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Laxman hits ton as India pull off dramatic win
Laxman hungry for more tons It is all non-sense, says Akram Robin Singh retires |
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Younis, Saqlain may be back for India series Islamabad, January 24 Pakistan’s new selection committee may recall experienced stars Waqar Younis, Shahid Afridi and Saqlain Mushtaq for the upcoming cricket series against India beginning in March.
Anand trounces
Timman Sania bows out Isha beaten in final Chandigarh spikers win, Haryana lose
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Laxman hits ton as India pull off dramatic win
Adelaide, January 24 After posting a healthy 280 for seven, riding on VVS Laxman’s career-best 131, the Indians stalled Zimbabwe’s push for their maiden victory in the series in the final over of the day-night encounter. Stuart Carlisle (109) and Sean Ervine (100) effected a major turnaround with a century each to drive Zimbabwe closer to the target. But needing nine runs from the final over, they ran out of steam to finish at 277 for six. The last over bowled by Sanjay Bangar had all the trappings of a thriller and unlike the previous match when India faltered at the death, the medium-pacer ensured his team the right result by taking a wicket while giving away just five runs. The victory propelled India to 23 points and a place in the best-of-three finals. Zimbabwe were languishing at the bottom with just two points from five outings. Australia also have 23 points but they have played five matches, one less than India. Zimbabwe started off in a fashion similar to India, who had won the toss and elected to bat, losing three of their top-order batsmen cheaply and then consolidating by virtue of brilliant individual knocks. The heroes for the African minnows were Carlisle and Ervine who stitched the best-ever partnership for any wicket against any side by putting on 202 runs off just 206 balls for the fourth wicket. Pacing their innings beautifully, Zimbabwe were cruising along comfortably at 248 for three till the 46th over owing to some inept bowling by the Indians. But India made up for the non-impressive show with the ball by some outstanding catches — two of them by Man-of-the-Match VVS Laxman and another by fast bowler L Balaji off his own bowling. For the Indians, the turnaround came when a horrible mix-up between Carlisle and Ervine saw the latter sacrifice his wicket and being run out in the 46th over. Ervine’s run-a-ball 100 included nine fours and a huge six off left-arm spinner Murali Kartik who had a particularly bad day in office with figures of 7-0-49-0. Two overs later new-ball bowler Ajit Agarkar, who had taken two wickets in an impressive first spell, removed Carlisle by having him caught by Kartik for a 128-ball 109 which included nine fours. It was a crucial wicket as Carlisle had clobbered the bowler for two fours in the same over and looked in dangerous form. The penultimate over by Balaji again tilted the balance in Zimbabwe’s favour as they extracted 11 runs from it, thanks to an audacious four by Andy Blignaut. But Bangar ensured Zimbabwe were denied the required nine runs for victory and also made up for the duck he made opening the innings. Zimbabwe were off to a horror start themselves when Agarkar picked up two wickets and Balaji grabbed an outstanding catch in his follow through. Agarkar first removed Grant Flower (10) through a catch by wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel and then had Travis Friend (0) caught brilliantly by VVS Laxman who dived to his right to pluck a one-handed catch. Balaji then took an outstanding return catch of opener Vusi Sibanda (12) to have Zimbabwe reeling at 46 for 3. Earlier, Laxman continued to thrive in his golden summer as he cracked his second century on the trot and the third of the series to pilot India to 280 for 7. Laxman shared two successive century stands with Rahul Dravid (56, 72b, 4x4) and Rohan Gavaskar (54, 62b, 3x4, 1x6) for the fourth and fifth wicket as a disastrous start was completed turned around by the Indians. India were 4 for 3 in the fourth over when Laxman and Dravid came together and put on 133 runs from 142 balls for the fourth wicket, followed by 118 runs from as many deliveries for the fifth with Gavaskar. Laxman, following on his unbeaten knocks of 103 and 106 against Australia at Gabba and at the SCG on Sunday and Thursday, scored his runs from 138 balls with 13 fours and a six to take his tally on the tour to 875 runs. With at least four one-day innings remaining, he