Barely hours after his statement that the Pakistan cricket team threw away their Champions Trophy match against Australia, Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Sports MNA Jamshed Dasti did a complete volte-face and said he never accused the side of involving in match-fixing.

It’s a bit unfair on the Aussies, but the regularity with which they win big tournaments meant few were wildly surprised when they put it past New Zealand in the final of the Champions Trophy. On the day Ponting did not have much to do as Shane Watson and Cameron White took the game away, reports HT Correspondent.

With the ICC uncertain of continuing with the 50 overs a side format, this could well be the last Champions Trophy. Sunil Gavaskar comments.

A trans-Tasman final may not be the most expected match-up, but you must hand it to New Zealand. In major events, more so in ICC ones, they somehow crawl up the ladder, without being noticed as such, to reach the last four stage, even if they struggle to take the next step, writes Mickey Arthur.

“Losing Dan was a huge blow,” McCullum said. “He has been instrumental in the way he has performed both with bat and ball, and also his captaincy. HT Correspondent reports.

Jonty Rhodes knows all about the heartbreak of being knocked out of a big tournament when you've come in as favourites.