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Ponting, Martyn lead Aussies to victory
Marshall, Styris guide Kiwis to win Zaheer’s quick return a
must for India Grapplers may grab more quota places |
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All in the family
Rowing nationals in city Sportspersons’ merit
‘ignored’ NRI club’s rural meet from today Jitender Kishore causes upset Surjeet clinches double
gold
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Ponting, Martyn lead Aussies to victory Colombo, February 25 The world champions, set a modest 227-run target after a fine bowling performance from man-of-the-match Jason Gillespie, won with nine balls to spare to take a 2-1 lead in the series. Ponting made 63 and Martyn 62, the pair adding 129 in 167 balls for the third wicket after Australia had slumped to four for two. Andrew Symonds (45 not out) and Michael Clarke (31 not out) guided the tourists home with an unbroken 68-run stand in 66 balls. Mahela Jayawardene top-scored for Sri Lanka with 80, his highest one-day international score for over two years, rescuing the hosts from a poor start as they collapsed to 54 for four. Fast bowler Gillespie completed figures of three for 36. Sri Lanka were struggling at 34-3 following fast bowler Jason Gillespie’s triple-strike before Jayawardene came to their rescue with his 20th half-century. The stylish middle-order batsman put on 58 for the fifth wicket with Tillakaratne Dilshan (30) and as many runs for the next with Upul Chandana (40). Jayawardene hit five fours in his 110-ball knock before being caught short of the crease going for the second run. Lower-order batsmen Chaminda Vaas and Kumar Dharmasena also chipped in with 24 runs apiece as Sri Lanka scored 80 in the last 10 overs to reach a respectable total after electing to bat in the day-night match. Gillespie wrecked the Sri Lankan top order in his incisive opening eight-over spell, surprising the batsmen with extra bounce to dismiss skipper Marvan Atapattu, Sanath Jayasuriya and Kumar Sangakkara. The Australian paceman struck with his fifth delivery, having Jayasuriya caught by Michael Clarke in the gully for no score. He then bowled Atapattu (3) with the one that cut in sharply. Kumar Sangakkara became Gillespie’s third victim, edging a delivery straight to Matthew Hayden in the gully after contributing 15. Gillespie conceded just 19 runs in his first eight overs. Sri Lanka made one change from the team that won the second match by one run on Sunday as they replaced out-of-form batsman Romesh Kaluwitharana with fast bowlerNuwan Zoysa, who returned to the side after 18 months. Australia included Michael Kasprowicz in place of paceman Brett Lee, who was rested. Sri Lanka: M Atapattu b Gillespie 3 S Jayasuriya c Clarke b Gillespie 0 K Sangakkara c Hayden b Gillespie 15 M Jayawardene run out 80 R Arnold c Clarke b Hogg 4 T Dilshan c Gilchrist b Symonds 30 U Chandana run out 34 C Vaas c Hogg b Kasprowicz 24 K Dharmasena not out 24 N Zoysa not out 0 Extras: (b-1, lb-8, w-3) 12 Total: (8 wkts in 50 overs) 226 FoW: 1-1, 2-10, 3-34, 4-54, 5-112, 6-170, 7-182, 8-218. Bowling: Gillespie 10-1-36-3, Kasprowicz 10-2-37-1, Harvey 6-0-29-0, Hogg 10-0-41-1, Clarke 5-0-26-0, Symonds 9-0-48-1. Australia: Gilchrist c Jayawardene b Vaas 0 Hayden c Muralitharan b Vaas 3 Ponting b Vaas 63 Martyn run out (Jayasuriya) 62 Symonds not out 45 Bevan run out 10 Clarke not out 31 Extras: (Ib 4, w 8, nb 1) 13 Total: (5 wickets,48.3 overs) 227 FoW: 1-3, 2-4, 3-133, 4-136, 5-159 Bowling:
Vaas 9-2-34-3, Zoysa 7.1-0-37-0. Dharmasena 6.5-0-31-0, Muralitharan 10-0-43-0, Chandana 7-0-36-0, Jayasuriya 8-0-40-0, Dilshan 0.3-0-2-0.
