 |
|
Saturday,
September 14, 2002, Chandigarh, India  
|
Thrilling last-ball win for SA
Chetan Sharma writes India start campaign today
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Pre-match comments: Andy Flower Kenya team likely for Atray cricket tourney Champions hockey
at Jalandhar India juniors move into
quarterfinals Ludhiana, Faridkot in q-finals Injured athletes to get another chance
|
|
Thrilling
last-ball win for SA
Colombo, September 13 The victory was made possible by a wide ball from Mervyn Dillon when South Africa needed three runs from the last ball of the match. After scampering for a bye off the wide ball, Alan Dawson hit a boundary off the next ball to take South Africa’s score to 242 for eight in response to West Indies’ 238 for eight. West Indies had almost assured themselves of a victory when South Africa needed 13 off the last over. But South African captain Shaun Pollock hit a six off the very first ball that brought his side back in contention. Pollock was dismissed on the next ball and Lance Klusener one ball later, but West Indies couldn’t hold on to their nerves and allowed South Africa to reach the target. With Kenya being the third team in the group, West Indies’ campaign in the tournament is all but over. In a see-saw game, South Africa, after being docked an over for slow bowing rate, slumped to 61 for three before recovering through a record 117-run fourth wicket stand between Boeta Dippenaar (53) and Jonty Rhodes (61). They improved upon the 112-run partnership between Gary Kirsten and Hansie Cronje at Lahore in 1997, that was the previous best for a South African fourth wicket pair against West Indies, and were cruising along nicely at 178 for three when West Indies captain Carl Hooper gave South Africa a double blow in the 40th over. Dippenaar was caught by Mahendra Nagamootoo soon after reaching his half century with four fours and Rhodes played on to his stumps two balls later to leave his team 179 for five. Mark Boucher and Lance Klusener strung a useful 41 run partnership for the sixth wicket before Dillon sent both back. With South Africa needing 27 from the last three overs, Boucher hit Dillon for a six off the first ball of the 47th over. But he missed the very next ball and was clean bowled for 23. Pedro Collins slipped a very tidy 48th over to leave the South Africans a very daunting task of scoring 13 in the last over. But Pollock smashed a full toss into the long-on stands to revive his team’s chances before the drama unfolded. Pollock took two runs on the next ball but holed out to Shivnarine Chanderpaul while going for another big hit on the third ball of the over. Klusener took another two runs before giving a simple catch to Chanderpaul on the fifth ball. With victory looking almost certain for West Indies, Dillon messed up his good work by sending down a wide down the leg side. Dillon finished with four wickets for 60 runs while Hooper was the most impressive bowler, claiming three wickets for 42 runs. Earlier, the West Indies were restricted to 238 in their allotted 50 overs with openers Chris Gayle and Chanderpaul being the highest contributors, scoring 49 and 45 respectively. Scoreboard West Indies: Gayle c Boucher b Donald 49 Chanderpaul c Dippenaar
b Dawson 45 Lara c Donald b Boje 21 Hooper lbw b Pollock 27 Hinds c Kallis b Donald 12 Sarwan b Kallis 36 Jacobs c Pollock b Kallis 25 Nagamootoo run out 10 Drakes not out 0 Dillon not out 1 Extras: (lb-4, nb-1, w-7) 12 Total:
(for 8 wkts, 50 overs) 238 Fall of wickets: 1-63, 2-107, 3-153, 4-153, 5-191, 6-220, 7-230, 8-237. Bowling: Pollock 10-1-35-1, Alan Dawson 10-1-51-1, Allan Donald 8-0-44-2, Kallis 9-0-41-2, Boje 7-0-34-1, Klusener 6-0-29-0. South Africa: Gibbs b Dillon 8 Smith st Jacobs b Hooper 33 Kallis c Jacobs b Drakes 10 Dippenaar c Nagamootoo
Rhodes b Hooper 61 Boucher b Dillon 23 Klusener c Chanderpaul
Pollock c Chanderpaul
Boje not out 0 Dawson not out 4 Extras:
(b-1, lb-3, w-7, nb-6) 17 Total: (for 8 wkts, 49 overs) 242 Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-50, 3-61, 4-178, 5-179, 6-220, 7-234, 8-236. Bowling: Dillon 10-1-60-4, Collins 9-0-38-0, Hooper 10-1-42-3, Drakes 8-1-36-1, Nagamootoo 9-0-41-0, Gayle 3-0-21-0.
