World Cricket Live Update

These past few days have been filled with lopsided results with West Indies and Pakistan getting destroyed by Australian and South Africa respectively.

Firstly, in the 1st ODI in Perth, the West Indies were shot out for 70 within 23.5 overs. Only 3 batsmen scored above 7, with 'extras' being the unofficial highest scorer with 17. Mitchell Starc swung his way beautifully to best figures of 5/20 off 6.5 overs including 3 bowled. Clint McKay also bowled superbly with 3/10 off 7, while debutant James Faulkner picked up 2/14. It really was an abject performance by the West Indians, which was made worse when Glen Maxwell (promoted to opener) smashed a quickfire 51* off only 35 balls. Amazingly 48 runs out of the 51 came in boundaries (9 fours and 2 sixes). Finch was the only batsman dismissed going for 10, enabling debutant Jason Holder to pick up his first international wicket. The chase was completed within 9.2 overs.

This match produced some incredible records including:
- West Indies' score of 70 is their third lowest in ODI's (lowest against Australia)
- The match only lasted 199 deliveries, which is the shortest completed match in Australia, and second shortest overall (only top 8 nations included)



Meanwhile in the 1st Test between South Africa and Pakistan, there were high hopes for Pakistan to provide the hosts with a stern challenge. This was looking likely after they bowled South Africa out for 253. Kallis was the only batsman to score a 50, while part-time spinner Mohammad Hafeez incredibly managed to pick up four wickets. Even Younis Khan picked up what was his 7th wicket (in 79 tests). Pakistan managed to claw to Stumps on Day 1 unscathed, suggesting that the home side could have a fight on their hands.

Enter Dale Steyn
6 wickets for 8 runs off 8.1 overs with 6 maidens

This caused Pakistan to be bowled out for 49. Yes that's right 49.

Yes they are the correct figures, 6/8 off 8.1 overs with an amazing 6 maidens. In fact there was only three scoring shots off his bowling. It really was an incredible spell of test match bowling with some superb outswingers obliterating the Pakistan top order. Azhar Ali and Misbah ul-Haq managed to put on 24 for the fourth wicket. There was some controversy though with the dismissal of Misbah ul-Haq. There was a half-hearted appeal for a caught behind off Kallis, with keeper AB de Villiers not even appealing initially at all. South Africa reviewed it, and a miniscule edge appeared on Hot Spot, before disappearing almost instantly. Amazingly the decision was overturned, which infuriated Misbah, as well as the Pakistan coach Dav Whatmore. Pakistan had the wrong end of the stick in relation to the DRS, with there appearing to be some inconsistent decisions made by third umpire Steve Davis.

Nonetheless, despite this controversy, Graeme Smith decided not to enforce the follow on, and by Stumps on Day 2, South Africa are 207/3. De Villiers is not out on 63*, while Amla is also not out on 50*. Smith made 52 before edging to the keeper off Umar Gul.

Pakistan's total also produced some records which they probably don't want to learn of:
- Their score of 49 was their lowest in tests (after 53 in 2002 against Australia, where they also scored 59 in the same match)
- Since the beginning of 2009, Pakistan have been bowled out for under 100 six times.
- The completed number of overs (29.1) is their fifth shortest


Scorecards here:
Australia VS West Indies
http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia-v-west-indies-2013/engine/current/match/573022.html

South Africa VS Pakistan
http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-pakistan-2013/engine/current/match/567363.html

Full list of statistics and records from these matches
AUS VS WI
http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/current/story/603007.html

SA VS PAK
http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-pakistan-2013/content/current/story/603147.html

*Stats and scorecards courtesy of Cricinfo