— AFP |
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Marshall, Styris guide Kiwis to win
Dunedin February 25 New Zealand took a 3-1 lead in the six-match series when Marshall and Styris put on 126 — a third-wicket record for New Zealand against South Africa — to help them to 264 for four in reply to 259 for seven. Marshall made 74, his fifth half-century in 14 one-day internationals, and Styris scored 69 from 62 balls to give New Zealand their third consecutive win over the South Africans. The New Zealanders can’t lose the series and stand one match away from gaining their first-ever series win against South Africa. For the second time in the series, Chris Cairns hit a six to complete the win and remained 29 not out off 22 balls. Skipper Stephen Fleming, who won the toss and asked South Africa to bat, made 51 and shared a 71-run stand for the first wicket with Michael Papps. Fleming became the first New Zealander to score 1,000 runs in one-day matches against South Africa, following on strongly from his innings of 30, 108, and 43 in the first three matches. Styris and Marshall managed New Zealand’s carefully measured chase for the winning runs. Though Styris scored 69 from only 62, more than 30 of his first 50 runs came from singles. Styris only lashed out late in his innings, hitting a six to the longest boundary on the ground, among 15 runs off a single over from Makhaya Ntini. Marshall also scored through careful placements and aggressive running, taking 28 of his 74 runs from boundaries, before he was brilliantly caught at square leg by Jacques Kallis off Ntini when New Zealand were only 30 runs from victory. Earlier, Jacques Rudolph top-scored with 70, Nicky Boje made 50 and the pair added 84 for the fifth wicket as South Africa set New Zealand a demanding total. The South African innings was twice disrupted by rain but the interruptions weren’t long enough to reduce the match from 50 overs per side. Rain and high winds had already forced the to be postponed by a day. Rudolph returned to the South African team after missing the third match with flu and took his 70 runs from only 71 balls. He brought up an aggressive half century from only 53 deliveries. Boje justified promotion to No 5 in the South African order, reaching 50 from 45 balls in 67 minutes but was out without adding to his score. Of the remaining South African batsmen, skipper Graeme Smith scored 37 at the top of the order and wicketkeeper Mark Boucher 35 from 28 balls in an entertaining innings near the close. Boucher and Rudolph put on 64 for the sixth wicket. Jacob Oram was the most successful of the New Zealand bowlers, taking three for 51 from 10 overs. Newcomer Michael Mason took one for 46 and Chris Cairns one for 42 from 10-over spells. South Africa: Smith c McCullum b Oram 37 Gibbs lbw Mason 16 Kallis c Cairns b Oram 13 Dippenaar b Cairns 18 Boje b Styris 50 Rudolph not out 70 Boucher c McMillan b Oram 35 Pollock c Vettori b Mil 5 Klusener not out 3 Extras: (lb6, w3, nb3) 12 Total: (7 wkts, 50 overs) 259 Fall of wickets:
1-29, 2-53, 3-78, 4-100, 5-184, 6-248, 7-255. Bowling:
Mason 10-1-46-1, Mills 10-1-53-1, Oram 10-1-51-3, Cairns 10-1-42-1, Vettori 5-0-28-0, Styris 5-0-33-1. New Zealand: Papps c Boje b Ntini 29 Fleming c Pollock b Boje 51 Marshall c Kallis b Ntini 74 Styris c Klusener b Nel 69 McMillan not out 6 Cairns not out 29 Extras: (lb2, w2, nb2) 6 Total: (4 wickets, 49 overs) 264 Fall of wickets:
1-71, 2-102, 3-228, 4-230. Bowling: Pollock 10-2-33-0, Nel 10-0-60-1, Ntini 10-1-63-2, Klusener 8-0-39-0, Kallis 5-0-32-0, Boje 6-0-35-1.
— AP |
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Zaheer’s quick return a
must for India Initial apprehension of Indian players about going to Pakistan was completely understandable. Their families were definitely worried as they rightly felt that there was more to life than cricket. I am sure the players did press the panic button when they first discussed the tour of Pakistan. Subsequently, with both the government assuring watertight protection and constantly reiterating the significance of the tour to help build relationship between the countries has made the players change their minds and accept the tour with honour. Still, if a player is not comfortable to perform under such surveillance and wishes to back out of the tour, the entire fraternity should whole-heartedly respect his feelings. At the same time, such intentions of the players could be questioned by certain segments of the cricketing world to leave the player in dilemma. It will put the player in a bad light and the cricket-loving public may question the commitment of the player to the game as well as to the country. But I am confident that every cricketer is well aware of the rivalry between the two countries and all are eager to do well against the arch-rivals. Only the circumstances made the players a bit more reluctant in accepting the series with open arms in the beginning. Now that the tour of Pakistan is all set to begin, the players are already working on their game. Fitness problems still plague the side, the Indian skipper and the deputy were lucky enough to have the itinerary tailored to their requirements. The one-dayers preceding the Test matches it would bring some hope for injured players to come back in time for the Tests. At present, the absence of Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan and Ajit Agarkar leaves the captain quite worried about his bowling department. Though not exactly a great batting side at the moment, the Pakistani batsmen will surely capitalise on India’s relatively inexperienced bowling, thereby largely negating the strengths of the mighty Indian batting line-up. Zaheer’s hamstring injury and his immature understanding of his body has cost him a great deal. Hamstring injury, if not treated properly, could become chronic and might haunt for long periods. I saw Zaheer bowling in the nets at the MRF Pace Foundation under the watchful eyes of Dennis Lillie. Dennis has asked him to cut down on the last leap that was loading his back and hamstring. Zaheer is feeling much better with the change and was already hitting a great line. Having understood the requirements of international fitness, Zaheer was categorical that he would not make another hasty entry without playing few first class games. He has also realised that it is necessary to bowl 20 overs a day on a few occasions to be match-fit again. Zaheer’s quick return is a must for Indian cricket. The tour has drawn attention from different parts of the world. Good performances would be highly rewarding in terms of personal satisfaction as well as other things. Indians have certainly raised the bars of expectation to a higher level during the series Down Under. This series could turn out to be a daunting and emotionally charged if things don’t go well for the Indians. That is all the more reason why India needs a fit and full team before crossing the Wagah border. Although Indian batting is renowned, it is bowlers who win matches. The players will be in complete confinement without much to do off the field. I wish the players a safe trip and a great cricketing tour.
