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National T20 title slips from Punjab hands
Cricketers rock stars, for a cause
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BAR BRAWL
How people remember me is important than records: Bhajji
Very excited to be back in IPL: Ponting
Dhoni’s aggro key to landmark win over Oz
Not sure whether Watto will bowl, says Hodge
Indian tennis needs amicable solution to all issues: Misra
With goal in 19th game in a row, Messi sets record
Serena sinks Sharapova for record sixth Miami title
Bruno earns right to face Bolt in 150m
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National T20 title slips from Punjab hands
Indore, March 31 Electing to bat, Punjab suffered a top-order collapse to be reduced to 20 for four in the sixth over before they recovered a bit to score 122 for eight in their allotted 20 overs at the Holkar Stadium. Gujarat chased down the target with 13 balls to spare. Pacer Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the Gujarat bowlers as he returned with three wickets for just 14 runs from his four overs. Mehul Patel chipped in with two wickets, while Rohit Dahiya and Rakesh Dhurv took wicket apiece. Amitoze Singh top-scored for Punjab with a 42-ball 49, while wicketkeeper-batsman Chandan Madan contributed with 25 runs. Chasing a modest target of 123, Gujarat started badly as they lost their wicketkeeper captain Parthiv Patel (1) with the score on two. Opener Asad Pathan (32) and one-down batsman Niraj Patel (14) put up a 50-run partnership, before they were both dismissed in the eighth over with the team score of 52. Manprit Juneja (31), who hit a breathtaking unbeaten 108 in their final Super League match against Kerala yesterday, and Abdulahad Malik (31 not out) put up a further 64 runs together, as Gujarat kept abreast with the required run-rate. Akshar Patel (12 not out) sealed the victory in style with a six as Gujarat reached 128 for four in 17.5 overs. For Punjab, left-arm spinner Rajwinder Singh grabbed two wickets for 40, while Siddarth Kaul bagged a wicket. Brief Scores: Punjab 122 for 8 in 20 overs (Amitoze Singh 49; Jasprit Bumrah 3/14); Gujarat: 128/4 in 17.5 overs (Asad 32; Rajwinder 2/40). — PTI
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Cricketers rock stars, for a cause
New Delhi, March 31 It was a contest between Kohli’s All Heart Football Club and Abhishek Bachchan’s All Stars Football Club. In such a contest, it is easy to imagine the cricketers — presumably fitter and more athletic than the stars — winning quite easily. However, the stars proved to be difficult to defeat, and the scoreline was a tight 4-3 in favour of the cricketers. The filmstars were coached by former Indian football captain Baichung Bhutia while Kohli’s team was coached by the current captain, Sunil Chhetri. In Kohli’s squad were players like Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ishant Sharma, Zaheer Khan, Yuvraj Singh, Manoj Tiwary and Tanmay Mishra. Clearly, the most popular player for the 10,000-odd spectators was the Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor. With ‘RK’ emblazoned on his jersey, Kapoor showed decent footballing skills as he dribbled and dodged the defenders, though he did miss a penalty. Kohli’s All Hearts scored as early as the second minute of the match. Dhoni, a very keen football player, crossed in from the right flank to Tanmay Mishra, who easily scored from close range. Shabbir Ahluwalia scored the equaliser for the All Stars after seven minutes. However, the cricketers surged ahead soon after that as Tiwary scored two goals in 10 minutes, after the All Stars committed defensive lapses by failing to clear properly. Kapoor scored the third goal for his team from the edge of the box. Ranbir, encouraged by the large crowd, tried his best to score for the All Stars but failed to score. All Heart goalkeeper Ishant Sharma was forced to make a few saves. In the second half, Dhoni, after getting a ball from Kohli, scored the team’s fourth goal. After the match ended, the cricketers broke into the Gangnam style dance, capping an enjoyable evening for the spectators.
