World Cup Cocktail

Dhoni on Tuesday created record when he went past Sourav Ganguly's record of most consecutive wins as an Indian cricket captain in WC tournaments. Dhoni achieved the feat when India slammed Ireland. Dhoni has now nine wins in a row, with the string of Indian victories starting in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 tournament.

Swami Army sweeps up Pakistani recruit

Three heart attacks haven't stopped Pakistan cricket fan Mohammad Bashir from following his team around the world.

And if they are not in action, the Chicago-based Bashir, 62, is more than happy to watch arch-rivals India.

The proof came in the usually sedate surroundings of Hamilton's Seddon Park, transformed into a riot of colour and noise by India's Swami Army of supporters for the reigning champions World Cup Pool B match against Ireland on Tuesday.

Bashir, who has become a friend of India "super fan" Sudhir Kumar Chaudhary, is a huge admirer of retired India batting great Sachin Tendulkar.

Bashir said he had no problems supporting India when not watching a Pakistan match.

"I have joined Indian supporters for this match and hope I support both the teams (India and Pakistan) when they play the final."

 'Disgraced' England finds unlikely ally in Scotland

Scotland might be the battling cousin of England in cricket circles but the country takes no comfort from seeing its UK neighbours bundled out of the World Cup.

A horror tournament for England came to an end last night at the hands of Bangladesh, whose 15 run win in Adelaide ensured the Poms cannot progress past the group stage with just a match against Afghanistan remaining.

However, Scotland skipper Preston Mommsen said his players would not revel in the struggles of their close rivals.

"It is never nice to see that sort of thing happen, you know a lot of these guys but it just shows you have to be up to the money and I think they showed throughout the tournament they haven't quite been there," Mommsen said.

 "Take nothing away from Bangladesh, they played with a lot of passion and a lot of skill towards the back end.

"Their bowlers really stood up.

"It is only a good thing for world cricket that teams like Bangladesh, and Ireland are really standing up and not just competing but winning these sorts of games.

"For Bangladesh to qualify for the quarterfinals is very deserved."

ACC to continue

The Alternative Commentary Collective (ACC) will continue commentating games for the remainder of the Cricket World Cup.

Their abstract ball-by-ball commentary and offbeat analysis has been a hit amongst cricket fans but looked to be taken off air due to an alleged protocol breach during the game between Afghanistan and New Zealand at McLean Park in Napier on Sunday.

The ACC had their accreditations pulled by the International Cricket Council but will continue to broadcast matches.

Gurney says their popularity has continued to grow.

"The boys have generated 241,819 streams to date with the New Zealand versus Australia game attracting so many listeners that our server actually crashed. I know the boys are very thankful for everyone's support but now it's time to get on with the cricket!"

The ACC resumes on Friday when the Black Caps take on Bangladesh.

– Compiled