has given himself more than a fair chance to cross 1,000 from Tests and one-dayers combined in this Australian summer. The Indian score was all the more remarkable as not only were they without batting stars Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag, they also were missing the ebullient Yuvraj Singh because of a side strain he sustained while fielding in the game against Australia at the SCG on Thursday. Bangar opened the innings but lasted only three balls as he edged a drive off Streak into the slips. India: Bangar c Carlisle b Streak 0 Patel c Taibu b Streak 0 Laxman c Friend b Hondo 131 Ganguly c Ebrahim b Blignaut 1 Dravid c Blignaut b Price 56 Gavaskar c Blignaut b Hondo 54 Badani b Streak 5 Agarkar not out 12 Pathan not out 5 Extras: (lb-4, nb-4, w-8) 16 Total: (for 7 wkts in 50 overs) 280 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-3, 3-4, 4-137, 5-255, 6-261, 7-271. Bowling: Heath Streak 10-1-53-3, Andy Blignaut 5-0-25-1, Sean Ervine 6-0-48-0, Douglas Hondo 10-0-59-2, Ray Price 10-0-43-1, Grant Flower 9-0-48-0. Zimbabwe: Sibanda c and b Balaji 12 Flower c Patel b Agarkar 10 Friend c Laxman b Agarkar 0 Carlisle c Kartik b Agarkar 109 Ervine run out 100 Blignaut c Laxman b Bangar 12 Streak not out 5 Ibrahim not out 2 Extras: (b-3, lb-12, w-12) 27 Total: (6 wkts, 50 overs) 277 Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-25, 3-46, 4-248, 5-261, 6-274 Bowling: Agarkar 10-0-39-3, Pathan 10-0-47-0, Balaji 10-1-52-1, Bangar 8-0-42-1, Kartik 7-0-49-0, Ganguly 5-0-33-0. — PTI
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Laxman hungry for more tons
Adelaide, January 24 “Yes, my mind goes back to that period time and again. I have a feeling I might be in a similar sort of form on this tour,” Laxman said after India pulled off a thrilling three-run victory in a tri-series match against Zimbabwe. Laxman smashed his career-best 131 in the match but in doing so, broke his second bat as well. He broke his first bat during the Gabba Test last month. This is Laxman’s third hundred of the week which has lifted his tally of Tests and one-day runs to 875 runs and if he is true to his hunger, the 1000 runs on this tour could come in the very next innings. Surprisingly Laxman, who rated this to be his best one-day hundred, said there was a great deal of improvement which could be done on his batting. “Nobody is perfect. Of course there is room for improvement in my batting. I am learning about batting all the time. “I rate this hundred my best of the one-day series. It is because I came when the team was in such a bad position,” he said. India were 4 for 3 at the start of the match before Laxman and Rahul Dravid set about repairing the innings with a stand of 133, followed by one of 118 between the Hyderabad batsman and Rohan Gavaskar (54). Laxman, as ever, was modest about his achievement and was willing to give Gavaskar a lot of credit for his maiden half century. “It was only his third international innings and he showed a lot of maturity. He kept rotating the strike and did so at a very critical stage of the innings. I am very pleased with the way he batted here.” Laxman did not forget Sanjay Bangar either who conceded only five runs in his final over to seal the game for his team. “It was an amazing over. Sanjay has always been a cool customer and he came good for us tonight.” Laxman said he was pleased he was able to raise his mental and physical faculties in a tiring week in which India played four matches and the right-hander hit three centuries. “The credit for this must go to our physio Andrew Leipus and trainer Gregory Allan King who have raised our fitness standards to a level where we are able to withstand tiring stretches of a series,” he said. “I am able to analyse my game far better. In each match, I am able to understand the team’s requirement and bat accordingly,” Laxman said. Laxman was also delighted for once he had a hundred against an opponent other than Australia, this being his fifth century in one-day cricket. “When I came back to the pavilion, my team-mates were quick to remind me it was my first hundred other than against Australia.” Laxman then remembered his two catches, both brilliant diving efforts and he rated them good for different reasons. “The one of Andy Blignaut was important because the game was at a critical stage and we needed his wicket. But from a personal point of view, the one of Travis Friend in the slips was one of my best since the ball was dipping and I plucked it inches above the ground. “Friend is a good striker and we needed to get his wicket,” he added.