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Wankhede ban on Shah Rukh to stay
Mumbai, March 31 A report in The Indian Express quoted MCA president Ravi Sawant as saying, "The MCA stand remains the same. The managing committee had taken a decision of imposing a five-year ban on him (Khan) last year, and it will continue this season too." The Indian Premier League franchise owner had been prohibited from entering the Wankhede Stadium premises after he had an altercation with a security guard and had reportedly threatened an official after an IPL match in May last year. The Bollywood superstar had initially refused to apologize for his behavior, thus evoking the MCA to stick with the suspension. On Saturday, MCA officials met with the Board of Control for Cricket in India to decide the fate of the five-year ban imposed on the Kolkata Knight Riders boss. Two months ago, the MCA had added to its IPL contract with the Mumbai Indians and the BCCI that only accredited persons could enter the Wankhede Stadium and those who have been banned will not be allowed to enter. It is understood that the MCA do not wish to revisit their agreement with the home franchise. “I don't want to talk much on the issue again. The MCA has taken its stand and we will follow it," Sawant added. IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla, who had attempted to broker peace between the warring parties, stated that SRK should be allowed inside the stadium by virtue of being a team owner. The Mumbai Indians host Kolkata Knight Riders on May 7 and the issue is sure to be discussed again. Ready to bat at any position: Menaria
Former India under-19 captain Ashok Menaria, who is part of the Rajasthan Royals squad, says he is ready to bat at any position in the upcoming IPL. “I am ready to bat anywhere according to demands of situation. I often get out caught because I hit in air but I try my best to fill in the role given to me," Menaria said. The 22-year-old left-handed batsman said he was looking forward to do a lot of bowling in the T20 league starting on April 3. “I had a good season in domestic cricket where I batted and bowled well. I am looking for more opportunities to bowl in IPL 6.” — PTI |
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Jesse Ryder out of ICU, says he’s ok
Christchurch, March 31 Ryder is in a stable condition in a general ward at the Christchurch hospital. “I just want to let everyone know that I'm ok. I feel heaps better today but still really tired," Ryder stated. “I've been reading your messages that have been sent so thank you to everyone for thinking of me over the last few days. I want to thank everyone who has been caring for me at the hospital — they have been awesome. Thank you to my family and friends who have been here also," he added. Ryder's manager, Aaron Klee, said that the batsman may not be making any more statements in the near future as he would focus on his recovery. “Now that Jesse is out of intensive care, we aren't planning on providing further updates in the media, as it is time for Jesse to focus on his recovery and getting back to full health,” said Klee. He also informed that Ryder had not yet been interviewed by police and had no recollection of the attack. The 28-year-old had come out of his induced coma yesterday and begun talking again and breathing without the assistance of ventilator. The Police had yesterday arrested two men but they have been bailed to appear in the Christchurch District Court on April 4. — Agencies
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How people remember me is important than records: Bhajji
New Delhi, March 31 “When I played 100 Tests, it felt great but I have started realising that more important are the relationships that you have developed over the years,” the 32-year-old off-spinner said on Sunday. “It's those you have played cricket with and have known along the way. I would rather be known as a cricketer who was a good human being than being dubbed as a top player and an equally worse human being,” he added. For Harbhajan, if 90 out of 100 people like him, he will consider it as an achievement. “I only hope that when I stop playing the game, people would say that they cherished being in my company. I know 100 out of 100 guys won't say the same but I want at least 90 people to say that 'Bhajji achha insaan tha' (Bhajji wasn't a bad juman being),” the veteran of 101 Tests said during a free-wheeling chat at a city hotel. Harbhajan did admit that he was a bit "nervous" going into his 100th Test, but things got better in the second innings. “Obviously, 100 Tests was big thing considering from where I had come. I never imagined I would reach this far. In the first innings in Chennai, I was nervous but it got better in the second innings. “In the Hyderabad Test match, I bowled well in the first innings. But in the second, I didn't bowl much. The other bowlers were getting wickets in every five overs and the captain was right in continuing with them. I know that I have tried my best and have no complaints. — PTI
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Very excited to be back in IPL: Ponting
Mumbai, March 31 "Obviously, I am very excited to be back in IPL. I said when I had finished playing last time, hopefully I will be able to come back and play again. The way things have worked out — with my retirement from international cricket and finishing off the domestic season for Tasmania and playing well — have given me the opportunity to be back here," said the Aussie at his first media conference here today. He said retirement from the hectic international schedule has given him time to concentrate on T20 leagues. "The reason I did not come back to IPL 2 and 3 was because I had too much international cricket on at that time. And now that I don't have international cricket, the opportunities for me to play in these domestic tournaments are really opening up. “I am going to be here for a couple of months and then have a two-month stint at Surrey and another month or five weeks at the Caribbean Premier League as well. Now my whole focus is to make sure that I am the best player and best leader for Mumbai Indians for the next two months. "Luckily I had the chance to captain Australia for a long time. I have got a really good idea of what makes