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Morale-boosting victory: Dhoni
Pak ODIs
Kapil to play in NCR Cup Golf
India eves pip Iran 3-1
Massa takes pole ahead
of Hamilton
Boxer Narjit bags India’s 2nd gold
Ritwik crashes out
Punjab take
129-run lead
Kang wins golf title
Kurukshetra school win
soccer title
Jeev, Shiv Kapur tied 19th
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Mumbai, October 20 The Indians first restricted Australia to 166 for five and then rattled up the required runs with 11 balls to spare in a flood-lit contest at the Brabourne Stadium. The left-handed Gambhir (63 off 52 balls) was the star performer as he not only notched up his fourth Twenty20 half-century but also laid the foundation with a 82-run second wicket partnership with Robin Uthappa (35 off 26 balls). The capacity crowd at the stadium, already in a festive mood on the eve of Dusshera, burst into celebration as captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s hit the winning runs by clobbering Brett Lee for a mighty six. It was an awesome batting display by the hosts in their first ever Twenty20 international on home soil as they completely tore apart the Australian bowling attack with their lusty hitting. The skies lit up with dazzling fireworks providing the perfect finish to the absorbing contest which also saw useful contributions by Yuvraj Singh (31 in 25 balls) and Harbhajan Singh, who conceded only 17 runs in his four overs. Ricky Ponting’s men did not help their own cause as they helped the Indians with front-foot no-balls giving the batsmen free hits. Also, overthrows and inaccurate bowling added to the Indian score. Earlier, Ponting played a captain’s knock of 76 in 53 balls to help Australia reach 166 for five after electing to bat first. Opener Adam Gilchrist hit two consecutive fours in RP Singh’s first over, but lost his stump on the fifth delivery when the score was 12. Ponting and Hayden then put on 52 runs before Hayden was bowled by Harbhajan Singh for 17. Andrew Symonds could not make much effect as he was run out by the Harbhajan-Yuvraj combination when the score was 110. Brad Hodge was caught and bowled by Irfan Pathan when the score was 116. At this stage, Ponting was joined by Michael Clarke and they together put up 42-run partnership before the former was bowled by Pathan. Murali Kartik, playing his first T20 match, restricted the batsman. However, Sreesanth gave away 47 runs in his four overs. — Agencies Scoreboard Australia: Gilchrist b RP Singh 12 Hayden b Harbhajan 17 Ponting b Pathan 76 Symonds run out 20 Hodge b Pathan 2 M Clarke not out 25 Haddin not out 5 Extras (lb-2, w-7) 9 Total (5 wkts; 20 overs) 166 Fall of
wickets: 1-12, 2-60, 3-110, 4-116, 5-158. Bowling: RP Singh 4-0-39-1; S Sreesanth 4-0-47-0; I Pathan 4 0 34 2; Harbhajan 4-0-17-1; M urali Kartik 4-0-27-0. India: Gambhir c Ponting
b Hilfenhaus 63 Sehwag c Gilchrist b Lee 5 Uthappa c Gilchrist b Clarke 35 Yuvraj not out 31 Dhoni not out 9 Extras (lb-12, w-9, nb-3) 24 Total (3 wkts, 18.1 overs) 167 Fall of
wickets: 1-20, 2-102, 3-143. Bowling: Lee 3.1-0-35-1, Bracken 2-0-19-0, Hilfenhaus 4-0-28-1, Clark 4-0-33-0, Symonds 3-0-26-0, Clarke 2-0-14-1. Result: India won by 7 wkts Man of the
match: Gautam Gambhir
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Morale-boosting victory: Dhoni Mumbai, October 20 “This victory, as well as the last ODI victory, will give us a lot of confidence and momentum ahead of the Pakistan series,” Dhoni said after India beat Australia. “International cricket is more about confidence than technique,” he said lauding the fearless approach of his side. “Both Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa have matured and they play aggressively,” the skipper said. “Harbhajan Singh and Murali Kartik bowled well. Kartik was preferred over Joginder Sharma because of the spinner-friendly conditions,” he added. — PTI
