Djokovic in Sunday's Melbourne final, believes the world number one's stellar run in 2011 would bring him confidence, not added pressure.
"It's a fantastic situation to be in," Nadal told reporters on Saturday.
"It's really not a tough one.
"When you are coming with that confidence everything is a little bit easier."
Djokovic kicked off a career-defining year by winning the Australian Open and went on to win Wimbledon and the US Open while compiling a remarkable 70-6 record over the season.
Nadal knows perhaps better than anyone what kind of impact such a streak of success can have on a player's psyche.
The Spaniard came into last year's Melbourne Park tournament seeking the 'Rafa Slam' after winning the final three majors of 2010.
While he went out in the quarter-finals to David Ferrer, pressure had nothing to do with it, he says.
"I was a little bit unlucky here last year when I played for the grand slam," he added.
"I didn't feel extra pressure. That's true. I had an injury in the quarter-finals so I was out.
"I think for (Djokovic) it's an advantage, not a pressure, to be in that situation."
'BIG, BIG TEST'
Nadal, who arrived at his news conference an hour late after getting the time wrong, came into the year's first Grand Slam under an injury cloud with shoulder and knee problems but has looked stronger as the tournament has gone on.
Djokovic, meanwhile, has complained of allergy issues and his breathing looked laboured in recent games, particularly in the early stages of his five-set semi-final win over Britain's Andy Murray on Friday.
Nadal was sceptical there was anything wrong with the Serb.
"It's funny, I saw the match yesterday on TV ... and they show images from two hours, 50 (minutes) before and it seems like he was destroyed," he said.
"Two hours, 50 later he was in perfect condition. So it's difficult to imagine he has these problems."
Nadal holds the upper hand against Djokovic at 16 wins to the Serb's 13, but recent finals have gone the way of the world number one.
The Mallorcan acknowledged there would be no quarter asked or given on Sunday.
"He is the favourite after being number one in the world and after playing fantastic and beating me the last six times," added Nadal, who beat Roger Federer and Tomas Berdych in the previous two rounds.
"Now it's another big, big test. I don't know if I am ready enough to win the match tomorrow but I believe that I can do it and I am going to fight for it."
But Rafa Nadal would swap places with him in a heartbeat.
The Spaniard, who will face Djokovic in Sunday's Melbourne final, believes the world number one's stellar run in 2011 would bring him confidence, not added pressure.
"It's a fantastic situation to be in," Nadal told reporters on Saturday.
"It's really not a tough one.
"When you are coming with that confidence everything is a little bit easier."
Djokovic kicked off a career-defining year by winning the Australian Open and went on to win Wimbledon and the US Open while compiling a remarkable 70-6 record over the season.
Nadal knows perhaps better than anyone what kind of impact such a streak of success can have on a player's psyche.
The Spaniard came into last year's Melbourne Park tournament seeking the 'Rafa Slam' after winning the final three majors of 2010.
While he went out in the quarter-finals to David Ferrer, pressure had nothing to do with it, he says.
"I was a little bit unlucky here last year when I played for the grand slam," he added.
"I didn't feel extra pressure. That's true. I had an injury in the quarter-finals so I was out.
"I think for (Djokovic) it's an advantage, not a pressure, to be in that situation."
'BIG, BIG TEST'
Nadal, who arrived at his news conference an hour late after getting the time wrong, came into the year's first Grand Slam under an injury cloud with shoulder and knee problems but has looked stronger as the tournament has gone on.
Djokovic, meanwhile, has complained of allergy issues and his breathing looked laboured in recent games, particularly in the early stages of his five-set semi-final win over Britain's Andy Murray on Friday.
Nadal was sceptical there was anything wrong with the Serb.
"It's funny, I saw the match yesterday on TV ... and they show images from two hours, 50 (minutes) before and it seems like he was destroyed," he said.
"Two hours, 50 later he was in perfect condition. So it's difficult to imagine he has these problems."
Nadal holds the upper hand against Djokovic at 16 wins to the Serb's 13, but recent finals have gone the way of the world number one.
The Mallorcan acknowledged there would be no quarter asked or given on Sunday.
"He is the favourite after being number one in the world and after playing fantastic and beating me the last six times," added Nadal, who beat Roger Federer and Tomas Berdych in the previous two rounds.
"Now it's another big, big test. I don't know if I am ready enough to win the match tomorrow but I believe that I can do it and I am going to fight for it."
Philander under injury cloud
Vernon Philander, South Africa's latest fast bowling sensation, had his participation in the second Test against Sri Lanka thrown into doubt after he pulled up with a knee injury in Durban on Saturday.
Philander has enjoyed a remarkable start to his Test career, taking 24 wickets in three Tests, but the 26-year-old injured his knee during a net session.
Despite the injury Proteas team management are confident that Philander will be fit for the second Test against Sri Lanka due to start in Durban on Monday.
"He suffered a mild strain to the medial side of his left knee while bowling today. The physio classified it as a mild strain," South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee told reporters shortly after the injury occurred.