— Chivach Media |
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Grapplers may grab more quota places New Delhi, February 25 “We are expecting to grab three more places for the Athens Olympics as our wrestlers are in good form at the moment,” Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) secretary Rajinder Gulia said here today. Grapplers Mukesh Khatri (55kg), Ravinder Singh (60kg), former Olympian Gurvinder Singh (66kg) were strong contenders for Olympic berths while Sanjay Singh (74kg) would be the other participant, he said. The second qualifiers will be held at Tashkent in Uzbekistan from March 14 to 15. India has already secured record six quota places in freestyle wrestling.
— PTI |
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East Bengal beat Malaysian club 4-2 Kolkata, February 25 East Bengal, who now have the record of six consecutive victories in international matches, remained at the top spot with two wins from as many matches. In the previous tie, they defeated Geylang United of Singapore in an away match. While Okoro and Baichung scored once each for the home team, Christiano Junior scored once in each half to take his tally to four. For Negeri, the goals were scored by Rajan Koran and Shahrin Majid. East Bengal went into the lead eight minutes into play. A Subhash Chakraborty throw from near the rival defence was intercepted by Mike Okoro who in turn set up Baichung Bhutia. Baichung was at his best selling a dummy and then setting up Okoro once again with a back heel. One deft body feint and Okoro was in the clear. His first timer entered through the far post with Negeri goalkeeper Cajetan Oparaugo diving helplessly(1-0). East Bengal’s second goal came in the 32nd minute when Baichung found himself in the clear after his header left Negeri’s Khairul Anwar and Shivathaman lurching behind. |
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All in the family London, February 25 The Australian won the Rotterdam indoor title at the weekend while just down the road in Antwerp his fiancée Kim Clijsters claimed the Diamond Games crown. Total prize money of about $ 400,000 and a diamond-studded tennis trophy on top. Hours later the boyfriend of Hewitt’s younger sister Jaslyn, Joachim Johansson, won his first ATP title in Memphis. To make the party complete, it was Jaslyn’s 21st birthday in Australia by the time her Swedish beau had beaten Nicolas Kiefer in the Kroger St Jude final. “I think she can forgive me that I’m not there,’’ said Johansson. “I’ll have to buy something really nice for the next time I see her.’’
