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Haq, Kamal steady Pak on rain-hit day
Tibetan fans make their presence felt
Shoaib may play third Test, ODIs
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BCCI names umpires for series
Number of tickets inadequate, say
Pakistani fans
Entertainment tax on Punjab sports bodies to go: CM
Central Zone in driver’s seat
North Zone need 144 for victory
South Africa sweep series
Sania bows out of Dubai Open
Davis Cup: Paes opts out of singles
Simarjeet to face Lehal
in semis
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Haq, Kamal steady Pak on rain-hit day
Dharamsala, March 3 Opener Taufiq Umar, skipper Inzaman-ul-Haq and middle order batsman Asim Kamal had a feel of the local conditions, spending some useful time in the middle. During the entire day, only 45 overs could be bowled as much of the morning session just after the start of play was lost to bad weather. With just four runs on the board, it started to drizzle. Soon the sky became overcast and the possibility of play looked remote. But around 1 p.m. weather suddenly cleared and play resumed at 1.25 p. m. Board President’s XI seamers toiled hard on the wicket which did not have even a tinge of green. Pakistan were soon reduced to 83 for 4 as Gagandeep Singh, S.S. Paul and R.P. Singh took one wicket each to put the visitors in a spot of bother. Opener Salman Butt was the first to go as he was run out due to smart piece of fielding from Y. Venugopal Rao stationed at square leg and wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel. Butt failed to regain the batting crease when he attempted a second run but was sent back by Taufeeq at the other end. But the experience of Inzamam and the exuberance of young Asim Kamal saw Pakistan overcome the crisis. Even if he could not prolong his stay at the wicket for long, Inzamam batted well enough to show his capabilities as a batsman. During his 103-minute stay at the wicket, the Multan batsman did not play any false stroke and played most of the strokes from the middle of the blade. His trademark cuts and vicious pulls were on display during the brief knock. He looked well set for a big score but was done in by an innocuous-looking Venugopal Rao delivery. The batsman made an attempt to sweep, failed to make any contact with the ball and was ruled out lbw. No. 6 batsman Asim Kamal impressed during his 112-minute stay at the wicket. The left-handed Kamal also remained unflustered during his unbeaten knock of 43 runs during which he hit eight fours. Umar, who earlier opened in the innings, also did well to notch up 37 runs. Batsman Younis Khan, elevated as vice-captain in place of Yousuf Youhana for the series, disappointed. He lasted just one ball and was sent back by Punjab seamer Gagandeep Singh, who had him caught in the second slip by Dheeraj Jadhav. Youhana also failed to utilise the opportunity properly and was out for 18. The first international match being held in the state drew good response from the cricket fans of the region. It proved to be party time for the fans of the hill state after play resumed in the afternoon. Carrying placards and banners, the spectators lustily cheered the visiting players. Hundred of spectators remained perched atop the adjoining wall of Government College building and enjoyed the action in the middle. Scoreboard Pakistan (first innings) Butt run out 21 Umar c Kaif b RP Singh 37 Younis Khan c Jadhav Youhana c P. Patel b Paul 18 Haq lbw V. Rao 35 Kamal not out 43 Razzaq not out 2 Extras
(b-5, lb-2, nb-2) 9 Total (5 wickets, 45 overs) 165 Fall of wickets:
1-54, 2-55, 3-83, 4-83, 5-155. Bowling: RP Singh 13-3-50-1, Gagandeep Singh 15-3-40-1, Powar 4-0-22-0, Paul 8-2-23-1, Rao 5-0-23-1. |
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Tibetan fans make their presence felt
Dharamsala, March 3 Tibetan youths could be seen flashing Tibetan flags, along with the Indian flag, at different places in the stands. Some Tibetan monks and nuns also turned up to watch the match. “Although the controversy over the presence of the Dalai Lama did act as a damper for many Tibetan youths, people from my community are here is substantial numbers to cheer the India team. But things would have been different had he come,” said Tenzin, a student of Tibetan Village Community School. But those who couldn’t make it had their reasons. “Many of us are also busy with the annual teaching sessions of the Dalai Lama, which would be on till March 9. Also, being a week day, it was difficult to take out time for the match,” said Damdul Lakshey, a freelance photographer based in McLeodganj. The annual teachings of the Dalai Lama are attended by Tibetans from across the globe, besides foreigners. Since more than 5,000 persons attend the sessions every day, it is still substantial that a few hundred Tibetans made it to the stadium, said Tsering Wangpo, a businessman. Vishal Marwaha, media officer of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association for the match, said Tibetans, including monks and nuns, watched the match in large numbers. “This, despite the fact that cricket is not so popular in Tibet. Tibetan flags could also be seen in the crowds,” he said. Even representatives of the Tibetan media came to cover the event. |
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Shoaib may play third Test, ODIs
Karachi, March 3 Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Shaharyar Khan said the panel of doctors working on the bowler would submit its report tomorrow when a clearer picture was expected to emerge. However,
Shoaib, currently training in Lahore under the supervision of foreign trainer Grant Compton, would have to prove his match fitness in the ongoing Patron’s Trophy. “Shoaib will only be considered for selection once he proves his fitness in the ongoing domestic first-class season,” Shaharyar said. When pointed out that Shoaib’s team (Khan Research Laboratory) was unlikely to reach the semifinals of the Patron’s Trophy and its campaign would end next week, Shaharyar said, “We would relax our tournament rules and try to help Shoaib represent any other department so that he can prove his fitness.”
