World Cup Cocktail

Crediting Shoaib Akhtar for bringing back rhythm in his bowling, Indian pacer Mohammad Shami said the former Pakistan speedster advised him to shorten his run-up, which has helped him increase his pace.

"The recent change in run-up has surely increased my pace. So I am continuing with it and hoping that it pays rich dividends. I did have a chat with Shoaib (Akhtar) bhai and he suggested that I should reduce my big strides. It (the new run-up) is smooth and comfortable and it has also increased my pace," Shami said.

'India won't relax'

Fighting to stay in contention for the World Cup quarterfinals, Ireland cricket captain William Porterfield said his giant-slaying team does not expect to be taken lightly by India.

"No, I don't think their guard will ever be down. They're a squad of 15, so whatever they decide to do, they decide to do," Porterfield told reporters.

"It's a long tournament, and they're not going to look to lose any momentum from their point of view. Whoever they decide to play, it doesn't really bother me," he said.

"We've just got to keep all the momentum going and keep on improving at the little things we want to and keep taking things forward," he added.

Nabi in Australia-New Zealand conundrum

Afghanistan skipper Mohammad Nabi could not separate New Zealand and Australia when it came to choosing between the form teams in the World Cup.

The Afghans played the two frontrunners and World Cup co-hosts in quick succession and were beaten both times.

"New Zealand, they're quite good. Also Australia," Nabi diplomatically said when asked to rate the two sides after losing to New Zealand.

"I'm not saying that Australia is the best or New Zealand is the best, both of the teams are good and quite balanced."

Smith worried by Proteas inability to chase

Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith fears the Proteas' hopes of a maiden World Cup title could be thwarted by the team's inability to chase down targets.

"South Africa's win-loss record, when chasing 240 or more since the last World Cup, is 3-10 whilst they only have a 39 per cent win percentage when chasing in one-day internationals since January 2013," wrote Smith in his ICC column.

"On the contrary, when batting first, South Africa has a 24-8 win-loss record, which is the best among all Test-playing nations during the same period.

"On closer inspection it becomes apparent that in every game in which the Proteas have been knocked out of a World Cup since 1992, they batted second with the exception of the semi-final loss to Australia in 2007."

Cameron re-elected as Windies chief

Gaffe-hit Dave Cameron was re-elected West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president on Saturday, fending off a challenge from legendary fast bowler Joel Garner.

Cameron won eight votes while Garner claimed four in the election which took place against a background of controversy.

The WICB faced a $42 million compensation bill after the abandoned tour of India last October.   
-- Compiled