— Reuters |
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Rowing nationals in city Chandigarh, February 25 The championship will be inaugurated by Mr Karan A Singh. Finance and Sports Secretary, Chandigarh Administration on March 1 at 9 am. The Governor of Punjab and Administrator, Chandigarh, Justice O.P. Verma, will be the chief guest at the prize distribution and closing ceremony on March 4. All arrangements for the championship have been completed. A pontoon bridge is being laid by the Army connecting the Lake Club with the island which houses the finish tower and some other vital facilities. This will greatly facilitate movement of men and material between the two locations. The competitions will be conducted in the following four events single sculls; double sculls; coxless pairs; and coxless fours. All competitions will be conducted on a four-lane 2-km-long rowing course of inter-national standard. The Chandigarh Administration has worked closely with the Chandigarh rowing Association in making all arrangements. They have carried out extensive repairs at the starting zone and the finish line. Sixteen boats four in each class, have been readied for the competitions. The administration has also purchased new equipment for laying the course. However, the participants will use their own oars which they are bringing with them. While the Army has generally emerged at the top in men’s events. Chandigarh have an enviable record in the women’s events. Besides wining the national many times, two girls Gurpreet and Gurnoor, are the only ones in the country to have won bronze and silver medals in the Asian Rowing Championships. The Rowing Federation of India is planning to hold its annual general meeting and the councillors meeting to elect new office-bearers. An umpires’ clinic is also planned during the regatta. The Sports Authority of India will be conducting dope tests during the semi-finals and finals on March 3 and 4. The following is the Chandigarh team finalized on the basis of the state championships and subsequent selection trials. Men: single sculls Parveen Kumar; double sculls Karun; Coxless fours Gaurav, Ravi, Jatinder and Amit Malik. |
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Sportspersons’ merit
‘ignored’ Amritsar, February 25 Brij Bedi, a sports promoter and convener of Citizen Forum sports wing said it was flagrant violation of law. Mr Bedi said there were a number of talented sportspersons, who despite their humble background had performed
marvelously but were even not getting adequate diet money. |
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NRI club’s rural meet from today Phagwara, February 25 Prof Sital Singh, organising secretary of the club, said here today that the cash prizes for the
kabaddi open would be Rs 1 lakh for winners, Rs 50,000 for the runners-up, Rs 41,000 for the third position and Rs 31,000 for the fourth slot. Similarly for
kabaddi (65 kg) the first and second positions will carry Rs 15,000 and Rs 7,500 cash prizes. The same amount will be given to the winners of volleyball open. The winners of tug-of-war will be given Rs 5,100 and Rs 3,100. The winners in wrestling and other events will also be given cash prizes. Punjab Social Welfare Minister Joginder Singh Mann will inaugurate the meet tomorrow while the Punjab Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh will give away the prizes on the concluding day. |
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Jitender Kishore causes upset Chandigarh, February 25 It was a remarkable comeback for Kishore who was two games down but managed to erase the deficit and then overpower the champion to move into the pre-quarterfinals. He maintained the same tempo here too as he edged out A.A.H. Sharma of Maharashtra 11-9, 11-5, 12-10. However, another bankman, Sanjiv Sood, did not enjoy the same luck as he went down to K.K. Rai of Maharashtra 1-3. |
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Surjeet clinches double
gold Patiala, February 25 Surjeet won his second gold in the meet as he already had triumphed in the 800m event on the opening day. Earlier,the three-day meet was inaugurated by Mr Gurbachan Dass, District Manager, FCI, while Ms Indu Sarwal, Principal, GPCE, was the chief guest. Results: 3000m (men): Surjeet Singh-1 (Patiala), V.K Singh (Patiala)-2, Dilawar Singh (Regional Office, Chandigarh)-3.
Triple jump (men): Amir Singh (Amritsar)-1, Gurmail Singh (Patiala)-2, Jaspal Singh (Kapurthala)-3;
javelin Throw (women): Amarjeet Kaur Sra (Patiala)-1, Paramjit Kaur (District office, Chandigarh)-2, Kamlesh Kaur (R.O, Chandigarh)-3;
javelin (men): Pritpal Singh (Jalandhar)-1, Harpreet Singh (Kapurthala)-2, Jaspal Singh (Kapurthala)-3.
100 (women): Sunita (Patiala)-1, Nirmal Verma (R.O Chandigarh)-2, Kamlesh (Chandigarh)-3;
shot put (women): Nirmaljeet Kaur (R.O Punjab)-1, Paramjeet Kaur (D.O Chandigarh)-2, Neelam Thakur (R.O Chandigarh)-3;
long jump (men): Vipan (Jalandhar)-1, Jaspal Singh (Kapurthala)-2, Anil Kumar (R.O Punjab)-3; and
4x400m relay: Patiala-1, Amritsar-2, Hoshiarpur-3. |
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Inter-polytechnic meet results Kangra, February 25 Deepak of Ambota played a good game and scored two goals putting Rohru under pressure from very beginning. Ashish supported the team by scoring the third goal whereas Rohru could not score even a single goal. Government Polytechnic College, Sundernagar, defeated Government Polytechnic College Rohru, in basket ball, 32-23. Arun and Sukhwinder of Sundernagar scored the maximum baskets. In another basketball match, Government Polytechnic College, Hamirpur, defeated hosts Government Polytechnic College, Kangra in a one-sided match by 28-8. Polytechnic College Kangra, could not face the wrath of the Hamirpur college who scored at regular intervals. Madan Lal of Hamirpur scored the maximum baskets. More than 200 sportspersons, including girls of six Polytechnic Colleges of the state, are participating in this three-day meet which was declared open by Mr J.C. Chouhan, Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister. |
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Colombo, February 25
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