PTI |
|
Chetan Sharma writes Cricket we all know is a game of glorious uncertainties and today, at Colombo, you had another example of one mistake costing a team a match. Who knows the West Indies may even be out of reckoning of the Champions Trophy now. Mervyn Dillon will rue the fact that he bowled a wide at a time when almost all of the West Indies had been expecting a dot ball. But that was not to be and South Africa got a new life in the tournament by winning the match by two wickets. What a match it was. The fortunes swung merrily until it got to a stage where South Africa needed three runs off the final ball of the match. And to their surprise, Dillon bowled a wide ball while the two batsmen stole a quick bye too, making it one run in a ball for South African win. Alan Dawson then hit the only ball he faced for a boundary as a dejected West Indies squad beat a retreat. The South African win was largely due to the efforts by Jonty Rhodes and Boeta Dippenaar. Their partnership was the turning point as they ran their singles and doubles like a hare between the wickets. The West Indies captain Carl Hooper had been leading his side well to that point but as Rhodes and Dipennar set about their task, the West Indies fielding crashed under pressure. It was tough luck for the West Indies but that is the way cricket goes nowadays. Dillon failed to keep his cool and paid a heavy penalty in return. The West Indian batting looked set for a total of 260-270 but for a middle overs slump. Both the set batsmen, Hooper and Shivnarine Chanderpaul were dismissed within runs of each other and only due to Ridley Jacobs’ use of the long handle, did the West Indies reach 238. Tomorrow, India play their first match of the tournament against Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe are not a side which can be taken lightly and I would like to advise the Indians to be at their best if they are to pose a challenge in the tournament. As England is the third team in their group, India must be aware that only one team from each group will qualify for the semifinals. If that is the case they cannot afford to lose any of the matches.
|
|
India start campaign today
Colombo, September 13 The triumph at Lord’s on July 13 in the NatWest Trophy final was one of India’s biggest victories in recent times in one-day internationals and capped the team’s excellent run in the league matches of the series that involved England and Sri Lanka. A similar performance would be needed here if India entertain hopes of winning the Champions Trophy which is being played almost on a knock-out basis. The players who made that victory in England possible are here, eager to prove their worth all over again. The joining of Mohammad Kaif, Yuvraj Singh and Dinesh Mongia has brought a fresh wave of energy to the team that must be a bit tired after a gruelling 83-day tour of England, the fourth and final Test of which ended only on Monday. Zimbabwe are by no means minnows like Kenya, Bangladesh or Holland — the weaker teams of the three other pools — and that virtually makes Group B, which has England too, a ‘group of death’. Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly acknowledged this fact and said his team must win every match. “We are in a tough group. We cannot afford to take Zimbabwe lightly,” Ganguly said today, talking to reporters ahead of tomorrow’s match. Considering the form that they showed in England, both in the one-dayers and the Test matches that followed, India would be disappointed if they do not beat Zimbabwe tomorrow. The only thing that may be worrying them would be fatigue. There has not been enough rest for the players who featured in the Test series against England but the best thing to emerge from that tour has been that the victories have been achieved due to contributions from every member of the team. India no longer seem to be depending on one individual to bail them out and the entire team is clicking as a unit. With Rahul Dravid doing well behind the wickets in one-day matches, apart from his terrific form with the bat, the Indians have not even picked a specialist wicketkeeper thus allowing themselves room to accommodate an extra batsman the way they did in England. All the main batsmen have had a satisfying run in England and that will keep their confidence level high. With action returning to the sub-continent, the Indians are almost sure to go in with both their spinners — Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. Ajit Agarkar will most likely grab the all-rounder’s slot, leaving Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra to compete for the new ball attack. Teams (from): India: Sourav Ganguly (captain), Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Dinesh Mongia, Mohd Kaif, Yuvraj Singh, Ajit Agarkar, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, VVS Laxman, JP Yadav, Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh. Zimbabwe: Heath Streak (captain), Alistair Campbell, Stuart Carlisle, Dion Ebrahim, Sean Ervine, Andy Flower, Grant Flower, Travis Friend, Douglas Hondo, Douglas Marillier, Mpumelelo Mbangwa, Raymond Price, Tatenda Taibu, Guy Whittall. PTI
|
|
