Monday, March 15, 1999
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S P O R T | Monday, March 15, 1999 |
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Akram's hat-trick puts Pak on top DHAKA, March 14 — Wasim Akram became the first bowler to claim a hat-trick in successive Tests after Ijaz Ahmed and Inzamam-ul Haq pounded away to double centuries as Pakistan were poised to score a massive win over hapless Sri Lanka in the Asian Test Championship final on the third day today.
Windies in trouble after
Waugh’s 100 |
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Serena overcomes Graf in final
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Moya replaces Sampras as world No 1 ‘Wonderkid’
Hidayat pips Olympic champ Gibbs,
Kallis take SA to 442 for one Canara
Bank, SBP advance Punjab,
Railways record wins Strong
reply by Punjab Orissa
509 for 8 against Delhi Uphill
task for Haryana |
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Akram's hat-trick puts Pak on top DHAKA, March 14 (PTI) — Wasim Akram became the first bowler to claim a hat-trick in successive Tests after Ijaz Ahmed and Inzamam-ul Haq pounded away to double centuries as Pakistan were poised to score a massive win over hapless Sri Lanka in the Asian Test Championship final on the third day today. The 33-year-old left-arm paceman, who produced the feat in the final league tie of the series against Sri Lanka at Lahore earlier this month, struck off the last two balls of his first over and completed the sensational effort by firing out Mahela Jayawardene first ball of his second over. The Pakistan skipper left Sri Lanka reeling at nine for three wickets in their second innings and still needing 354 runs to avoid the looming innings defeat at the Bangabandhu Stadium here. Earlier, Ijaz Ahmed and Inzamam-ul Haq struck career-best knocks of 211 and 200 not out, respectively, as Pakistan piled up 594 before being all out to take a 363-run first innings lead. Debutant leg-spinner Upul Chandana proved the lone saving grace as he toiled to finish with a splendid haul of six for 179 runs. Ijaz Ahmed, who returned to form with a vengeance, eclipsed his previous best of 155 by a long way and completed 3000 runs in Tests when he reached 148. Ijaz and Inzamam-ul Haq pulverised the feeble Sri Lankan attack by piling up 352 runs for the third wicket when Haq retired hurt. He returned to be unbeaten on 200 as Ahmed’s dismissal led to Pakistan losing their last seven wickets for only 79 runs. Akram, who wiped out the tail in Lahore triggered the early collapse this time to have magical figures of 1.1-0-5-3 to complete another miserable day for Sri Lanka after they had spent a tiring day under sweltering heat. Overnight 299 for two, Pakistan kept piling on the agony as both Ijaz Ahmed and Inzamam-ul Haq went after the flagging Sri Lankan attack on a placid track. Akram began his feat with his fourth delivery of the very first over, a short lifting ball which left-hander Avisha Gunawardene fended and Shahid Afridi at the third slip dived to come up with a one-handed catch. Chaminda Vaas, sent as nightwatchman as Sri Lanka had to face only five overs till stumps, was then beaten by sheer pace to be bowled off-stump. With expectations running high, Akram angled a widish ball to Mahela Jayawardene off the first ball of his second over, but the batsman needlessly tried to drive and tamely edged to Wajahatullah Wasti at third slip as the Pakistan fielders mobbed their jubilant skipper in celebration. Akram’s feat was the 25th hat-trick in 123 years. The 22nd bowler to take a Test hat-trick, he became the third bowler to claim a hat-trick twice to join Australians H Trumble (versus England at Melbourne in 1901-02 and 1903-04 series) and T J Mathews (Australia vs South Africa at Manchester in 1912). Mathews also holds the distinction as the only bowler to claim a hat-trick in each innings of the same match. Akram also has two hat-tricks in one-dayers — in Sharjah against Australia and West Indies. "It is a great achievement and I am delighted,’ he told reporters. "This is a double delight as my father was watching from the stands," he said. Scoreboard Sri Lanka (2nd
innings) |
