Legends of Sports

Kevin Pietersen's second successive one-day international hundred carried England to a four-wicket win and 4-0 series whitewash of Pakistan. Pietersen (130), without an ODI century for more than three years before his unbeaten 111 three days ago, repeated the dose for a career-best in another run chase under lights. The outcome was in doubt for much longer this time, after a rare failure from Alastair Cook right away put England's pursuit of 237 all out on the back foot.

But Pietersen come out in control throughout in a 153-ball innings, which contained 12 fours and two sixes, as England got the job done with four balls to spare at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. He established a scoring rate that kept England ahead of the game, even from a precarious 68 for four after 16 overs, to the extent that Pietersen and Craig Kieswetter's fifth-wicket stand of 109 did not have to feature undue risks against Pakistan's spinners.

The whitewash, England's first against Pakistan for 25 years, was compensation of sorts for the 3-0 Test series thrashing these opponents inflicted on them here this winter. It will not be enough for a rankings rise from fifth in the International Cricket Council table. But there was still reason for satisfaction, as Pietersen and Kieswetter kept England on track after Jade Dernbach's four for 45 had helped to restrict Pakistan.

England batsman Kevin Pietersen has transferred to Delhi Daredevils from Deccan Chargers for the 2012 season, the IPL has confirmed. Pietersen is the third player to switch teams during the transfer window, after Dinesh Karthik and R Sathish. "We are pleased to add Kevin to our line-up. He brings rich experience and a fiery quality to our batting and can be a more than handy off spinner as well," said TA Sekhar, GMR Sports' Head. "We are sure that Kevin will help us to be very spirited this season and the Delhi Daredevils fans will enjoy this addition."

Pietersen was earlier part of Royal Challengers Bangalore and had captained the team for a few games in 2009. He was acquired by Deccan Chargers during the 2011 player auctions but could not play as he was getting better from a double hernia. Pietersen, currently in the UAE for England's away series against Pakistan, said he was looking forward to the challenge of being part of a new setup.

"I am looking forward to a wonderful time with the Delhi Daredevils," Pietersen said. "It will be a great experience to be playing in the same squad as Sehwag." The first window for trading between IPL franchises closes on January 20. There will be another short window for trading after the February 4 auction in which the players of now concluded franchise Kochi Tuskers Kerala will be sold. The competition will run from April 4 to May 27, 2012.

Boxing Gloves, Cheap Shot Put

England coach Andy Flower is "very excited" about Kevin Pietersen's performance despite the talented batsman's most recent failure against left-arm spin. England finished a superb innings and 14-run win in the first Test in Cardiff after bundling out Sri Lanka for a mere 82 in the tourists' second innings in under two amazing hours at Sophia Gardens on Monday. It was also strange to see Pietersen contribute just three runs in England's of 496 for five declared. He was the only batsman to score in single figure.

For Pietersen, who was lbw to Rangana Herath, it was the 19th occasion in Tests the South Africa-born batsman had fallen to a left-arm spinner."It is obvious he has had his issues," commented Flower. Despite KP scoring an Ashes double hundred in Adelaide six innings ago, he finds himself in a position where knives seems to be out for him. However, Flower, himself a quality batsman while representing Zimbabwe - said he is certain Pietersen's willow will start talking again.

"I will be completely honest with you, I am very excited by what I see from KP at the moment," he said."I think he's on the verge of being a very heavy scorer again. I love the way he's training and I know when he transfers that to the middle he's going to be a very heavy scorer," said Flower. He added: "I imagine him having a great summer for England."With regard to Pietersen's problem at playing the likes of Herath, Flower said: "He's had his obvious battles playing left-arm spin but he is aware of them and is working hard at them."