Pre-match comments: Andy Flower India, England and Zimbabwe form what is certainly the most exciting group in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy. While the pundits may consider us the “weakest link”, England and India are teams against whom we’ve had a fair amount of success in the last couple of years. There is no reason why we can’t pull off a surprise here as well though none of us are over-confident on the eve of our first match. Both India and England have been playing extremely well. I was in England playing for Essex and caught a fair bit of the India-England series on television. Both teams played great cricket and it was indeed a riveting encounter. What’s more, I had the opportunity to play against the Indians during their encounter with Essex in a side game. I always relish playing against them and am glad they are here in full strength. Even till four days ago, there was a great deal of suspense surrounding the Indian team. However, all’s well that ends well and I’m really happy that the big boys of the team are in Sri Lanka. Every player wants to test his skills against the best possible opposition, and a full strength Indian team will ensure just that. Secondly, the tournament would have got terribly devalued if a country of India’s stature sent a second-string team. It would have really brought down the excitement level by a couple of notches. Finally, the absence of the Sachins and Sauravs would have had major financial implications on the tournament. Coming back to Saturday’s game, Zimbabwe had a practice session at the Premadasa today. They had watered the wicket a fair bit, but I’m sure that it will be dry and good for batting by tomorrow afternoon. It might not be a bad idea to chase since it is still early days in the tournament and there is no deterioration on the surface. Indians excel in these conditions though the fact that they are coming from England could have an impact on their preparedness. I took the flight from England to Colombo via Dubai a couple of days ago, and it took me around 48 hours to get over the fatigue. India landed in Colombo on Thursday evening, which is less than 48 hours before the match, so they might just be a little travel weary. Moreover, they are coming from a three-month long English summer into the heat and humidity of Sri Lanka. Even for players born and bred in hot, humid conditions, the adjustment might be difficult. Personally, I have always enjoyed playing against India, but my record in Sri Lanka has not been very good. Hopefully I’ll contribute well this time round to improve my record in this country. The Zimbabwe side is pretty much identical to the one that played in India earlier this year. The only change is that Guy Whittal has come in, and he looked good with a 66 against New Zealand in a practice game. Zimbabwe are aware that the last one-day match India played was the mind-blowing final of the NatWest Trophy. Such games always have an inspirational effect on the side for many months. However, I believe that every game is a new one and everybody has to start from zero all over again. We know we have beaten the same team in the past and will try to repeat that success once again in Premadasa. (Gameplan)
|
|
Kenya team likely for Atray cricket tourney Chandigarh, September 13 Stating this here today, Mr M.P. Pandove, Secretary of the Punjab Cricket Association, said the Kenyan team would be visiting Punjab after the Punjab Ranji squad undertook a very successful tour of Kenya last month. The visit would help the Punjab state squad to hone up their cricketing skills prior to the commencement of the National Cricket Championship for the Ranji Trophy. The Kenyan team would be reaching here immediately after the completion of the matches in the Champions Trophy currently in progress in Sri Lanka. The Kenyan team will arrive in India on September 26 and reach Chandigarh on September 27. Subject to clearance of the BCCI, they will then take part in the J.P. Memorial Cricket Tournament from September 28. On October 7 the Kenyans will travel to Amritsar and play a one-day match against Punjab there on October 8. On October 9 the two teams will play another one-day tie at Jalandhar . The third one-day match between the two teams would be played at Ludhiana on October 11 while the last match of the one-day series will be played at Patiala on October 13. At the conclusion of this match the Chief Minister of Punjab will distribute the prizes and also host an official dinner at Moti Bagh Palace in Patiala. The Keynan team will take on Punjab in a four-day match from October 15 to 18 at the PCA Stadium at Mohali before leaving for home. Mr Pandove said Mr William Wemsley of the Turf Institute of New Zealand along with chief curator of the BCCI Kasturi Ranjan of Karnataka will visit Mohali on September 15 to inspect the pitches of the PCA Stadium. The PCA has already relaid the pitches of the stadium as per the direction of the BCCI. The PCA Secretary said that the pitches at Dhruv Pandove Stadium at Patiala and also the pitches at Amritsar have been relaid as per the direction of the board, while the pitches at Bulton Park Jalandhar will be done shortly. Mr Wemsley will arrive at Chandigarh by the morning Shatabdi from Delhi and return to the national captial in the evening. Meanwhile, Mr Pandove has clarified that Punjab skipper Vikram Rathore has only verbally expressed his desire to play for Himachal Pradesh this season but is yet to put in a formal application. Although Punjab would miss the services of the versatile cricketer, it would not stop him from shifting his alliance to any other state. Mr Pandove said the state selection committee would meet shortly to select the Punjab team for the Atray tournament and then it would take a decision on the captain of the squad provided Rathore puts in his papers by then. |
|
Champions