— PTI |
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BCCI names umpires for series
Mumbai, March 3 Jayaprakash would officiate as the field umpire in the first two ODIs on April 2 (Kochi) and 5
(Vishakapatnam) along with ICC-appointed Billy Bowden before giving way to Hariharan to officiate in the third, fourth and fifth ODIs scheduled for April 9 (Jamshedpur), April 12 (Ahmedabad) and April 15 (Kanpur). Jayaprakash would be the on-field umpire for the sixth and final ODI scheduled at Delhi on April 17. For the three-Test series preceding the ODI rubber,
Hariharan, Jayaprakash and I Shivram have been entrusted with the job of doing the third umpire’s duties by watching TV replays. The ICC has already nominated Elite Panel umpires to do on-field umpires’ duties during the Tests.
— PTI
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Number of tickets inadequate, say
Pakistani fans
Attari, March 3 Mohammad Ali, a businessman from Lahore, said over 20,000 cricket fans were eagerly waiting to cross over to India to witness the match and to see East Punjab. He said clearance of 10,000 visas would not serve the purpose. Mohammad Abbas of Lahore, who had come to meet his relatives in Ahmedabad, said heavy rush had been seen at the special centres opened at Gadaffi stadium to issue tickets. Amir Chand from Sindh said cricket fans were eagerly looking forward to this visit. He said Pakistani cricket lovers had lauded the batting, bowling and fielding of the Indian team during their last visit to Pakistan and hoped that the same warmth and affection would be shown by Indian fans. Meanwhile, Indian NGOs, including Hind-Pak Dosti Manch, International Punjabi Cultural Society, Punarjot Sanstha and Folklore Research Academy, announced to put up stalls for langar, first aid and information for visitors at the Wagah border on March 6 and 7. The leaders of these organisations said a warm welcome would be extended to visitors from the neighbouring
country. |
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Entertainment tax on Punjab sports bodies to go: CM
Mohali, March 3 Stating that the Punjab government policy on exemption of entertainment tax, pending since 1995, had been cleared by the government, the Chief Minister said all those sports bodies which were covered under the policy earlier would continue to do so. He visited the stadium to preside over a meeting of the Organising Committee of the PCA to review arrangements for the India- Pakistan cricket Test, due to start on March 8. He was accompanied to the pitch by Mr I.S. Bindra, President of the PCA. Mr Daljit Singh, pitch curator, gave information about the track to the CM. The pitch would be conducive to batsmen as well as seamers, he said. “We have prepared three pitches which would be brought into play turn by turn to avoid overuse of one pitch,” he said. Talking to mediapersons, the CM expressed his satisfaction over the pitch, ground conditions and arrangements made for the match by PCA officials. “Proper arrangements have been made to lodge foreign guests by PCA officials, no matter what the number would be. The residents of Mohali and Chandigarh have also opened their doors to welcome them”, he said. When asked which team he would like to emerge as winner, he said, “Of course, India”. “The event would be successful as it would be played in a good environment”, he asserted. Besides the CM and Mr Bindra, Mr S.S. Virk, DGP, Punjab, Mr Lalit Sharma, Adviser, UT, and Mr MP Pandove, Honorary Secretary, PCA, were present at the meeting. |
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Central Zone in driver’s seat
New Delhi, March 3 Bangladesh, resuming at 117 for six, could add just 29 runs to their overnight score before being bowled out. Salabh Srivastava was instrumental in packing off the visitors, taking four for 33. Central Zone then rode on Sanjay Bangar’s unbeaten 91 to reach 212 for six at stumps, taking their overall lead to 417. At close, Murali Kartik was giving company to Bangar on five. A five-wicket haul by medium pacer Aftab Ahmed (5-28) was not enough to stop the hosts from taking a firm grip on the match. With a mammoth lead under their belt, Central would go for the killer punch on the final day tomorrow. Central Zone opener Amit Pagnis, quite like the first innings, did not last long as he lost his wicket after making 15 in 41 minutes. He added 21 with Bangar before Anwar Hussain dismissed