good teams successful. And they are all the things I will be bringing to the table in Mumbai," said Ponting. Ponting is very excited to be playing alongside Sachin Tendulkar, against whom he has played many times at the international level. "To be captain of any franchise is exciting but to think that I am the captain of Mumbai Indians and I will be playing alongside Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh, some of the guys I have had great battles over the years, as well as some of my Australian team mates and some of the young local Indian talent I have come across in the last couple of days is great. "With Mumbai now, we have John Wright, a successful ex-India coach, and Anil Kumble, a successful Indian captain and a very very good Indian player and leader. Obviously me coming into the set up, we have put together a really strong leadership group, if you like," said Ponting. "And if you think of some of the other guys we have around like Sachin and Harbhajan, we have got a lot of experience and lot of skill around the team. I think it is very exciting for the tournament," added the 38-year-old Tasmanian who retired with 27,000 runs in Tests and ODIs. He also said that the entire team is excited about the opening game against Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 4. “As far as I am concerned, there is no better franchise to be with and no better team to be with than the Mumbai Indians.” — PTI 'Monkeygate' won't be allowed to rear its head: Ponting
Ponting assured that the infamous "Monekygate" episode won't have an effect on the MI dressing room as he gears up to lead MI in IPL 6. “No, no. We are all friends for the next few months. That's one thing I have made very clear to the guys already. Sachin and Harbhajan have not been around the team yet. We will meet up with those guys. We are one, the MI are one," said Ricky Ponting. "I want to play well and captain the side well. I will not leave any stone unturned as far as preparation of team is concerned and ensure that everything we do is for one another," Ponting, who has retired from international cricket, said. Ponting and MI team's chief mentor Anil Kumble were the rival captains in the controversy-marred Sydney Test of January 2008 when Andrew Symonds accused India's Harbhajan Singh, who is an MI player now, of racial abuse. — PTI |
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Dhoni’s aggro key to landmark win over Oz
Bangalore, March 31 It is easy for carping critics to tag the Michael Clarke-led team the weakest Australian squad to tour India. But they still needed to be pounded into submission. Not once, but four times in succession. And this only a Dhoni could have helped accomplish. And it would not have been possible without his brazen take-no-prisoner approach. For instance, it is a debatable matter whether this Australian team, or the Kerry Packer-gutted one led by a young, inexperienced Kim Hughes in 1979 is the weakest to visit Indian shores. Still, that team, thanks to India's defensive mindset while batting, bowling and rolling out pitches, was allowed to escape with a mere 2-0 defeat in a six-Test series. A more aggressive streak might well have seen India win a couple of more Tests against that wimpy Australian team crammed with below average players like Hilditch, Darling, Sleep, Higgs, Dymock, Kevin Wright, Hurst, not to forget Dave Whatmore whose inclusion prompted a wag to ponder "whatnext?" Even the others, skipper Hughes, Allan Border, Graeme Wood, Yallop and Hogg were just finding their feet in international cricket and as such an Indian team consisting of Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Vishwanath, Vengsarkar, Kirmani, among others, should have clobbered them. Instead, barring on a couple of occasions, the Indians were perfectly happy playing dour, defensive cricket. It was a sign of the times that the erstwhile team and its supporters were overjoyed with a mere 2-0 win. But this is a more demanding India and Dhoni is the product of this different India — an India confident, aggressive and unafraid to face the world. Importantly for India and Indian cricket, Dhoni is not scared of losing and this enables him to take decisions which, when viewed from outside, borders on adventurism. But there is a method in this and it is precisely this method that has bamboozled and floored opponents. Take the first Test scenario: Australia had made 380 in ideal batting conditions and India were precariously placed at 196 for four. Dhoni had the option of sending one Test-old Ravindra Jadeja or taking on the responsibility himself. He took the second route and instead of pottering around and leaving things to the more settled Virat Kohli, Dhoni took the fight to the Australian bowlers with a flurry of sensational shots. His calculated assault paid off handsomely as he blasted a double ton in such a scintillating manner that it flattened the spirits of the Aussies. That singular attack set the tone for the series. Had Dhoni and India slipped up at that stage the series might well have had a different ending. Further, it is a tribute to Dhoni's competitive streak that even after winning the first Test he did not opt to field an extra batsman as an insurance against collapses. Indian teams of the recent past were wont to do just that. They'd pack the side with an extra batsman and risk weakening the bowling. This, they believed, was a cover against defeat. But Dhoni with his mindset was not looking for draws. He wanted to win at all costs and thus backed the ploy of playing five frontline bowlers. The fact that Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin could also bat a bit helped his cause. But still, it was the five-bowler strategy that sent a clear message to the opposition that Dhoni and India were on the prowl. Thus the rival batsmen were always under pressure. Of course the pitches were designed to suit spinners and Ashwin (29 wickets), Jadeja (24), Pragyan Ojha (7 from 2 Tests) and Harbhajan Singh (5 from 2 Tests) appreciated it. Medium pacers Ishant Sharma (7 wickets) and Bhuvaneswari Kumar (6 wickets) too had their moments. But it required a Dhoni, with his predatory instincts to plan and snare the victims. And he did it in four Tests in a row. Any wonder he is India's most successful skipper?
