Quick Singles: Speedy Akhtar bowls the fastest ball

Shoaib Akhtar became the first bowler to officially clock 100mph (160km/h) in international cricket during Pakistan's loss to England in Cape Town yesterday.

In his second over, Akhtar warmed up with a 158.4km/h (98.43mph) delivery and gradually built up speed to finish the maiden over with 161.3km/h (100.23mph).

Akhtar bowled 160.2km/h (99.54mph) in a one-day international against New Zealand in Lahore last year, but the International Cricket Council refused to recognise it because the speed gun was not officially sanctioned.

Canada plea:

Canada captain Joe Harris says the leading nations need to give more help to lesser teams for cricket to become a truly global sport.

Harris said the ICC's decision to allow developing nations to compete at the cup was not enough.

"The only way the ICC is going to develop the sport is to allow us to play in these tournaments," he said. "But I think there are opportunities for teams to go and visit test nations and go on tours ... not necessarily to play against the full sides, but maybe A sides and first-class sides."

Players grilled:

Andy Flower and Henry Olonga were called to a meeting with Zimbabwe Cricket Union officials yesterday to discuss their continuing on-field protest against President Robert Mugabe's Government.



Flower, one of the world's leading batsmen and a former captain, and fast bowler Olonga made a statement mourning the "death of democracy in our beloved Zimbabwe" before the team's opening match against Namibia on February 10. The pair also wore black armbands.

Zimbabwe host Australia in Bulawayo tonight.

Baseball call:

American baseball coach Mike Young is helping to mastermind Australia's cup defence.

Young is working with Ricky Ponting's squad as their throwing and fielding consultant and his inclusion in the touring party is an example of Australia's willingness to look beyond cricket in a bid to improve.

Young's influence can be seen in relay throws from the deep and players tracking each other to the boundary, both moves designed to ensure the ball is returned as quickly as possible.

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Points table