Contest between men and boys PAKISTANI batsmen put Sri Lanka to the sword. It was men against boys — no contest with Ijaz and Inzamam both completing their double hundreds. Slowly and patiently both batsmen made sure that Sri Lanka didn't get any bowling bonus points. Who can blame them for doing what is necessary to win the tournament. Winning is what every sport is about. Who remembers the losers ! All along Pakistan have been confident that they can beat Sri Lanka that is why they made certain in the Lahore Test match that India were put out of the contest and I still don't like the tactics. Within the rules of the tournament, Pakistan feel the means justify the end result. India would probably have done the same as Pakistan. I suppose it is the ‘nature of the beast’. Both Ijaz and Inzamam stuck to the plan with great discipline. Only once the 100 overs had been completed and bonus points were finished did they begin to express themselves. Ijaz is no stylist. Early on he shuffles about the crease, defending almost crab like. He grafted and then blossomed once his century had been achieved and the 100 overs completed. Inzamam was under a lot of pressure over his place in the team. Some say he is talented but lazy. He is like a sleeping giant who needs a kick up the backside now and again to get him going. Only occasionally did he show a glimpse of his power and glorious strokeplay up to his century. Making runs was so important after his lean spell that couldn't afford to be careless and extravagant. In the 90s he was ill at ease attempting singles that were suicide, and he was also playing and missing, where before he had been composed. He was edgy and uncertain because a century would be a psychological boost. Once attained, he batted beautifully dominating the moderate bowling. In fact Pakistan toyed with Sri Lanka. By all cricket logic, Pakistan should have to their final total much faster to give themselves at least an hour to bowl at the opposition. Two days fielding in the hot sun makes for very tired legs and I don't know any opening batsman who likes to be put into bat at the end of such a long period. Pakistan enjoyed the luxury of allowing Inzamam to achieve the personal goal of a double century. So certain are they of their superiority that the Coca Cola Trophy could be presented to them now! — PMG
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Gibbs, Kallis take SA to 442 for one CHRISTCHURCH, March 14 (Reuters) — Herschelle Gibbs and Jacques Kallis dominated the fourth day of the second Test against New Zealand at Lancaster Park today with an unbroken 315 runs to lead South Africa to 442-1 at the close. With rain and bad light a constant threat, South African captain Hansie Cronje decided not to risk a declaration, allowing his two young stars to increase the team’s lead to 274 after New Zealand’s dismal 168 all out on the first day. Gibbs became the ninth South African to score a Test double century. He finished unbeaten on a career best 211, while Kallis’ highest score in Tests, an unbeaten 148, came during the third-highest partnership, for any wicket, in South Africa Test history. The stand was just four runs behind the 319 added by Dudley Nourse and Alan Melville for the third wicket against England at Trent Bridge in 1947 and 26 runs behind the 341 posted by Eddie Barlow and Graeme Pollock against Australia in Adelaide in 1963-64. After a delayed start to the morning’s play Gibbs and Kallis accelerated the scoring rate with the prospect of a declaration looming. But as the grey, cold weather closed in, Cronje opted to allow the innings to continue. Gibbs, who resumed on 113, twice lofted Chris Harris for six in a morning session but settled down as tactics became clear. He reached 200 shortly before the close from 454 deliveries with 21 fours and three sixes. He batted for 10 hours and 59 minutes, exactly equalling the time Daryll Cullinan needed to make his national record 275 not out in the first Test which is also the longest Test innings played by a South African. The first record to tumble on the fourth day was the second wicket partnership for South Africa. Kallis and Gary Kirsten set that with 238 against England at Old Trafford last year. "We never thought about records at any time," Kallis said. "The weather was really frustrating. The only time we talked about our stand was when Hersch reminded me of the 250 we once added together for Western Province against Natal. He said ‘imagine doing this for South Africa.’" Surprisingly Gibbs’ innings was only the third-highest maiden century for his country. Jackie McGlew reached 255 not out against New Zealand at Wellington in 1952-53, in his seventh Test, and Dudley Nourse scored 231 against Australia at the Wanderers in 1935, in just his sixth Test. This match was Gibbs’ 13th. By the close of play Kallis had completed his fourth Test century from 249 balls and had faced 340 deliveries in seven hours and 30 minutes hitting 17 fours and one six. Gibbs had faced 468 balls collecting 23 fours and three sixes. New Zealand: (1st
