David Beckham returned to international competition on Wednesday and led England to a 3-0 win over Estonia in European Championship qualifying. World Cup finalists Italy and France also won. Beckham, returning after 10 months away, set up two goals at Estonia.
![]()
Sri Lanka reached the World Cup final on Tuesday after Muttiah Muralitharan took four wickets to prompt a collapse by New Zealand and earn an 81-run victory for his country. New Zealand were on course to challenge Sri Lanka’s 289-5 wickets in the semifinal at Sabina Park, but lost seven key wickets for 44 runs to slump from 105-2 to 149-9.
![]()
After four World Cup semifinal defeats, New Zealand finally think they are worthy of a place in the final. Stephen Fleming’s Black Caps face Sri Lanka at Sabina Park on Tuesday with the renewed confidence that comes with the knowledge that they beat Australia 3-0 in a one-day series near the end of February.
![]()
Australia cruised to a seven-wicket win over an under strength Sri Lanka team on Monday in what could be a rehearsal for the World Cup final. With Lasith Malinga out injured and Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan rested, Sri Lanka’s second-string attack struggled to contain the Australian batsmen.
![]()
South Africa restricted West Indies to 289 for nine wickets on Tuesday for a 67-run Super Eights victory that just about ended the tournament host’s chances of reaching the World Cup semifinals. AB de Villiers hit 146 and South Africa hammered 134 off the last 10 overs to set up a crushing victory at the brand new Grenada National Stadium.
![]()
Ricky Ponting hit 86 on Sunday to lead Australia to a seven-wicket win over England in the World Cup Super Eights and reaffirm his team’s status as overwhelming tournament favourites. England had won the toss and batted first, but collapsed from 230-5 to 247 all out despite Kevin Pietersen scoring 104.