— PTI
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It is all non-sense, says Akram
Adelaide, January 24 “It is all non-sense. I am amused to hear this talk of my divulging the secrets to Indian pacers”, he said here. Akram, who retired from the game six months back, is here as a commentator and has been seen helping young Irfan Pathan at the nets. A bemused Akram, reacting to Pakistan coach Javed Miandad's allegation that he (Akram) might be imparting tips to Indians as how to face swing bowling, said “I am surprised that a seasoned cricketer like Javed has been quoted as saying this.” “I am only helping a budding cricketer, a young fast bowler, who has shown promise and is keen to learn. It's not as if I am on a mission or I am being paid for my services,'' Akram said. “I am proud to be a Pakistani, and I am proud that I played and led Pakistan”, he said but added “as a senior cricketer if somebody comes to me for tips, I am not to turn him away. I did the same with Australia's Nathan Bracken so why only help to Pathan is being made an issue?” he asked. “I help promising cricketers, who seek my advice. Things like their nationalities and religion does not figure in my scheme of things,” said the great left arm pacer. In an in interview with a Pakistan newspaper, coach Javed Miandad while admitting that Akram has every right to give tips to young cricketers, had expressed fear that Akram could be letting out the “trade secrets'' by helping Indians ahead of their tour to Pakistan. Further clarifying his position, Akram said: “I am not holding any coaching assignment with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and I be allowed to work as I deem fit.” Akram said even Pakistani bowlers got tips from Bishen Singh Bedi during the famous test at Bangalore but no body made an issue of it. Pakistan beat India in that Test. — UNI
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Chennai, January 24 Known for his athleticism, tenacity and commitment, Robin made his debut in the limited overs version of the game against the West Indies in Port of Spain in 1988-89. But after the West Indies tour, he was in the wilderness and staged a comeback in India's 96-97 tour of South Africa, making a mark in the one-dayers. He played his last one-day match against Australia in Visakhapatnam in 2000-01. The 40-year-old Robin is currently the coach of the Indian cricket u-19 team. Born Rabindra Ramanarayan Singh in the West Indies in September, 1963, the dashing all rounder made his first class debut in 1982-83 for Trinidad and then represented Tamil Nadu from 1985-86. The left-handed Robin played in 136 one-dayers for India, making 2336 runs with an 100 against Sri Lanka as his highest for an average of 25.95 said he had lot of good moments to cherish while playing for the country but expressed regret at not being able to play more Tests. “I was rather unfortunate to have played only in one Test (against Zimbabwe at Harare in 1998-99). I must admit that Mohd Azharuddin persisted for my selection into the one-day team. There must have been instances of my not getting runs,but overall I have done my best for the country.” “Sachin (Tendulkar) was extremely supportive during my playing days. I have not played much under Sourav. But I appreciate the attitude and approach of the present lot in the Indian team. They are always looking for wins and looking ahead,” he said. India's win over Pakistan in Bangladesh for the Asia Cup title was his best moment to cherish. Asked who his best Indian captain was, Robin said he never required a captain to guide him. “Playing at number six one has to show his mettle against both pace and spin. I was guiding people rather than a captain guiding me.” The cricketer, who has played in 99 Ranji Trophy matches for Tamil Nadu, opined that “it is rare that not many people make a comeback at 33. Our domestic format are for both tests and one dayers.” Reminiscing, he said “the comments of the Indian coach during a South African tour will forever be etched in my memory. I was out for a small score in the first match. Before the second match against Zimbabwe, the coach indicated that it was my last chance. I chipped in well and India tied the match. Such comments always motivated me to do better.” — PTI
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Younis, Saqlain may be back for India series Islamabad, January 24 Also in contention for a recall to the national side is wicketkeeper-batsman Rashid Latif as the selectors headed by former Test captain Wasim Bari sit down to finalise a pool of 40 players in the first phase of the selection process. Bari had spoken to his fellow selectors Iqbal Qasim, Ehteshamuddin and Sultan Rana and also the Pakistan captain and coach and exchanged views with them on the selection process for the series. “I can say for sure at this stage that we will be having the preliminary selection process with an open mind and seniors like Waqar Younis, Rashid Latif, Saqlain Mushtaq and Shahid Afridi are definitely under consideration for the India series,” Bari was quoted as saying in ‘The News’.