innings) 168 |
Windies in trouble after Waugh’s 100 KINGSTON (Jamaica), March 14 (Reuters) – Australian pace pair Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie left West Indies’ beleaguered cricketers reeling again after a four-wicket new-ball burst in the second Test at Sabina park yesterday. McGrath seized three wickets and Gillespie took the other as West Indies slumped to 37 for four at the close on the first day in reply to Australia’s 256, of which captain Steve Waugh made exactly 100. West Indies, thrashed by 312 runs in the first test of the four-match series at Port of Spain earlier this week, produced effective out-cricket at times, only to be undone by another brittle batting display. McGrath bowled opener Sherwin Campbell (12) as he aimed an ambitious drive, had debutant Lincoln Roberts (0) caught off the top of his glove, and removed Dave Joseph (14) when the batsman sliced a slower ball to point. That gave McGrath three for 28 from his opening spell while Gillespie had opener Suruj Ragoonath (0) lbw pushing forward, leaving captain Brian Lara (7 not out) once more as his team’s main hope of a competitive total. West Indies had started the day encouragingly as Courtney Walsh produced a magnificent opening spell of 10-4-19-3 on his home ground that reduced Australia to 46 for three after they won the toss. The indefatigable Walsh posed problems from the outset with his relentlessly probing length and line on a pitch offering bounce and a degree of movement. With Curtly Ambrose giving the batsmen no respite at the other end, Walsh struck his first blow when he went round the wicket to Matthew Elliott and got a delivery to straighten which the batsman edged to first slip before he had scored. Australia, eight for one at that point, increased the total to 28 before Walsh slanted one across Justin Langer from over the wicket and had the left-hander caught behind by Ridley Jacobs for eight. Walsh captured the wicket of Michael Slater at 46 when the opener, a century-maker in the first Test, was beaten pushing forward and given out caught behind for 22. The damage was repaired by brothers Mark and Steve Waugh in a fourth wicket partnership of 112 during which they batted with mounting authority, Mark showing characteristic fluency and Steve hitting productively through the off-side. The twins added 67 in the first hour after lunch, with Mark Waugh reaching his half-century by lofting debutant off-spinner Nehemiah Perry over long-on for six. However, the newcomer had the final word by bowling Waugh as he tried to cut a delivery that kept low. He made 67 from 117 balls. When Walsh had Greg Blewett leg before for five playing across the line and Ian Healy was run out for six, Australia had lost three wickets for 21. Steve Waugh then added 48 in a positive seventh wicket stand with Shane Warne (24), after which the tail-enders hung on long enough to help Australia’s captain to three figures. Waugh, who made exactly 200 in his only previous test innings at Sabina Park in 1995, completed his century from 164 balls, hitting 11 fours and one six. He was last out, edging Pedro Collins to slip to give the left-arm paceman final figures of three for 79. Walsh finished with four for 55. (Scoreboard) Australia Ist innings: West Indies
(Ist innings): |
Lewis 'robbed' of crown NEW YORK, March 14 (AFP) — Not all his strength and power could save Britain’s Lennox Lewis from a New York mugging on one of the darkest days in boxing history last night. Lewis outclassed American Evander Holyfield for 12 rounds here only to be denied confirmation of the obvious, his status as the undisputed world heavyweight champion, when judges scored the fight a draw. "It looks like the judges were rigged," said Emanuel Steward, Lewis’s trainer. "It was a terrible decision" South African Judge Stanley Christoudoulou awarded the fight to Lewis 116-113 but American Jean Willians went for Holyfield 115-113 and Britain’s Larry O’Conner called it a 115-115 draw. Had O’Conner not awarded the final round to Lewis, as did his fellow Judges, the fight would have astonishingly gone to Holyfield, who was outpunched 348-130, outjabbed 187-52 and hit by more hard punches 161-78. Lewis landed more jabs than Holyfield threw punches as his superior size and reach kept Holyfield at bay. Holyfield landed fewer than 10 punches in six rounds, never coming near fulfilling his prediction of a third-round knockout. The long-awaited fight left a bitter taste in the mouth of a sellout crowd of 21,284 at Madison Square Garden. Boos greeted the decision and mention of promoter