hockey at Jalandhar Jalandhar, September 13 Addressing a Press conference here today, former Indian captain and Olympian Pargat Singh said in all 10 school teams (under 19 boys) and eight school teams (subjunior (under 14 boys) will participate. “Though Punjab has been known to be a nursery of hockey, no serious effort has been made to encourage budding hockey players. The league is aimed at inculcating the killer instinct amongst players besides generating interest in the public,” he said. The participating teams are: under 19 (Boys): Baba Farid Public School, Faridkot, Gobind Convent School, Ferozepore, Khalsa Senior Secondry School, Mandi Ahmedgarh, Government Senior Secondary School, Gurdaspur, Khalsa Senior Secondary School, Ropar, Government High School, Dhudike, Government Senior Secondary School, Lopoke, Guru Nanak Khalsa Senior Secondary School, Jalandhar Cantt, Doaba Khalsa Model Senior Secondary School, Jalandhar and PAP Government Senior Secondary School, Jalandhar Cantt. Subjunior (under 14 Boys): Surjit Hockey Academy, Jalandhar, Khalsa Academy, Mehta, Namdhari Academy, Bhaini Sahib, Punjab and Sind Bank Academy, Jalandhar, Border Hawks, Amritsar, Kila Raipur Hockey Academy, Ludhiana, Ropar Hawks, Ropar and Dashmesh Academy, Mansa. The final of under 19 (Boys) group will be played on September 24. The participating teams will be provided free kit during the league. Pargat Singh further said that the league was fully sponsored by non resident Indians (NRIs). |
|
Gurmit hockey from Sept 21 Chandigarh, September 13 The IHF has already approached Doordarshan kendras at Delhi and Jalandhar to arrange for live telecast of the final match of the tournament scheduled to be played on September 30 at 3 p.m. As in the previous years, all leading teams are likely to participate. |
|
India juniors move into
quarterfinals Abu Dhabi, September 13 Playing an attacking game, Malsawma scored a superb goal from nearly 30 metres to give India a lead in the seventh minute. Malsawma, along with Jerry Zirsanga and Lamare Rocus, made some brilliant moves to pierce through the hosts’ defence many a time but were unsuccessful. The UAE Skipper Saeed al-Saygh
converted a penalty to score the much-needed equaliser for the hosts. The UAE, ranked second in the group, after China and before India, has also qualified for the quarterfinals. Much to the UAE’s dismay, skipper Saeed got two yellow cards just three minutes before the final whistle and would be missed by the hosts in the quarterfinals. The India-UAE match drew a large number of expatriate Indians to boost up the team morale.
PTI |
|
Ludhiana, Faridkot in q-finals Ludhiana, September 13 Muktsar, Amritsar and Jalandhar in the boy’s section while Bathinda and Kapurthala in the girl’s section also won their pre-quarter final encounters to secure berths in the quarter-finals. In the girl’s section, the match played between Bathinda and Hoshiarpur proved to be a cliff-hanger with both the sides fighting for each point. The battle was so intense that the score sheet read 14-all, 20-all, 24 -all and then 28- all. Finally, Princy Dhaliwal of Bathinda with a three- pointer made all the difference and her side romped home victorious 31-28. Princy contributed 19 points, followed by Virpal Kaur who chipped in with 6 points. Mandeep Kaur with 15 points fought valiantly for Hoshiarpur. However, in the boy’s section, the match between Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala turned out to be a mismatch. Kapurthala lads thrashed their opponents 43-8. For the winners, Sahil and Naresh accounted for 19 and 8 points, respectively, while Jagdeep (5 points) fought a losing battle for Hoshiarpur. The results of the matches played on Thursday at Moga: (boys)- Sangrur beat Moga 45-27, Amritsar beat Mansa 44-34, Muktsar beat Fatehgarh Sahib 32-5, Faridkot beat Patiala 57-37, Jalandhar beat Nawanshahr 56-10, Bathinda beat Ropar 37-17 and Ludhiana beat Ferozepur 27-14 while in the girl’s section Ludhiana beat Patiala 30-15 and Faridkot beat Fatehgarh Sahib 63-10. |
|
Injured
athletes to get another chance Patiala, September 13 The fitness of athletes will be ascertained at the NIS here on September 25 by a three-member panel of experts set up by the Amateur Athletic Federation of India (AAFI). The panel includes junior national coach Mr J.S Saini, former Olympic hurdler Mr G.S Randhawa and Mr A.K Banerjee. At present, all the selected athletes for the Asian Games are attending the senior national athletic camp at the NIS. The AAFI has not included any medical expert in the panel. Although the name of Gulab Chand has been included in the list of 40 athletes named by the AAFI for the Asiad, experts associated with the national camp have opined that it is highly improbable for the long distance runner to make the trip due to a nagging calf injury. In the 42nd Open National Athletic Championship held at New Delhi on September 9, an injured Gulab Chand ended up clocking a 14:34.74s in his favourite 5000m. |
|
Bhupathi
opts out of Davis Cup team New Delhi, September 13 India take on mighty Australia in the Davis Cup world group play-off tie at Adelaide from September 20-22. In view of Mahesh Bhupathi’s absence All-India Tennis Association
(AITA) today included Delhi’s Vishal Uppal as the fifth member of the team. The other members of the team are Leander
Paes, Rohan Boppana, Harsh Mankad and Sunil Kumar. UNI |
||||||
INDIAN JRS BEAT
ARGENTINA DRAVID ON TOP MUSHTAQ FOR SUSSEX PAK PLAYER U-19 MEET |
 |
| Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Editorial | | Business | Sport | World | Mailbag | In Spotlight | Chandigarh Tribune | Ludhiana Tribune 50 years of Independence | Tercentenary Celebrations | | 122 Years of Trust | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