—PTI |
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Raymond spoils Venus’ comeback
Melbourne, January 24 Williams was ousted in the third round by American veteran Lisa Raymond, who gave an inspiring performance to beat her fellow American in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5). "I'm pretty much in shock," said Williams after her worst Grand Slam performance since losing in the first round of the 2001 French Open. Williams came to Melbourne after a being sidelined with an abdominal injury for a six-month spell that also saw her have to deal with the trauma of her half-sister's murder. A former world number one, Williams was under pressure throughout Saturday's match from Raymond, a 15-year veteran of the women's circuit who has only been beyond the third round at a Grand Slam event seven times in 44 attempts. "I still can't believe it," Williams said of her early ouster at Melbourne, where she had romped over her first two opponents. Raymond gave Williams trouble from the start, inflicting five service breaks as the American racked up seven double faults and a whopping 44 unforced errors. Williams was the first top-five player ousted from the tournament, which had so far been dominated by favourites demolishing outclassed opponents in straight sets. Williams' elimination left Belgian second see Kim Clijsters with little competition to reach the finals, the other top three seeds — Justine Henin-Hardenne, Amelie Mauresmo and Lindsay Davenport — all playing in the other half of the draw. Clijsters on Saturday crushed unseeded Russian Dinara Safina 6-2, 6-1 to advance to the fourth round. The 20-year-old took just 57 minutes to defeat Safina, sister of men's star Marat Safin, and will face 20th-seeded Silvia Elia Farina of Italy in the final 16. The top-seeded player still in her half of the draw was sixth-ranked Anastasia Myskina, who beat fellow Russian Maria Sharapova, 6-4, 1-6, 6-2. In other play, wildcard giant killer Golovin of France eliminated her second seeded opponent of the tournament, beating 23-ranked Russian Lina Krasnoroutskaya 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) to move to her fourth-round showdown with Raymond. On the men's side, world number two Federer of Switzerland showed the form that won him Wimbledon last year as he blew past Australian wild card Todd Reid in straight sets 6-3, 6-0, 6-1 in an hour 14 minutes. Federer broke the 19-year-old's service eight times and went on a run of 14 unbeaten games from 2-3 in the first set to 4-1 in the third set. "That is nice you know, it doesn't happen every day," Federer said later of the string of 14 games. Federer is now likely to meet an old nemesis, Australia's Lleyton Hewitt, who has beaten the Swiss player in seven out of nine encounters and is seeking to become the first Australian to take the home Grand Slam in 28 years. The other remaining Australian seeking the same crown, Mark Philippoussis, beat Croat Mario Ancic Saturday 6-4, 7-6, 6-2. Eighth seed David Nalbandian of Argentine lived up to his status as a dark horse favourite to win the tournament with an impressive show of power during a 6-2, 6-4, 7-5 victory over experienced South African Wayne Ferreira. Other play saw 14th seeded Jiri Novak of the Czech Republic upset by unseeded Romanian Andrei Pavel in a five-set marathon 6-3, 6-4, 7-5, 7-6, 6-4. Pavel now faces French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain in the last 16. Ferrero defeated Swedish giant Joachim Johansson in a fourth set tie break to win 6-1, 7-6 (7/4), 6-7 (5/7), 6-4. — AFP