Don King’s name. The result meant Holyfield, 36, kept the World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation titles while Lewis, 33, remained the World Boxing Council champion. The three major heavyweight titles were to have been reunited for the first time since Riddick Bowe dropped the WBC belt in a trash can in December 1992. "I cannot believe the outcome," Lewis said. "I’m so disappointed. I thought I won that fight hands down. I was expecting three belts. I don’t even know what to say." "I knew they wouldn’t let me leave with all three belts without some funny business," Lewis said. "I knew it was a Don King promotion." Had Holyfield lost, King would have lost control of the profitable heavyweight title and lost much of his power. A near-certain rematch instead will try to milk more money from the unification quest. "I don’t even see what the problem is. Let’s do it again," King said. "You have a dispute, to resolve it, let’s do it again. It will be a great show." Lewis raced from the ring seconds after the verdict was read, the joy of an apparent victory replaced by stunned anger and frustration. Only in the locker room did he find words to express his disbelief. "I was so disappointed. I lost two rounds. That’s all I lost. He never hurt me. Not in the least. Not one bit. There should be an automatic rematch. I doubt he wants to fight me again. He looked like an old man." Holyfield nearly collapsed during a post-fight news conference and winced in pain with a sore back. But he was game for a rematch, saying: "In six months, if you want to get it on, we will get it on. It ain’t no problem with me." It was the first career draw for Lewis, who entered 34-1, and Holyfield, who came in 36-3. Holyfield had not endured
such punishment since 1995, when he was stopped by former
champion Riddick Bowe in the eighth round. "I have
to rank (Lewis) with Riddick Bowe because that’s
what he did to me," he said. Lewis would have become the first undisputed heavyweight champion from Britain since Bob Fitzsimmons lost the crown a century ago. About 7,000 fans were chanting Lewis’s name and cheering during the fight as if it were Wembley Stadium. Holyfield was unable to get near the larger Lewis most of the fight and was given nothing to counterpunch by Lewis. The Briton kept Holyfield at bay with his left jab, denying him any chance to come inside. Holyfield landed only seven punches in round one and eight in round two. In the third, the round Holyfield predicted he would knock out Lewis, he came out aggressive and even backed Lewis into a corner. Holyfield scored with hooks and uppercuts but Lewis effectively countered. Lewis dominated as the fight wore on, often lowering his hands to entice Holyfield to draw near. Holyfield had landed only 68 punches through seven rounds, a third of Lewis’s total, and the ratio changed little over the last rounds. Yet Williams and Christoudoulou gave Holyfield four of the final five rounds and O’Connell gave Holyfield four of the last seven and rated two others a draw. Lewis raised his right
fist in triumph after round 11 and again in the final
second of the last round even as Holyfield clung to him.
As the final bell sounded, Lewis yelled "yes",
but the judging said no. |
Moya replaces Sampras as world No 1 INDIAN WELLS, March 14 (Reuters) — Carlos Moya celebrated the greatest moment of his life after a victory in yesterday’s semifinals of the Champions Cup enabled him to replace Pete Sampras as world number one. Reigning French Open champion Moya, who began the week ranked fourth, beat former French Open winner Gustavo Kuerten of Brazil 6-3 1-6 6-1 to take advantage of stumbles this week by Sampras (1), Yevgeny Kafelnikov (2) and Alex Corretja (3). "I didn’t win the tournament yet, but you have to understand this is the greatest moment of my life," Moya said to the crowd, which gave him a standing ovation. "I thought winning a Grand Slam title was the greatest thing, but being number one is." Moya will try to win his first tournament of the year tonight against unseeded Australian Mark Philippoussis, who crushed American qualifier Chris Woodruff 6-1 6-2 in his semifinal. Philippoussis, who is 13-2 for the year, won his sixth career title at San Jose this past February. Moya, 22, will become the first Spaniard ever to ascend to number one status in men’s tennis when the new rankings are issued tomorrow. Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario occupied the number one position on the women’s WTA tour for 12 weeks in 1995. "I’ve been saying I wanted to be the number one and I think nobody believed it," said Moya. "But when I set a goal, I try to realise it." With the final point over, Moya raced to the side of the court and wrapped his arms around coach Jose Perlas and fitness trainer Luis Miguel Morales. The three of them just kept jumping up and down with joy. Australian John Newcombe, a former world number one himself, presented Moya with a trophy to commemorate his accomplishment in an on-court ceremony. "Congratulations. Wear the crown with honour and remember it’s good to be king," Newcombe told Moya. The Spaniard becomes the 15th player to reach number one as he ended Pete Sampras’s current streak of 29 consecutive weeks in the top spot. Sampras was just eight weeks shy of Ivan Lendl’s career record of 270 weeks total as world number one. When Moya arrived at the Champions Cup, he was one of four players with a chance to take over the top ranking. The three others — 1999 Australian Open champion Kafelnikov, reigning two-time US Open champion Patrick Rafter and Corretja — all lost their opening-round matches to pave the way for Moya’s rise. Sampras lost to Spain’s Felix Mantilla in his second-round match. Moya picked the right spot to beat 1997 French Open champion Kuerten for the first time after losing in three previous encounters. The Spaniard dominated the first set, but his nerves got the better of him in the second set allowing Kuerten to level the match. Amazingly, Moya seemed remarkably calm in the third set, methodically picking apart Kuerten’s game, particularly taking advantage of his friend’s crumbling forehand. On Kuerten’s first service game in the third set, Moya broke serve at love when the Brazilian smacked an inside out forehand approach into the net. "I played, maybe, the worst game in the match when I served in the third set," Kuerten said. "I think this was the difference between him to win. "We knew the
semifinal was the race to number one and it was very
exciting. Maybe, I got a little bit more nervous than
him." |
Serena overcomes Graf in final INDIAN WELLS, March 14 (Reuters) — After staging a coming out party by winning in Paris two weeks ago, Serena Williams was fully crowned as an elite player by overcoming a sore knee to beat Steffi Graf in the final of the Evert Cup Williams, 17, toppled fifth-seed and former world number one Graf 6-3 3-6 7-5 in one hour, 45 minutes. "I’m so excited," said Williams, who bounced up and down like a pogo stick after winning a 12-ball rally to claim her second career title. Williams played an ethereal first set, moving with the speed of a puma and smacking winners all over the court from a low-crouch position. With Graf serving at break point at 3-4, the aggressive Williams forced the 30-year-old legend into a backhand error. The American teenager — who served with remarkable variety and effectiveness throughout the match — closed out the set with a slice service winner and a down-the-middle blast. But in the second set, the steady Graf hung tough and began to confuse her younger foe by mixing sharply angled crosscourt forays with down the line blasts. Graf broke Williams to go ahead 3-1 in the second set on the fifth break point of the game. Williams began pressing the rest of the set, and Graf, the owner of 21 Grand Slam titles, easily held serve to close it out 6-3. Williams, who beat France’s Amelie Mauresmo to win the Open De Gaz two weeks ago, appeared to tire early in third set. Graf broke her to open the set by crushing a return of serve down the middle that the serve-and-volleying Williams couldn’t pick off the cement. With Graf ahead 2-1, Williams took a medical time-out on the changeover to have her right knee wrapped. After a spotty game where she fell behind 1-3, Williams bore down and began playing with the same enthusiasm she had in the first set. With Graf serving at 4-3, the muscular free-swinging Williams began to creep inside the court and dominate, breaking Graf to tie it 4-4 when she forced her into a backhand error. Graf, who has yet to win a title this year, couldn’t do anything with Williams’s serve after that and collapsed under the pressure of the American’s bullet returns. With Graf serving at 5-6, Williams broke the German to win the match. Until the Evert Cup, Graf had not lost a final she has completed since the 1994 US. Open. Williams, who will move up
to a career-high number 16 in the rankings, smacked 35
winners in the match including nine aces. The usually
powerful Graf could only manage 11 winners against her
quick foe. |
