Short Sport, December 23, 2012

Bangladesh confirm tour to Pakistan

Bangladesh have confirmed they will tour Pakistan next month for a short two-match series, becoming the first team to visit since a terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan squad in 2009. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Zaka Ashraf said the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the team's intention to tour. "We were in constant touch with the BCB officials and they have conveyed to us that the tour is confirmed," Ashraf said. "They have also got approval from their board members and we are in touch for the schedule." Foreign teams have shunned playing in Pakistan since gunmen opened fire on a convoy in Lahore, killing eight people and leaving seven Sri Lankan players and their assistant coach injured. Last April, a Dhaka court blocked a planned tour over security concerns. AFP

Nicol David maintains World Open dominance

Record-breaking Nicol David extended her haul of World Open titles to seven from eight finals when she overcame Laura Massaro, 29, in a match of long and patient rallies. The Malaysian heroine's 11-6, 11-8, 11-6 triumph over the third-seeded Englishwoman silenced critics who suggested that rivals had closed the gap on the champion, also 29. Massaro forced many long rallies and even led 7-5 in the second game, but David's tremendous ability to contain, retrieve, and change the direction of her movement prevented the third seed from get a strong foothold in the match in the pivotal middle game. AFP

Oram leaves contract to focus on Twenty20

All-rounder Jacob Oram has opted out of his New Zealand Cricket (NZC) central contract to focus on his professional Twenty20 career. Oram, 34, who played 33 tests and 160 one-day internationals, secured an early release from his contract, the NZC said yesterday. "This was a very difficult decision, but in recent weeks I have come to the conclusion that I can no longer make a full-time commitment to NZC," Oram said. "Various factors have led me to make this decision including my age, the stage of my career and the impending birth of my second child. I really enjoy the Twenty20 format and see it as a way to stay involved in cricket for a while longer." Reuters

Injured 76er Bynum starts rehabilitation

Andrew Bynum has been cleared to start a six-step rehabilitation process, however, there is still no timetable as to when he can return to play for the Philadelphia 76ers. The 2.1 metre-tall centre has not practised or played this NBA season because of bone bruises in his knees. Bynum said his right knee now felt fine. "I'm confident I'll be on the court this season," he said. AP