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Wijk Aan Zee, January 24 With two more rounds to go in the 13-round category 19 tournament, Anand’s fifth win here took his tally to eight points, followed by Hungarian Peter Leko who is on seven. Michael Adams is on the third spot with 6.5 followed by Vladimir Kramnik (6). Anand was in ominous form against the veteran Timman who did not handle his opening well in the sicilian richter-rauzer and paid the price for it in 29 moves. Timman played the sicilian and Anand opted for richter-rauzer and the Indian castled on the queenside. Soon his pawns were also looking menacing for Timman who struggled and was soon on the run against Anand’s pieces. Timman’s king was under severe threat and then Anand turned in a rook sacrifice on the 25th move and won Timman’s queen. Another four moves and Anand wrapped up the game with consummate ease. — UNI
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Hyderabad, Jan 24 After dropping the first set, Sania bounced back into the game scripting a fluent 6-1 win against the world number 236 and levelled the score infusing competitive spirit into the game, according to information reaching here today. The Slovak, however, kept her reputation intact and gave little room for Sania to settle the issue with a convincing 6-3 win to enter the semifinals. — PTI
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New Delhi, January 24 Fourth seed Montinee was a set down but capitalised on her opponent’s poor fitness to take the $1600 winner’s prize money with a 2-6 6-2 6-3 victory in the final. Later in the evening, the 17-year old Thai girl rounded off a memorable week by winning the doubles title as well. Montinee partnered compatriot Thassha Vityaviroj to defeat Japan’s Satomi Kinjo and Tomoyo Takagishi 3-6 6-0 6-3 to walk away with the winners’ purse of $ 650. Both the singles and doubles winners gained six WTA points while the runners-up earned four points besides a cheque of $ 1000 and $ 350 respectively. Montinee had lost to Isha, the Asian junior champion, in a $ 25,000 event in Mumbai last year but today luck was on her side as her opponent struggled to produce her best. The strained left knee proved too much to cope with even for a player like Isha, known for her fighting spirit, and the Indian eventually lost the battle. — PTI
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Chandigarh spikers win, Haryana lose
Baidyabati (WB), Jan 24 While Chandigarh spikers kept their cool on crucial points to prevail over last year’s losing finalists Karnataka 26-24, 25-18 and 25-21 in about an hour, Andhra had little difficulty in quelling a feeble challenge from Kerala 25-14, 25-9 and 25-18. On the distaff side, holders Kerala took only 37 minutes to storm past Manipur 25-12, 25-6 and 25-13 in a group A encounter. In group B, Karnataka lasses, who had finished runners in the previous edition of the meet, carved out a similar emphatic win over Bihar in straight sets 25-4, 25-8 and 25-11 in barely 42 minutes. The closest duel in the boys’ category was seen between Chattishgarh and Haryana, with the former finally emerging winners in a five setter 25-21, 23-25, 23-25, 25-23 and 15-8 in 110 minutes. Delhi continued their poor show, as their boys lost out to Madhya Pradesh 13-25, 14-25 and 23-25, and their eves got a 11-25, 19-25 and 10-25 drubbing from Chandigarh. It was a good morning session for hosts West Bengal, with their girls easing out Gujarat 25-9, 25-5 and 25-7, after the boys played confidently to outsmart Mizoram 25-19, 25-21 and 25-18. — PTI
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Pak players to
reach today Sangrur, January 24 Kartar Singh Hony secretary, Panjab Wrestling Association, informed that the visitors will play their first kabaddi match at Jalandhar on January 28. They will also participate in international sports festival at Sursingh (Amritsar). |
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