‘Wonderkid’ Hidayat pips Olympic champ BRIMINGHAM, March 14 (Reuters) — Indonesian "Wonderkid" Taufik Hidayat, 17, became the second youngest player to reach the men’s singles final at the All-England Centanary Badminton Championships after routing Olympic champion Poul-Erik Hoyer-Larsen 15-13, 15-7 here last night. It was another sensational performance from the teenager who on Friday eliminated second seed Fung Permadi in the quarter-finals. He trailed 6-0 in the first game and 4-0 in the second but smashed his way back into contention to oust the veteran Dane, now aged 33 but still a formidable proposition. Hidayat’s opponent in tonight’s final will be world number one and top seed Peter Gade Christensen of Denmark. He was not unduly troubled by the top-rated Indonesian Budi Santoso, triumphing 15-11, 15-5. Hidayat has been the revelation of the tournament and all his precocious skills were on display against Hoyer-Larsen. The youngster refused to get rattled when trailing early on, smashed with great ferocity but mixed it with some wicked disguise and phenomenal retrieving which had the Dane at full stretch. The pair traded shot for shot from 4-4 to 7-7 in the second game but suddenly the Indonesian took control, reeling off the last eight points to claim his final place. Although little-known, Hidayat was seeded joint ninth on the strength of some encouraging performances in the last eight months which include a victory over Dong Jiong of China and taking Gade, tonight’s rival, to three games. The teenager said: "The all-England has got to be my most important target. I am very proud to be in the final here." Hidayat had apparently reacted to local press comment suggesting he is too young at present for the big time. He insisted: "Age does not matter." Hoyer-Larsen said: "He is a good player. I knew it would be difficult but I did fancy my chances." The Dane had a tough quarter-final tussle with compatriot Thomas Stuer-Lauridsen on Friday and acknowledged: "I didn’t have the power in my legs after yesterday’s game to make him run round the court." There was another disappointment for Denmark in the women’s singles semifinals when top seed Camilla Martin bowed out tamely 11-1, 11-3 to Holder Ye Zhaoying. Ye meets fellow Chinese Dai Yun in tonight’s final. Dai overcame compatriot and second seed Zhou Mi 8-11, 13-10, 11-5. Home fans received a
welcome treat when mixed doubles duo Simon Archer and Jo
Goode, who have been playing probably the best badminton
of their lives in the last two weeks, brushed aside top
seeds Bambang Suprianto and Rosiana Zelin of Indonesia
15-6, 15-9 to reach the final. |
Canara Bank, SBP advance CHANDIGARH, March 14 — Results of first round matches in the All-India Inter-Bank Table Tennis Tournament which commenced here today were on expected lines as favourites sailed into the second round scheduled to begin tomorrow. In keenly contested ties today, Canara Bank beat State Bank of Saurashtra 3-0 while State Bank of Patiala humbled Bank of Baroda by an identical margin. Canara Bank's strongest player G. Ravishankar had to put up his best performance to overcome V.L. Pandy of State Bank of Saurashtra. Ravi Shankar won 21-18, 12-21, 21-18. In the second match experienced T.S. Ram Kumar of Canara Bank had to utilise all his experience to win against J. Jaiswal (State Bank of Saurashtra) in a nail-biting finish, which proved to be the most interesting match of the day. Ram Kumar won 21-15, 16-21, 22-20. In the third match, Kunal Telang had little difficulty in overcoming D. Sarvaiya 21-15, 21-17. In another contest State Bank of Patiala won against Bank of Baroda 3-0. The veteran Daulat Ram won against D Sinha 25-23, 15-21, 18-21 to give his team a 1-0 lead. In the next two matches Vaneet Chopra and Dipendar Singh (State Bank of Patiala) had an easy win over N.M. Dave and S. Bhattacharya to enable their team to enter the second round. Earlier, the championship was inaugurated by Mr Rajesh Chabbra, Principal Secretary, Punjab. Among those present were Mr Umarji, General Manager, Dena Bank, former national champion Kamlesh Mehta besides other top ranking players. The results: Men's team championships. State Bank of Patiala b Bank of Baroda (3-0). Daulat Ram b D. Sinha ( 2-1) -23-25, 21-15, 21-18-Vaneet Chopra b N. M. Dave ( 2-0) 21-10, 21-12. Dipender Singh b S. Bhattacharya (2-0) 21-17, 21-17. Indian Bank b State Bank of Indore 3-0: (V. Vasu b S. Mehta (2-0) 21-17, 21-16. R. Ramesh Babu b B. Purohit ( 2-0) 21-13,21-12. J. Selva Kumar b Vijay Singh ( 2-0), 21-10, 21-16. Canara Bank b State Bank of Saurashtra 3-0 ( G. Ravishankar b V. L. Pandya ( 2-0) 21-18, 12-21, 21-18. T.S. Ram Kumar b J. Jaiswal ( 2-1) 21-15, 16-21, 22-20. K. Telang b D. Sarvaiya ( 2-0) 21-15, 21-17.
