Suspensions are upheld but Razzaq's hitting yields better news

Test captain Butt and seamer Amir were suspended by the ICC along with Mohammad Asif pending the results of an investigation into spot-fixing allegations.

The claims against the trio – initially raised by a Sunday newspaper on Pakistan's summer tour of England – concerned the alleged bowling of no balls to order under the direction of Butt.

Asif had initially joined his team-mates in confirming his intention to appeal against his suspension but withdrew from the process earlier this month.

An ICC spokesman confirmed that the the independent Code of Conduct Commission chaired by Michael Beloff QC had dismissed the appeals of Butt and Amir.

It is almost two months since the spectre of corruption revisited Pakistan cricket, with News of the World reports surfacing during the fourth Test and leading to a Scotland Yard investigation.

Police confiscated the mobile phones of all three players as part of their own inquiries.

Pakistan High Commissioner Wajid Shamsul Hasan announced following a meeting with the trio on September 2 that they proclaimed their innocence, but following the Pakistan Cricket Board's refusal to impart their own sanctions the ICC swiftly moved to impose their own provisional suspension.

Butt, Asif and Amir must now await the results of the full ICC investigation and, if found guilty, would be facing the prospect of life bans.

On the pitch, Abdul Razzaq smashed a whirlwind century to single-handedly lead Pakistan to a one-wicket victory over South Africa in Abu Dhabi.

The all-rounder, who came to the crease with his side reeling at 136-5 in pursuit of a victory target of 287, blasted 10 sixes and seven fours in an unbeaten 109 from 72 balls to help his side square the ODI series at 1-1.

Earlier Colin Ingram made exactly 100 and had good support from Hashim Amla (65) as the Proteas set a testing target.

Sri Lanka became the first side to beat Australia in a Twenty20 International on their own soil after they won their match in Perth by seven wickets.

The visitors restricted Australia to 133-8 from their innings and had to chase just 6.70 runs per over to win.