In-form Sachin Tendulkar hammered an unbeaten half century to lead Mumbai Indians to a seven-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League here Monday. Captain Tendulkar, who struck a 48-ball unbeaten 71, tore apart the Knight Rider bowling attack to score his second half century of the season. He was given good support by opener Shikhar Dhawan (23) and one-down Saurabh Tiwary (30 in 24 balls) as Mumbai Indians romped home with nine balls to spare in chase of 156. Earlier, Chris Gayle's stroke-filled 60-ball 75 in his first IPL appearance powered Kolkata Knight Riders to a competitive 155-3 after the visitors elected to bat. Afghanistan ready to play in Pakistan Afghanistan is willing to help Pakistan by playing a series of One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 games in the neighboring country, coach Kabir Khan said Monday. Teams have been reluctant to tour Pakistan since six policemen and a driver were killed when militants attacked the Sri Lankan cricket squad's bus in Lahore last year. Afghanistan coach Khan, a former Pakistan Test player, told Reuters his team was hungry to play against top sides before the Twenty20 World Cup in the Caribbean starts on April 30. “Pakistan cricket has always been a great supporter of Afghanistan cricket and they helped establish cricket in the war-torn country with financial, moral and technical support,” said Khan. “The team feels we can also extend a helping hand to Pakistan cricket at a time when they are facing problems. Our team has ODI international status and is willing to play in Pakistan.” Later this year Pakistan will play two ‘home' Tests against Australia in England. Afghanistan won last month's qualifying competition to book its place in the Twenty20 World Cup. It will be its first appearance in a major ICC tournament.
