Pakistan vs West Indies

First Test, Sharjah, day five:
Pakistan 493 & 214-6 (decl) beat West Indies 366 & 171 by 170 runs.

Paceman Shoaib Akhtar shrugged off last year's controversy about his bowling action by producing the best figures of hisTest career to help bowl Pakistan to a convincing victory.

Akhtar took five for 24 and was well supported by Abdur Razzaq, who claimed four for 24 as West Indies lost their last nine wickets for 60 runs in the afternoon session.

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Pakistan skipper Waqar Younis hailed Shoaib Akhtar as "a class act" after the fast bowler's five wickets helped them beat West Indies in the first Test in Sharjah.

It was the third five-wicket haul of a Test career, which has been blighted by persistent doubts about the legality of Akhtar's action.

His supporters insist that his action is a result of his elbow joint hyper-extending at the moment of delivery.

And Younis insisted: "The debate over his action is over and done with.

"On his day, Shoaib is as fast as anyone in the world. Whether it is a slow wicket or a fast one, you can't keep him out for long."

Triangular series in Australia

Under-pressure Australia captain Steve Waugh found himself in hot water with the media again after reportedly muttering obscenities to journalists on Sunday.

And Australian Cricket Board (ACB) chief executive James Sutherland described the comments as less than ideal.

Waugh became irritated when at a news conference asked if changes should be made to the one-day team after its failure to reach the VB Series final.

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Australian cricket will pay a $1 million price for the failure of Steve Waugh's men to make the one-day finals.

Officials fear just one in four seats will be occupied for the South Africa versus New Zealand "mockbuster" at the MCG tomorrow.

Officials had been preparing for a crowd of 50,000 before the Australians were knocked out in Perth on Sunday, but now 25,000 is seen as more likely.

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Jonty Rhodes has ruled out a return to Test cricket despite helping South Africa into the final of the VB one-day tournament at the expense of hosts Australia.

The 32-year-old has been in good form since joining up with the squad after South Africa's 3-0 defeat in the Test series in Australia.

Steve Waugh's side will travel to South Africa for a further three Tests later this month but Rhodes, who retired from Test cricket in 2000, is determined to stick by a promise he made to his family.

Under-19 World Cup

Favourites Zimbabwe moved into the final of the ICC Under-19s World Cup Plate Championship after registering a comfortable 35 run victory over Namibia here on Monday.

Zimbabwe, who were knocked out of the senior competition at the first round stage, dodged the rain showers to dismiss Namibia for 193 and set up a meeting with either Nepal or Bangladesh in Friday's final.

A successful tournament for Namibia, who caused a shock by beating Sri Lanka in the early stages of the competition, came to an end against a Zimbabwe side boasting three players with international experience at the senior level.

Sean Ervine, who made his one-day international debut against England last October, claimed the man of the match award for an innings of 72 that lifted Zimbabwe's total to 228 from their 50 overs.

Miscellaneous

New Zealand will be looking for help from former skipper John Wright as they prepare for the one-day and Test series against England.

Wright is the perfect man to advise on the strengths and weaknesses of the England players after coaching India in their home series against Nasser Hussain's side, which ended on Sunday.

"I think all international teams use their contacts around the place just to build on their preparation work.

"I'm sure we'll be doing our homework on the English players and vice versa, I'm sure they'll be doing the same with us," said New Zealand Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden.

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