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Punjab, Railways record wins HYDERABAD, March 14 (PTI) — National Games champions, Punjab scored their third straight victory by defeating Bihar 5-2 in group-A, and Mumbai blanked Vidharbha 7-0 in group-C on the fifth day of 59th Senior National Hockey Championship here today. In a group-D league tie, Jammu and Kashmir defeated Haryana 4-0. Mighty Punjab, who earlier had easy wins over Rajasthan and Andhra, had to face some resistance from Bihar today. Bihar with their loss to Punjab are out of the championship with a record of two wins over Andhra and Rajasthan lost to Indian Railways and Punjab. Punjab have one more important encounter with Indian Railways tomorrow to decide the group-A winner. Punjab playing a cool and calculated game opened their account from the right flank as Surjeet Singh’s cross towards the Bihar goal was deflected by Garbhat Singh into the cage in the second minute. Their second goal scored in the 6th minute again through a right flank move with Surjeet Singh moving down the line gave well calculated pass to unmarked Gursewak Singh who scooped the ball into the net. Keeping the same pressure on the Bihar defence, Punjab earned their first penalty corner in the ninth minute and the resultant direct hit from the top of the circle of Jagdev Singh was deflected into the cage by Bihar defender N Harenja. Bihar who were at the receiving end from the start of the tie made their presence felt by scoring their first goal through a penalty corner. Deep defender N Harenja’s well calculated direct shot got deflected into the Punjab cage through Manpreet Singh’s stick in the 10th minute. The last goal before the half time for Punjab came through a penalty stroke in the 20th minute. Augustin Guria of Bihar stick checked Gursewak Singh and the umpire signalled for the penalty stroke which was easily converted by Baljeet Singh to take the score to 4-1 at half time. After a break, Punjab increased their score through Garbhat Singh in the 55th minute and in the last moments of the match, Bihar further reduced their margin through J Jojo in the 56th minute. Mumbai who earlier drew with FCI, played a totally transformed game today to blank out Vidarbha 7-0. Defending champions Indian Railways had to overcome a few hiccups before outplaying Andhra 5-1 in the penultimate group-A league tie. Youthful Uttar Pradesh
trounced hosts Hyderabad 4-0 after leading 3-0 at
half-time in a group-B encounter. Central Industrial
Security Force (CISF) thrashed Nagaland 8-0 (H.T 4-0) in
another clash in the same group. |
Strong reply by Punjab CALCUTTA, March 14 (PTI) — Veteran Srikant Kalyani and Saba Karim played responsible knocks as Bengal scored a challenging 457 in their first innings on the second day of the Ranji Trophy super league match against Punjab here today. Giving a fitting reply, the visitors were 105 for no loss when stumps were drawn for the day. The seasoned Navjot Singh Sidhu (51) and Test discard Vikram Rathore (47) were at the crease at the Eden Gardens. Earlier, resuming at their overnight score of 265 for four, Bengal lost left-hander Rohan Gavaskar (80) in the eighth over of the day, but Karim (66) and Kalyani (88) added 98 runs in only 93 minutes to offset the damage. Bengal (first innings) 265/4 overnight: D Gandhi c Jugnu b S Sharma 52, D Dasgputa c (sub) Ricky b H Singh 30, N Haldipur c Mongia b Bhushan 43, R Gavaskar lbw b S Sharma 80, S Ganguly c Dharmani b Sodhi 35, S Karim b N. Singh 66, S Kalayani c H Singh b B Bhushan 88,, A Das c P Dharmani b H Singh 5, L R Shukla c (sub) Ricky b N Singh 9, U Chatterjee c Jugnu b H Singh 19, S Banerjee not out 7. Extras (lb-4, nb-19) 23. Total (all out in 134.3 overs) 457. Fall of wickets: 1-84, 2-94, 3-155, 4-207, 5-276, 6-374, 7-395, 8-414, 9-442. Bowling: Bharat Bhushan 33.3-8-115-2, Sandeep Sharma 22.3-6-73-2, Harbhajan Singh 41-7-147-3, R S Sodhi 17.3-5-39-1, Navdeep Singh 20-1-79-2. Punjab (first innings): V Rathore batting 47, N S Sidhu batting 51. Extras (nb-7) 7. Total (for no loss in 31.1 overs) 105. Bowling:
Shukla 9-1-36-0, Banerjee 10.1-1-32-0, Ganguly 4-1-10-0,
Chatterjee 8-3-27-0. |
Uphill task for Haryana RAJNANDGAON, March 14 (PTI) — Haryana face an uphill task as they were 113 for one in reply to Madhya Pradesh first innings score of 605 on the second day of the four-day Ranji Trophy super league tie here today. At stumps, Parinder Sharma (50) and Rajesh Puri (35) were batting. Resuming at their overnight score of 420 for six, Madhya Pradesh added 185 runs. Overnight unbeaten Raja Ali (68) completed his half-century as he and Harvinder Sodhi (38) added 88-runs for the seventh wicket. After the fall of Raja Ali, it was Manish Majithia who compiled a useful 62. He was ably assisted by former Test spinner Rajesh Chauhan (29) and Sunil Lahore (21). For Haryana, medium-pacers Manish Sakalkar (four for 110) and Vineet Jain (four for 153) were the most successful. Haryana began the run-chase in right earnest but lost opener Jitender Singh (23) with the score on 50. He fell leg before to Jaiprakash Yadav. Brief scores: Madhya