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With MSD comes a good left turn
Chandigarh, October 20 In a country which had produced a plethora of the practitioners of the art, who had mesmerised the batsmen the world over, the continued absence of a quality left-armer in the squad was baffling. In the Twenty20 World Championship match against New Zealand, the Indian team was heading home comfortably when left-armer Daniel Vettori suddenly jolted the side with a four-wicket haul and plotted an unlikely win for the Kiwis. Brad
Hogg, Australia’s wily left-arm spinner, made such a huge impact within a short period of time that the rival team batsmen never had any respite in the wake of retirement of the legendary Shane
Warne. England’s Monty Panesar scalped Sachin Tendulkar as his first Test victim. Growing in strength ever since, Panesar is now integral to England’s bowling attack. The World Cup success Bangladesh achieved in the West Indies earlier this year was largely due to the left-arm troika of Mohammad
Rafique, Abdur Razzak and Saqibul Hasan. A country never known to produce quality spinners, South Africa recently unleashed Paul Harris with great success on the ongoing Pakistan tour. And the tall left-arm spinner was straightaway on the job, playing his part in spoiling the farewell of Inzamam-ul-Haq at Lahore. Lanky Paul earlier had scalped Tendulkar on his debut in the home series. Unfortunately, while other teams continued to reap the benefits, Indians looked blissfully unaware of the advantages a left-arm spinner offers. No lessons were learnt from other teams. Even two regular off-spinners were seen bowling in tandem in the England series without any tangible results. It was not until skipper Dhoni demanded that a left-arm bowler was needed to give variety to the bowling attack that Murali Kartik was included in the squad. Kartik, after being in the wilderness for nearly three years, suddenly found himself doing duty against the mighty Australians. The Railways spinner made an immediate impact in the fourth ODI at Chandigarh as India defeated Australia in a one-dayer after four years. Kartik bowled an economical spell in the match, besides sending back Matthew Hayden when he was well set on 92. Virtually unplayable in the last and seventh match, Kartik showed what a
left-armer can do if the pitch was a bit responsive. In the seventh and the last ODI at the Wankhede Stadium in
Mumbai, Kartik finished with the best figures (6-27) by an Indian bowler against Australia, which paved the way for India’s second victory in the seven-match series. Kartik had a similar performance at the same venue against the same opponents, steering India to victory in 2004. Ironically, even after such a sterling show, the Railways spinner found himself on the sidelines and to be banished to oblivion soon. Not much hope left to represent the country, Kartik chose to play for Middlesex last year, where he was a roaring success. Playing demanding cricket day in and day out probably made Kartik a better all-round cricketer. Kartik has, once again, proved that he has it in him to excel at the highest level of the game. Besides, an athletic Kartik has proved that he is no rabbit with the bat. He is lucky to have a skipper who has faith in his abilities. Having made a dazzling impact right at the start, the comeback man proved what he is capable of. If these performances are any indication, Kartik is bound to be a key component of the Indian bowling attack in the series to come. Thankfully, the spinners’ cupboard does not look empty any more and the Indian spin attack, which had started to lose its sting, suddenly looks potent.