"He will be treated overnight and he will bowl tomorrow. If anything untoward happens we will decide from there. But at the moment we are still confident he will be fit for the Test," added Moosajee.
If Philander fails to recover from the injury it could signal a debut for 21-year-old fast bowler Marchant de Lange, who has played in just 14 first-class matches.
Philander has enjoyed a remarkable start to his Test career, taking 24 wickets in three Tests, but the 26-year-old injured his knee during a net session.
Despite the injury Proteas team management are confident that Philander will be fit for the second Test against Sri Lanka due to start in Durban on Monday.
"He suffered a mild strain to the medial side of his left knee while bowling today. The physio classified it as a mild strain," South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee told reporters shortly after the injury occurred.
"He will be treated overnight and he will bowl tomorrow. If anything untoward happens we will decide from there. But at the moment we are still confident he will be fit for the Test," added Moosajee.
If Philander fails to recover from the injury it could signal a debut for 21-year-old fast bowler Marchant de Lange, who has played in just 14 first-class matches.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Strauss admits England failings
England captain Andrew Strauss admitted his team were not good enough after they were bowled out for 72 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday to give Pakistan an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
England's second innings total was their fifth-lowest of the past 50 years, and the world's top-ranked Test side were condemned to their first series defeat since 2009 having lost last week's first Test in Dubai by 10 wickets.
"Individually, we haven't been clear enough about our game plan against the spin, where are our scoring areas are and we've allowed pressure to build," Strauss told reporters.
"Each time a wicket falls it makes it harder for the next guy coming in. As a batting unit we have to hold our hands up and say we haven't done well enough. No excuses, we need to be better than that."
Strauss has scored 68 runs in four innings and Kevin Pietersen 17 as England's top batsmen have struggled against Pakistan's spinners. On Saturday Abdur Rehman celebrated a six-wicket haul, while Saeed Ajmal has 17 wickets for the series.
England got closer to Pakistan in Abu Dhabi but barely improved on their mauling in Dubai.
"The fact we got rolled over twice in Dubai meant there was baggage going into (Saturday's) final innings," Strauss said.
"This is the final frontier - the subcontinent. England sides haven't done very well out here in the past, but we came here and approached things pretty positively and we thought we had a great chance to win this series.
"Test cricket exposes any vulnerabilities and excuses you have."
England will try to make amends in the third Test, which starts in Dubai on Friday.
"The batsmen need and want to show that we're better than what we've shown so far in this tour -- that's a pretty good motivation," Strauss said.
"As a side we want to demonstrate we can play in these conditions, which I am absolutely certain we can do because we played a lot of good cricket in this game."
MOVING ON
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq said the hosts' convincing series win would help shift the focus away from the spot-fixing scandal that led to the imprisonment of three former players.
"It should do," said Misbah.
"Both teams are playing good cricket in a good atmosphere, concentrating on what's important - on the field."
Misbah paid tribute to his spin-bowling trio of Rehman, Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez.
"Any team playing on this type of surface last and the kind of bowlers (Pakistan have) playing well, I think it's difficult," Misbah said.
"When you are not able to see which side the ball is going it's really difficult and that happened in this game."
England's second innings total was their fifth-lowest of the past 50 years, and the world's top-ranked Test side were condemned to their first series defeat since 2009 having lost last week's first Test in Dubai by 10 wickets.
"Individually, we haven't been clear enough about our game plan against the spin, where are our scoring areas are and we've allowed pressure to build," Strauss told reporters.
"Each time a wicket falls it makes it harder for the next guy coming in. As a batting unit we have to hold our hands up and say we haven't done well enough. No excuses, we need to be better than that."
Strauss has scored 68 runs in four innings and Kevin Pietersen 17 as England's top batsmen have struggled against Pakistan's spinners. On Saturday Abdur Rehman celebrated a six-wicket haul, while Saeed Ajmal has 17 wickets for the series.
England got closer to Pakistan in Abu Dhabi but barely improved on their mauling in Dubai.
"The fact we got rolled over twice in Dubai meant there was baggage going into (Saturday's) final innings," Strauss said.
"This is the final frontier - the subcontinent. England sides haven't done very well out here in the past, but we came here and approached things pretty positively and we thought we had a great chance to win this series.
"Test cricket exposes any vulnerabilities and excuses you have."
England will try to make amends in the third Test, which starts in Dubai on Friday.
"The batsmen need and want to show that we're better than what we've shown so far in this tour -- that's a pretty good motivation," Strauss said.
"As a side we want to demonstrate we can play in these conditions, which I am absolutely certain we can do because we played a lot of good cricket in this game."
MOVING ON
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq said the hosts' convincing series win would help shift the focus away from the spot-fixing scandal that led to the imprisonment of three former players.
"It should do," said Misbah.
"Both teams are playing good cricket in a good atmosphere, concentrating on what's important - on the field."
Misbah paid tribute to his spin-bowling trio of Rehman, Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez.
"Any team playing on this type of surface last and the kind of bowlers (Pakistan have) playing well, I think it's difficult," Misbah said.
"When you are not able to see which side the ball is going it's really difficult and that happened in this game."
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