him, caught by Talha Jubair. First-down Devedra Bundela (53) came up with his second fifty of the match, following his 83 in the first innings, and was the dominant partner in the 76-run stand with Bangar. But his dismissal at total score of 97 saw Central Zone suffering a collapse as half of the side was back in the pavilion with the addition of just six runs. Three wickets — first innings centurion Abbas Ali, captain JP Yadav and wicketkeeper-batsman Naman Ojha — fell on the same score, 103, as all of them failed to open their account. An 86-run partnership between Bangar and Nikhil Doru (29) put the team back on track before Aftab claimed his fifth victim among the lower order batsman. Earlier, Manjural Islam Rana took his score to 47 before felling to Harvinder Singh. Srivatsava accounted for the other three Bangladesh batsmen to fall in the morning session.
— PTI |
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North Zone need 144 for victory
Indore, March 3 North Zone were earlier bowled out for 500 in their first innings replying to South Zone’s 338. South Zone, trailing by 162 runs, got a jolt at the start of their second innings today with the first wicket falling before they put up any runs on the board. Swapnil Asnodkar (74) and S Sriram (80), however, added 150 runs for the second to give the visitors some hope and VVS Laxman scored 59 runs with one six and four boundaries.
— UNI |
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South Africa sweep series
Port Elizabeth, March 3 South Africa won yesterday by five wickets with 21 balls to spare. Streak hit 68 in a total of 206 for eight. Justin Kemp clinched victory for South Africa by hitting an unbeaten 78 off 81 balls with four fours and four sixes.
— AFP |
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Sania bows out of Dubai Open
Dubai, March 3 Sania, who had shocked World No. 4 and US Open champion Svetlena Kuznetsova to qualify for the quarterfinal, was completely listless despite a 5,000-strong crowd of Indians cheering her all the way. She began badly, losing her opening serve and was never really in the match as Jankovic played a cool and calm game to demolish the Hyderabad girl. The first set was over in almost 20 minutes as Sania lost serve three times. By the time she won her first service game the Indian was trailing 2-5. Sania’s hopes to make a comeback at this stage, like she did against Kuznetsova after trailing 0-4, quickly evaporated as Jankovic came up with a faultless service game to pocket the first set. The start of the second set again kindled hopes in Sania’s fans as she won her first two service games to level the set at 2-2. But from there on the inexperience of the Indian girl at the highest level showed as Jankovic broke her in the fifth game with a powerful backhand converting the first of the three break points. She then held her serve to go 4-2 up and broke Sania for the second time in the set to nicely set up the match. Serving for the match, the Serbian girl went up 40-30 and cooly converted her first match point to set up a semifinal clash against former World No.1 Serena Williams of USA. — PTI
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Davis Cup: Paes opts out of singles
New Delhi, March 3 Prakash’s inclusion for the singles was on expected lines, but Leander stepping down for Harsh Mankad was totally unexpected. Perhaps, Leander was trying to unspool his own experience 14 years ago. In 1990, when India played Japan at Chandigarh, the then non-playing captain Naresh Kumar took a ‘calculated risk’ to field rookie Leander in the doubles. Leander created quite an impact while winning the rubber for India, and has been a constant fixture for India’s Davis Cup campaigns, scripting many a memorable win. Now in his first big job as the captain of the Indian Davis Cup team on home soil, Leander has chosen to promote Prakash Amritraj and Harsh Mankad. They have been offered an excellent opportunity to showcase their talent at home. Leander’s line of argument is that “if you don’t give them an opportunity in ties like this at home, they will neither be able to realise their potential nor gain confidence”. China are no pushovers, but do not have much of a reputation of excelling on grass. Back home, grass courts are a rare commodity. But they will definitely make a match of this tie, and it’s up to Prakash, son of the legendary Vijay Amritraj, and Harsh to chart