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Sreesanth cautious before Oz series
Melbourne, October 21 Former Australian captain Ian Chappell had suggested the BCCI should 'ban' Sreesanth for a few matches to control his aggressive on-field behaviour which was on display during the just concluded seven-match series. India will play three-Test away series against Australia beginning December 26. "My dad, my brother and my first coach, all three are coming to watch the game. They made me promise that I would have to be in the XI. So every match, every over is important for me at the moment," Sreesanth said. "...I love this game and I love to help my teammates and my country. I don't want to get into any trouble, as I used to," he was quoted as saying by 'The Age'. The 24-year-old Indian bowler said he was learning where to draw the line but would not completely do away with his aggression, which was important to bring out his best. "Don't mistake me. I'm not taking any aggression away. I love this game, and I want to give my very best, and when I give my very best you will see Sreesanth. "It's just a couple of things I have to control, because I don't want to miss any games right now. I am still learning what is the limit and how far I can push. I am getting there. I will still be Sreesanth, because that brings out the best in me." Sreesanth vowed not to let criticism distract him from the game of cricket and also said he would prove his detractors wrong. "When I come to Australia I should be concentrating on my game, rather than what other people are saying. If someone criticises you, you should try to take it in the right spirit and try to show Australians that we are good enough to beat any side. As Steve Waugh said in his book, it's always nice to prove other people wrong. That's what I am looking forward to." He said the crowd's reaction would help him do better. "My brother always sends me articles, and I saw something about me being described as Australia's most wanted. That's OK. In South Africa (the crowd reaction) was very bad to start with, but it always forces you to do better." — PTI
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Lahore, October 20 Yousuf helped his team post 265-9. In reply, South Africa were bowled out for 240 in 49.3 overs. Umar Gul and Iftikhar Rao Anjum took three wickets each for the winners. Yousuf (117) hit nine fours in scoring his 13th ODI century off 143 balls. He was dismissed in the 48th over when Albie Morkel knocked back his leg stump as he attempted to pull the medium-fast bowler. He survived a confident lbw appeal of Morkel when on 64 before he completed his century in the 45th over. Pakistan were pegged back after captain Shoaib Malik (56) and Yousuf added 107 runs for the fourth wicket off 115 balls. Malik dominated the century partnership and thrice hit off-spinner Johan Botha for sixes and then lofted one more straight over Kallis’ head. Charl Langeveldt broke the threatening stand in the 38th over when Malik holed out in the deep in an attempt to clear Justin Kemp at long on. Langeveldt also took a brilliant running catch to dismiss dangerman Shahid Afridi (6), slowing Pakistan’s acceleration in the last five overs. Shaun Pollock conceded just 29 runs off his 10 overs for the wicket of Kamran Akmal, while Morkel (2-43), Makhaya Ntini (2-44) and Langeveldt (2-47) did well in restricting Pakistan. — Agencies Scoreboard Pakistan Nazir c Botha b Ntini 2 Akmal b Pollock 0 Younis run out 32 Yousuf b Morkel 117 Malik c Kemp b Langeveldt 56 Misbah c Smith b Ntini 21 Afridi c Langeveldt b Kallis 6 Tanvir not out 4 Rehman c Gibbs b Morkel 2 Iftikhar b Langeveldt 0 Gul not out 8 Extras
(lb-6, w-11) 17 Total (9 wkts, 50 overs) 265 Fall of
wickets: 1-1, 2-13, 3-73, 4-180, 5-221, 6-228, 7-253, 8-255, 9-255. Bowling: Pollock 10-1-29-1, Ntini 8-0-44-2, Langeveldt 9-0-47-2, Albie Morkel 9-0-43-2, Botha 9-0-59-0, Kallis 5-0-37-1. South Africa Smith c Akmal b Rehman 65 Gibbs lbw Gul 0 Kallis c Younis b Tanvir 0 De Villiers b Iftikhar 35 Kemp lbw Iftikhar 8 Boucher c&b Afridi 14 Pollock b Gul 37 Morkel run out 31 Botha c Tanvir b Iftikhar 9 Langeveldt c Tanvir b Gul 12 Ntini not out 9 Extras (lb-2, w-14, nb-4) 20 Total (all out, 49.3 overs) 240 Fall of
wickets: 1-2, 2-4, 3-80, 4-94, 5-125, 6-140, 7-195, 8-212, 9-220. Bowling: Gul 9.3-0-59-3, Tanvir 10-0-50-1, Iftikhar 10-1-43-3, Afridi 10-0-41-1, Rehman 10-1-45-1.