Pradesh 605 all out (C P Sahu 60, J P Yadav 90, R Ali 68,
M Majithia 62; V Jain 4/153, M Sakalkar 4/110). Haryana
113 for one (P Singh batting 50). |
Orissa 509 for 8 against Delhi CUTTACK, March 14 (PTI) — Orissa made 509 for eight at close on the second day of their four-day Ranji Trophy super league match against Delhi at close on the second day here today. Aided by fine knocks by skipper Shiv Sundar Das (178) and Rashmi Ranjan Parida (batting 111), Orissa frustrated Delhi bowlers for the second consecutive day at the Barabati Stadium here, making the task of the visitors more difficult in their bid to qualify for the knockout round. Delhi, needing to establish the first innings lead over Orissa to qualify for the next round from group B, found Das and Parida too good to tackle as the home batsmen paraded their talent on the placid track. Resuming at overnight 278 for three with Das on 123 and Parida on zero, Orissa completely dominated the Delhi bowling to go for lunch at the score of 368 for three. Das, who appeared invincible, was run out after the break for 178 (541 minutes, 13 fours). Stroking the ball to the covers, the Orissa captain set off for a run but was turned back by Parida. The opener could not regain his crease as Arun Singh’s accurate throw reached ‘keeper Vijay Dahiya. Brief score: Orissa —
509 for eight (Das 178, Mallick 113, Parida batting 111;
Amit Suman 2/49, Arun Singh 2/56, Sehwag 2/47). |
H
Cricket tourney CHANDIGARH, March 14 (TNS) — The UT Cricket Tournament for the Golden Forest Trophy will commence on March 20, according to Mr S.S. Bawa, general secretary of the association. Mr Bawa said the sector cricket stadium would soon have a facelift as a billiard room, a dining hall, office room and bar will be constructed by the administration. This club will be run by the UTCA. The membership of this club will be open to all cricket players and general citizens of the city. The association will conduct a clinic for umpires in August. An inter-school cricket tournament for the Kapil Dev Trophy will be held in October. The tournament for boys (under 14 years) will be held in December 1999. It was requested by certain members that the booking of cricket stadium may be given to the association. The Adviser to the Administration, Mr Jagdish Sagar, who is also president of the association, agreed to the proposal and directed Mr R.K. Rao, Director, Sports, to consider the issue and finalise the same at the earliest. UT football team CHANDIGARH, March 14 (TNS) — Rajesh Sharma of AG Haryana with lead Chandigarh in the BBL-55th Senior National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy to be held at Chennai from March 17. The team will play the first match on March 18. The other members of the team are: Mukesh Kumar, Jasmeet Singh, Deepak, Sunil, Sanjeev, Rajiv, Harvinder Pal, Jaswinder Singh, Gurjinder Singh, Varinder Kanwar, Sachin, Anil Saini, Vinay Kanwar, Rajiv Rattan, Mohil, Sanjay, Suraj and Bahadur Singh. Coaching Centre retain title LUDHIANA, March 14 (FOSR) — Thanks to a century stand between Ankur Kakkar and Manav Dhuppar for the first wicket and then a devastating bowling spell by left-arm spinner Rajinder Pursharthy (5 for 27) holders, Coaching Centre defeated Riat XI by 35 runs to retain the title in the 6th Veera Devi Memorial Cricket Tournament at the S.D. Government College grounds here today. Coaching Centre won the toss and elected to bat. They amassed 224 runs in the allotted 30 overs after losing four wickets. Openers Ankur Kakkar and Manav Dhuppar provided a solid start adding 108 runs for the first wicket. Manav made 43 runs while Ankur Kakkar remained unbeaten on 99 runs which came off 86 balls and included eleven hits to the fence. Riat XI began their chase sedately. They lost three wickets for 108 runs on the board after 16 overs.Then Rajinder Pursharthy of Coaching Centre clicked and ripped through Riat XI's middle order. He chipped in with five wickets conceding 27 runs. Riat XI's innings ended at 189 runs with three balls to spare. Brief scores: Coaching Centre 224 for 4 (Ankur Kakkar 99 n.o. Manav Dhuppar 43, Vivek Mahajan 16, Rajesh Puri 12, Amrinder Singh 13, Kuldeep Singh 1 for 48, Mohit Khanna 1 for 39, T.D. Singh 1 for 27). Riat XI 189 all out (Jatin
30, Rajan Singh 41, Sunny 28, Kuldeep 16, Sukhminder
Jassi 13, Rajinder Pursharthy 5 for 27, Mithun 1 for 24,
Amrinder Singh 1 for 16, Manav Dhuppar 1 for 7, Ankur
Kakkar 2 for 40). |
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