The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

SPORTS

Fireworks expected as Kangaroos take on Kiwis at Nahar Singh Stadium
A. Gulati

Rohtak, October 26
The spell of Diwali fireworks has not yet ended in the industrial township of Faridabad. It has got an extension as Kangaroos and Kiwis offer sparkling display of cricketing skills at Faridabad’s Nahar Singh Stadium, which hosts the Australia-New Zealand One-Day International (ODI) cricket tie on October 29. This would be the seventh ODI to be staged at this venue located in the backyard of national Capital. Incidentally, Faridabad is the only venue in Haryana that hosts international matches.

Named after the well-known freedom fighter from Haryana-Nahar Singh, this stadium was earlier known as Mayur Stadium.

The ground has the distinction of hosting India vs West Indies (1987-1988), India vs Zimbabwe (1992-1993), India vs West Indies (1994-1995), Australia vs South Africa (1996-1997), India vs South Africa (1999-2000) and India vs Zimbabwe (2001-2002) one day ties.

The history of Nahar Singh Stadium dates back to early eighties when Ranji Trophy matches were allotted to this venue. It was in 1987 when the renovated stadium hosted a three-day tie played between visiting Pakistan team and the Indian Board President XI.

In 1989, the New Zealand team led by India’s present coach John Wright played a three-dayer against the North Zone at the same venue. England, led by Graham Gooch had also played a first class game at this centre.

Nahar Singh Stadium received recognition as an international centre when India played against the touring West Indies on January 19, 1988. The West Indies emerged victorious by 4 wickets. Put into bat first by the visitors, India compiled a total of 230 for six in the stipulated 50 overs.

Mohinder Amarnath hit a strokeful century to win the man of the match award. His 100 runs came off 148 deliveries with the help of four fours and a six. Till date, this remains the only three-figure knock played at this venue in the past six ODIs. The great all-rounder Kapil Dev contributed a lusty 45 off 45 balls. The West Indians reached the victory target losing just six wickets, with five balls remaining.

In a reversal of role, Krishnamchari Srikant dismissed Simmons (67), Ritchie Richardson (49) and skipper Vivian Richards (9) within a spell of just six overs. Hooper remained unbeaten on 39. Stumps were pitched for the second ODI at Nahar Singh Stadium on March 19, 1993 when India played hosts to Zimbabwe.

The visitors invited the host to bat first. Half centuries by Prabhakar (56), Navjot Sidhu (56) and Vinod Kambli (80) helped India score 249 for 7 in 48 overs. Zimbabwe was dismissed for 182 in 46.2 overs culminating in an Indian victory by 67 runs. Among the bowlers the major damage was done by Srinath (3 for 38) and Venkatpathy Raju (2 for 26). They were ably supported by Prabhakar (1 for 33), Kumble (1 for 37) and Tendulkar (1 for 6). Incidentally, this remains the only win by an Indian team at this venue.

The West Indies won against India in the ODI staged here on October 17, 1994. Caribbean skipper Courtney Walsh won the toss and elected to bat first. His team compiled a massive 273 for 5 in 50 overs with the help of useful knocks by Simmons (76), Williams (61) and Carl Hooper (61 not out).

Srinath accounted for the dismissal of three rival batsmen. Half centuries by Navjot Singh Sidhu and Atul Badade went in vain as they could not get support from other Indian batsmen. The entire Indian team was bundled out for 177 runs in just 45 overs, resulting in a convincing win by 96 runs for West Indies.

Four wicket haul each by rival pacers Alan Donald and Paul Reiffel for South Africa and Australia respectively were the highlights of the 4th ODI held at Nahar Singh Stadium on October 25, 1996, when the venue served as the neutral venue during the Titan Cup tourney.

Australia scored 215 in 47.3 overs. Skipper Taylor (42), S. Waugh (40) and Law (52) were the main contributors with the bat. Allan Donald returned with an impressive bowling analysis of 8.3-0-31-4. Simons and Boje dismissed two batsmen each. South Africa won the match by two wickets after scoring 218 runs in 47.2 overs. Derryl Cullinan emerged as the top scorer with an unbeaten knock of 71.

Rhodes made a quicksilver 42 off 50 balls. Reiffel dismissed Symcox, Rhodes, Croje and Richardson to finish his quota of 10 overs with 4 wickets consuming just 35 runs. Alan Donald was declared man of the match.

Gary Kirsten (93 runs in 162 minutes off 111 balls and Cronje (66 runs, 107m, 71b) and their century partnership worth 113 runs for the fourth wicket guided South Africa to a two wicket win in the 5th ODI played at Faridabad on March 15, 2000.

India was asked to bat first. Skipper Ganguly (56r, 78m, 54b, 8x4s and a six) and Rahul Dravid (73r, 172m, 109b, 8x4 and 1x6) were the main scorer in the Indian inning. Ajay Jadeja contributed 31. Kallis took two wickets for 37 runs as India scored 248 for 8 in 50 overs. After losing equal number of wickets, South Africa reached the victory target in 48 overs. Tendulkar, who had failed miserably with the bat so far at this venue, was successful with the ball, consuming four South African wickets for 56 runs in 10 overs.

The last encounter enacted at this venue was the India versus Zimbabwe tie played on March 7, 2002. India again had to suffer the humiliation of a defeat by one wicket at the hands of Zimbabwe. India won the toss and batted first to raise 274 runs for six wickets off 50 overs. V.V.S. Laxman (75 off 99 balls), Saurav Ganguly (57 off 70 balls), Ajit Agarkar (40 not out off 19 balls) and Mohammed Kaif (39 not out off 45 balls) made significant contribution. All Zimbabwe bowlers except Grant Flower, conceded more than 50 runs each. However, the third wicket partnership worth 111 runs between ADR Campbell and Andy Flower laid the foundation for the Zimbabwe win. Campbell went on to score 84 runs after facing 113 balls. Andy Flower scored 71 runs off just 72 balls. Batting in the lower order, DA Marillier ensured victory for his team by scoring 56 runs with the help of 10 fours. Zaheer Khan took four wickets for 47 runs to become the fourth bowler to capture 4 wickets in an ODI at Nahar Singh Stadium, Faridabad.

The ultimate cushioning for your feet
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 26
For athletes striving for excellence, Nike has launched the ultimate cushioning for your feet – Nike Max Air. The new product is simply unmatched impact protection for your foot.

While running, the heel hits the ground at least three times the body weight. The pressurized air bag compresses when the foot hits the ground to reduce the impact and then comes back to its original shape. The air bag acts as a cushion to provide protection to the feet.

Apart from the air capsule in the midsole, the shoes include some interesting features like reflective swoosh or patterns for early morning jogs or night walking.

Air turbulence carries full-length reflective upper for increased safety when running in low light condition. Few styles have a mesh upper for improved breath-ability, fit and reduction in the weight of the shoe.

The Max Air shoes are also available in running, cross-training and basketball categories. The fall 2003 footwear collection offers shoes for tennis, all condition gear, indoor court and branded athletic shoes for men, women and kids.