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Pak ODIs
Mumbai, October 20 "The selectors would choose the team on October 26 or 27 at Ahmedabad during the Challenger Series," cricket board secretary Niranjan Shah said here. "It's up to the selectors to decide on picking the squad for one or more matches for the Pakistan series," he added. Three teams - India Red, India Blue and India Green - will fight it out in the four-day tournament, beginning on October
25. Mohd Kaif, Parthiv Patel and Virender Sehwag have been named to lead the three teams in the limited overs four-day tournament, which will be played on a league-cum knock-out format. All the matches will be day-night affairs. Meanwhile, Murali Kartik - who was drafted into the Indian Twenty20 squad in place of injured leg spinner Piyush Chawla - may also be rested for the Challenger Series though he has been named in the India Blue team, according to sources. One-day captain Mahendra Singh
Dhoni, vice captain Yuvraj Singh and the four senior players - Sachin
Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and Zaheer Khan - have already been given a rest from the Challenger event in view of the long season ahead.
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Kapil to play in NCR Cup Golf
New Delhi, October 20 President of the Delhi Golf Society and former Test player Prakash Bhandari announced here today that the NCR Cup, a national amateur tournament, was fully geared up to vie with top-ranking international amateur championship. The four-day tournament will feature top national-level players with 6 handicap and below. Bhandari said the winner and the second-placed players will get automatic entry to the European Amateur Championship, with all their expenses paid.
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Gurgaon, October 20 The visitors took a shock lead as early as the eighth minute through Fereshteh Karimi but goals from Oinam Bembem Devi (14th), Bala Devi Ngangom (28th) and Lalvarmoi Hmar (78th) settled the matter in the home team's favour at the Devi Lal Sports Complex and gave them an advantage ahead of the Tehran outing next week. Despite the result, the Iranian girls can hold their heads high as they showed plenty of skill and pace for a nascent team which is still not listed in the FIFA rankings. They received vociferous support from a large band of Iranian supporters, mostly women, who made it to the venue to cheer their team. They went ahead when Karimi capitalised on a defensive lapse and used her strength to get into the box and beat custodian Ronibala Chanu from close range. The home team was not expecting such a start but soon recovered to get on level terms. Bembem Devi received a pass from the left flank and her left-footer from the edge of the box found the top corner. The match had a nice ebb and flow to it with the hosts getting ahead before the half hour mark when a corner from the right flag taken by Sasmita Mallik found the head of an unmarked Bala Devi who made no mistake. Conceding the lead did not dampen the Iranians' spirit and they continued to pose danger to the Indian goal. Karimi and forward Bayan Mahmoudi were the players who particularly caught the eye. After the break, Romi Devi Ashem had to make a last ditch block to deny Mahmoudi who had got into a goalscoring position. The taller Iranians were using their superior build and strength to good effect. They were unlucky in the 63rd minute when a close range shot from Karimi came back off the underside of the bar. Hmar settled the nerves on the hosts' bench when a splendid solo run from halfway into rival territory saw her putting the ball into the net, settling the match which was played in very good spirits. — PTI
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Massa takes pole ahead of Hamilton
Sao Paulo, October 20 Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen shares the second row in the title-deciding season-ender with McLaren's double world champion Fernando Alonso. British rookie Hamilton leads Spaniard Alonso by four points, with Finland's Raikkonen a further three behind. — Reuters
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Boxer Narjit bags India’s 2nd gold
Hyderabad, October 20 Egged on by a holiday crowd, Narjit started cautiously and trailed till the last round before rallying to beat German Marcel Schneider 12-8 in the 54 kg category. The former national champion used his left hook to great effect but trailed 5-6 in the first three rounds. The Indian saved his best for the last and came up with a flurry of punches in the final round to get the better of Schneider. Narjit was methodical in his approach and led 8-6 midway through the final round before coming out on top. Four Indian boxers - HK Beliwal (light flyweight), Satya Raju (light welterweight), D Bhagyarajan (welterweight) and Mohinder Thapa (light heavyweight) - won bronze medals. Narjit had stormed into the final by defeating Korea’s Jang Kwan Sik 18-11 in the semifinal. The sailing duo of R Mahesh and Giridharilal Yadav had won India’s first gold at the ongoing games yesterday. The sailors finished first with 10.9 points after a total of eight races, ahead of France (19 points) and Spain (25 points) at the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre, Colaba, Mumbai. Earlier yesterday, an unheralded Chinese swimmer, Yang Li, set a world record in women’s 50m backstroke. Yang’s timing of 28.09 seconds bettered US swimmer Leila Vaziri’s mark of 28.16 set at Melbourne in March this year. The record, though, would be subject to confirmation by FINA, the world governing body for swimming, games organisers said here. — Agencies
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Ritwik crashes out
New Delhi, October 20 The Indian went down 3-11 5-11 10-11 (2-4) to his South African opponent yesterday in the $ 6,000 event.