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Not sure whether Watto will bowl, says Hodge
Jaipur, March 31 Watson was restricted solely to batting duties during Australia's recent 0-4 whitewash against India in the Test series as a part of an injury-prevention plan so that he could be available as an all-rounder in full capacity for the Ashes series in July. “I'm not sure. He might start bowling from third or fourth match. But it is up to him to decide if he wants to bowl or not. The Rajasthan team management is considering strategies in both cases. He would be available for entire IPL and it would be good to see him bowl,” Australia batsman said. Watson had decided to put bowling on the backburner after injuring his calf during the Sri Lanka series, but while watching Indian skipper MS Dhoni bludgeon the Aussie attack in the first Test he was convinced to eventually bowl again. Hodge said that Watson is a dominating player and his presence would certainly lift RR. “He is a dominating player. He might not have done so well recently but can change the face of the game," he said. He also said that Watson would put the 'homework gate' episode behind him when he takes the field for the Royals. — PTI
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Indian tennis needs amicable solution to all issues: Misra
Bangalore, March 31 Somdev Devvarman had led a players revolt, demanding better players conditions, and made themselves unavailable for the Korea tie which India lost 1-4 in New Delhi. After AITA acceded to some of players demands, the agitation ended for the time being as players agreed to play against Indonesia. However, there are still issues which needed to be addressed and Misra said an amicable solution was the way to move forward. “It (revolt) was quite unfortunate and most of their demands have been conceded by the AITA and whatever that remains, can be resolved amicably and sooner we do it, it is better for the Indian tennis,” Misra said. Misra hoped that India would beat Indonesia and avoid relegation. “It’s good to have Davis Cup in Bangalore after 28 years and I am pleased with the conditions. The courts has been made ready to our specifications. I hope we have a good tie ahead,” Misra, who last played for India in 1969-70 season, told reporters here. Misra said he would step down from non-playing captaincy after the tie and hoped the authorities would find a suitable replacement for him. Misra said he enjoyed good rapport with team members including Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi for the last six years. “I wish the team well for the future.” Misra said the it is the right time to groom young talent for the Davis Cup. Pointing out to the National grass court champion Ram Kumar Ramanathan, he said, “the boys like him, with good height, reach and strokes is a good prospect for the future and so are others like Sriram Balaji.” Meanwhile the two practice players, Ram Kumar and Arjun Khade along with the reserves, Vijayant Malik and Sriram Balaji, had a solid three hour workout, stretching into dusk. Somdev, Leander Paes, Yuki Bhambri and Sanam Singh are scheduled to join the remaining camp tomorrow. —PTI
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With goal in 19th game in a row, Messi raises bar
Madrid, March 31 The Argentine set up Barca’s first and scored the second but struggling Celta Vigo spoiled his celebrations by grabbing an 88th-minute equaliser to hold the visitors to a 2-2 draw. Messi’s goal was his 30th in the 19-game run and his 43rd overall in the league this season. He is seven short of last season’s Spanish league record tally of 50 for a campaign, with nine games left to play. “The run is the least important thing,” Messi, who had just captained Barca for the first time in a league game, told reporters in Vigo. “I have been lucky to score and to help the team in games. I don’t give the records any importance. The important thing today was to win. “It is difficult for everyone after the break for internationals, and it is never easy to play teams who are fighting to stay in the division.” Messi had a free kick pushed round the post, and a shout for a penalty turned away before he set up Cristian Tello for Barca’s equaliser before halftime with a curling ball over the top of the defence. Winger Tello returned the favour with a low cross into the area in the 73rd minute, and Messi struck a first-time shot low into the far corner. His scoring run started on November 11 and includes a four-goal blast against Osasuna and eight doubles. “It’s an unprecedented record,” Barca assistant coach Jordi Roura told a news conference. “It proves what a great player he is. “Those of us who are lucky enough to experience this with him appreciate what he does, and are able to enjoy it. “Only with time will we truly value what this player is doing. It’s incredible.” Barca top La Liga by 13 points from second-placed Real Madrid, who drew 1-1 at Real Zaragoza. Cristiano Ronaldo scored Real’s goal, his 28th goal in 28 league appearances. — Reuters