out their own course to come up trumps. The draw of lots, taken out by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at his official residence at 6, Race Course Road this morning, has pitted Harsh Mankad, ranked 359, against Peng Sun, ranked 334, in the opening singles tomorrow morning. Prakash , ranked 357, will clash against Yu Junior Wang, ranked 408, in the second singles. In the doubles on Saturday, Leander will be teaming up with his old partner Mahesh Bhupathi to face the challenge of Yu Junior Wang and Ben-Qiang Zhu. In the reverse singles on Sunday, Prakash will meet Pen Sung while Harsh will take on Yu Jr Wang. India have an all-win Davis Cup record against China, having beaten them 3-2 at their home indoor court at Langfan City in freezing cold in 2001, with the hosts winning against only Syed Fazaluddin. Before that, India had swamped China 5-0 in Kolkata in 1999. India’s last Davis Cup ties were against Japan which they lost 2-3 but beat New Zealand. The grass courts, home conditions, and rising temperatures all add up to favour an Indian sweep. “It’s basically a question of fielding the best team for the tie, putting the best foot forward”, Leander said, justifying his decision to blood Prakash and Harsh for the opening singles. “The boys really deserve to play”, Leander averred, pointing out that “Harsh won the British Satellite Tournament recently and also made the main draw of the Chennai Open. Prakash’s serve-and-volley game is tailor-made to suit this surface, and he has been playing quite well in recent months”. “The way I look at it as captain is that I have confidence in my boys”, noted Leander. But he expects them to go out and play, and deliver. Leander, promising to be on the captain’s chair the whole day tomorrow to pep up his boys, said he would be looking forward to wrapping up the tie 3-0 in the first two days. Leander admitted that it was going to be a challenge playing at home as “expectations are high”. But he strongly felt that it was his “responsibility to set a precedent” and script a “new chapter for Indian tennis”. Bhupathi observed that this was a great opportunity for Prakash and Harsh to come good. “It was really hard for Leander to bear the burden on all three days all these years”, Mahesh said. The winners of the India-China tie will take on the winners of the Indonesia-Uzbekistan contest for a place in the World Group play-off. China’s last Davis Cup tie was against Korea, which they won 3-2 in the Asia Oceania Group II clash. The 324th-ranked Sune Peng is their spearhead. He lost his only Davis Cup match against Ly Yen-Hsun of Chinese Taipei in 2003. But Ben Qiang Zhuha is their most experienced player, with a win-loss record of 19-10 in the Davis Cup. He stretched Leander to the wire in 1999, and the visitors count on him to put up a good fight in the doubles here. |
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Gurnoor sets sights on
Asian rowing meet
Chandigarh, March 3 Gurnoor has set her sights on the Senior Asian Rowing Championship to be held at Hyderabad later this year. She had earlier attended the national rowing camp in preparation for this event. A student of MCM DAV College, Sector 36, Chandigarh, Gurnoor won the bronze medal in the single scull event at the Junior Asian Rowing Championship held at Gifu, Japan in July. Gurnoor said the Rowing Federation of India was providing adequate support and exposure to the rowers. She said the Sukhna Lake rowing course was one of the best in the country. Gurnoor said she was working hard to build up her physical strength. The Chandigarh girl said Indian rowers had done well at the international level, adding that the country’s women rowers had the capability of excelling in the global arena. |
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Simarjeet to face Lehal
in semis
New Delhi, March 3 The players had a gruelling day as in the first quarterfinal, Siddikur got the better of India’s number one amateur Gaganjeet Bhullar 5-4 while Chandradasa prevailed over Vikrant Chopra 3-2. Simarjeet stopped the determined advance of M. Rakesh 4-3 while Chandigarh’s A.S. Lehal defeated Vinay Goel 7-6. There were quite a few close matches in the morning pre-quarter-finals. Vinay Goel defeated Karanjeet Singh on the fifth play-off in one of the longest matches. |
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In video: Pakistani players underplay pressure of big
series.