— PTI
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Punjab take 129-run lead
Patiala, October 20 Delhi resumed from their overnight score of 33 for 1. Soon, right-arm leggie Sarabjit Ladda struck by bagging the first of his five wickets. Ladda managed to secure a lot of turn and ended up with figures of 5 for 75. Delhi were bowled out for 218. For the visitors, Aditya Jain played with a lot of resilience to score 80. Left-arm spinner Naresh Gogia bowled well in tandem with Ladda and both managed to sniff out whatever hopes Delhi might have nurtured in the morning of posting a decent total. At draw of stumps, the hosts were 72 for no loss with Karan Goel on an unbeaten 36 and skipper Ravi Inder Singh undefeated on 31. Brief scores: Punjab (1st innings) 347; Delhi (1st innings) 218 (Aditya Jain 80, Manav Sharma 40, Sohib Parsad 25; S. Ladda 5 for 75, N. Gogia 3 for 21); Punjab (2nd innings) 72 for no loss ( Karan Goel 36 n.o., Ravi Inder Singh 31 n.o.).
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Kang wins golf title
Chandigarh, October 20 This was Harjinder’s first major amateur win on home turf. “It is a dream come true. It is the result of some hard work,” said the Chandigarh golfer who turned 33 on September 1. Kang is now all set for the SAARC Golf Tournament in Nepal and the Sri Lanka Amateur Open next month. Kang shot a three-under-par 69 today to finish with a tournament tally of 293. This was a four-stroke triumph over second-placed Tarun Ghogale and Chandigarh boy Abhijit Singh Chadha. Ghogale also shot a final-round card of 69, while Chadha played a one-over par 73. Simarjeet Singh, who had a five-stroke overnight lead, had a rather disappointing final-round card of eight-over 80 to finish tied fourth with Karan Vasudeva at 299. Oil India’s Abhishek Jha shot the day’s best card of 68 to finish sixth at 300, while Manav Das of Ambala had to be content with the seventh place at 301 after carding 75. Kang started badly with a triple bogey on the fifth hole. A birdie on the seventh saw him make the turn at two over, two strokes behind Simarjeet. He, however, birdied the 10th and 11th and saved par on the 12th to surge into the lead. “The 12th hole was the turning point. I managed to save par, while Simarjeet dropped two shots to squander the lead,” said Kang. Final scores: H.S. Kang 75+74+75+69=293, Tarun Ghogale 78+76+74+69=297, Abhijit Singh Chadha 75+75+74+73=297, Karan Vasudeva 76+74+75+74=299, Simarjeet Singh 72+73+74+80=299, Abhishek Jha 74+80+78+68=300, Manav Das 79+74+73+75=301.
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Kurukshetra school win soccer title
Bathinda, October 20
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Vilamoura, October 20 Kapur, who had kicked off his campaign with an impressive opening round of 67, carded two-under 70 to total seven-under 137 at the Victoria Golf Club. Jeev, a 10th tee starter, was precise in his second round and had 16 greens in regulation. He needed 31 putts even though he is capable of doing it better. Jeev parred the first three holes before slotting back-to-back birdies and after making the turn at two-under, he sunk in three more birdies while managing to keep a clean slate for a round of 66. — PTI
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