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Serena sinks Sharapova for record sixth Miami title
Miami, March 31 With the win, Williams, who struggled with her serve in the first two sets, becomes only the fourth woman in the Open era to win the same WTA tournament six times, joining Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert and Steffi Graf. “I finally have some record,” Williams said. “Like it’s really cool. I can’t seem to catch up with Margaret Court or Steffi or anything. I’m really happy to have something right now, so it’s exciting. “Maria played really the best I have seen her play, and I think she was moving unbelievable and she was hitting winners from everywhere. .... How did I end up winning when I actually wasn’t on top of my game?” Second-ranked Sharapova has now lost to Williams in their last 11 meetings and has not beaten the American since her two victories in 2004. To add to the pain, the match was Sharapova’s fifth Miami final and her fifth defeat. “I had my chances. There’s no reason why I couldn’t win the match today,” said the Russian, who dismissed any suggestion of a psychological weakness against Williams. “It was a step in the right direction and there’s no doubt that we’ll be playing many more times. There’s no doubt I’ll be able to beat her.” Sharapova, who won at Indian Wells earlier this month, took her great form into the opening set, almost breaking Williams in a marathon third game featuring some outstanding baseline rallies. The Russian, playing sparkling all-round tennis, got her reward when she broke to go 3-2, with a powerful backhand shot that Williams could only return to the net. Williams broke back straight away though, but a confident Sharapova took advantage of some over-hitting from the American to break in the ninth game and served out to win the set. It looked as though Sharapova had a real chance to finally end her nine-year winless streak against the American but, as so often, Williams refound her game in the second. “I was just making so many errors, and I just was like, ‘Serena, are you really going to get to the final and not play up to your potential?’” said Williams. After some entertaining exchanges, a double-fault from Sharapova handed Williams a break point and the Russian’s return to the net gave Williams a 5-3 lead and she held to force the third set. The match turned decisively in Williams’ favour when Sharapova produced two double-faults to go down 3-0 in the third set and the Russian never was able to claw back from that position. — Reuters
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Bruno earns right to face Bolt in 150m
Rio de Janeiro, March 31 Lins clocked 15.08 seconds Saturday to finish ahead of Alison Feitosa (15.30) and Sandro Viana (15.67). Apart from Bolt and Lins, the final will also feature Ecuador’s Alex Quinones and Antigua and Barbuda’s Daniel Bailey, reports Xinhua. “It’s the first time that I am running over this distance. The time was good. My coach is going to be happy with it. But I think I can do even better in the main race,” Lins said after his qualification. The event is being staged on a temporary four-lane track that has been custom-built on the famous strip of sand. Bolt, who has won six Olympic gold medals, holds the 150 metres world record with a mark of 14.36 seconds set in Manchester in 2009. The blue four-lane track is in the middle of the beach, with Sugar Loaf mountain nearby. Oscar Pistorius was originally expected to participate to promote the 2016 Rio Olympics, but withdrew after being charged with the shooting death of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. He would have run against fellow double-amputee Alan Oliveira, who beat the South African in the 200 at the Paralympics in London. Oliveira will instead compete against American Jerome Singleton. Bolt set the 150 mark of 14.35 seconds in the streets of Manchester in 2009. The event is part of Bolt’s four-day promotional tour to Rio and is supervised by the International Association of Athletics Federation. —Agencies
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Gujarat clinched the Syed Mushtaq Ali Twenty20 Championship title after registering a thumping six-wicket victory over Punjab in the summit clash.
New Delhi, March 31
Madrid, March 31
