Ahmedabad, April 2
Handicapped by the absence of champion batsman Sachin Tendulkar, India go into the second cricket Test against South Africa here tomorrow hoping to exploit a track which was expected to suit the slow bowlers.

After the run glut on a placid track in Chennai, both the team will be hoping that the Motera pitch will provide some assistance to the bowlers who had a nightmarish experience in the first Test.

Although the curator has predicted a "slow and turning" surface for the match, the question is whether India have the resources to exploit the conditions with some of the key bowlers still to recover fully from injuries.

The hosts are confronted with fitness problems to some of their key men, including captain Anil Kumble, and would sorely miss Tendulkar, out with a groin injury, whose mere presence in the line-up weighs down the opposition ranks.

The fitness of Kumble, also carrying a groin niggle, and fast bowler Ishant Sharma, recovering from a bowling finger and toe injuries, will be assessed tomorrow. In case they are not fit, it will further weaken India's bowling attack which is already without pace spearhead Zaheer Khan.

South Africa, on the other hand, need to find an answer quickly on how to stop Virender Sehwag from repeating his blitzkrieg of Chennai where he decimated the rival attack with his audacious stroke-play and carved out a fantastic second triple century of his career.

Not only the amount of runs, but the speed at which Sehwag scored them, provided India with a chance of forcing South Africa on their knees in the second innings but men-in-form Neil McEnzie and Hashim Amla ensured that the tourists would not be cowed down to a defeat.

The visitors feel they have found a chink in the Delhi marauder's batting armour. Coach Micky Arthur pointed out that Sehwag did not play a pull shot till he reached 312 and promised to target the Indian opener with body-line attack.

Planning for something and executing it are two different things and the Proteas will be hoping that their fast bowlers are able to extract enough bounce to trouble Sehwag as well as the other top-order Indian batsmen like Rahul Dravid, who notched his 25th ton at Chennai, Sourav Ganguly and V V S Laxman too.

And like in Chennai the heat factor would be another major handicap to both the teams, and especially the touring team, though Arthur said the dry heat here was similar to what they encounter back home.

If the SA attack was ripped apart by Sehwag, the home team's attack proved equally tame on the flat track at Chennai and needs to pull up its socks here if they intend to trouble the visiting team which bats deep down up to number eight or nine.

Barring Jacques Kallis, who flopped in both the innings, the other top-order batsmen of South Africa showed good touch which would have given them a lot of confidence going into the second match.

Only Harbhajan Singh proved successful with eight wickets to his credit, but it has to be said they were taken after conceding over 100 runs in both the innings, and he also lacked adequate support from the other end.

Ishant Sharma, if pronounced fit, is bound to play as he is one Indian bowler who is capable of beating the slowness of a track with his speed in the air. In case the team decides to play him, it may be at the cost of R P Singh who looked a bit listless and not fully recovered from his injury lay-off in the first Test.

The absence of Tendulkar has given a chance to Yuvraj Singh to resurrect his stop-start Test career as he's expected to get the nod ahead of Mohammed Kaif whose break from the highest form of the game has been even longer.

Incidentally, SA have played a Test here only once previously, in 1996, and slumped to a dramatic defeat when they failed to chase the small target of 170 set by India and collapsed for 105 against the pace and reverse swing extracted by Javagal Srinath who took his then career-best 6 for 21.— PTI

Islamabad, April 2
Banned for five years for bringing cricket into disrepute, Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar today found support from the country's new government even as he vowed to challenge the Cricket Board's verdict.

Akhtar described the ban as victimisation by the Board and said that he would appeal against the punishment by Friday.

"I have been victimised by the Board. This ban is unacceptable because I have committed no crime. Even if there was any instance of me being undisciplined, the Board should be clear about it," Akhtar said a day after PCB took the unprecedented action having found the bowler guilty on six charges of code of conduct breaches.

Pakistan's new sports minister Khawaja Asif came out in support of the pacer, saying the PCB should reconsider its decision as the "harsh" punishment would be "unacceptable to the nation".

In an interview with the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Asif said the Board's move would not go down well with the team either which "needs Shoaib's services".

"This decision of PCB would develop breaches within the team which would ultimately harm cricket," Asif said.

The Board also came under criticism from former captains like Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Rashid Latif and Zaheer Abbas who held it responsible for destroying Pakistan cricket.

The ban came as Akhtar was already serving a two-year probation from last year when he was banned for 13 matches and fined Rs 34 lakh for hitting team-mate Mohammad Asif with a bat in South Africa.

Akhtar, 32, said if the Board rejected his appeal, he would approach the courts to get the ban overturned.

"I have always given my 100 per cent for my country. If I am not fit it has nothing to do with discipline. This ban is unjust and I intend to fight it. I will not go down without a fight," he told a press conference here.

He said the Board had made an issue of his fitness but he was not the first fast bowler to have fitness problems.

"I have even played for my country in high fever and this is the reward the Board gives me," Akhtar said.

Akhtar said he had been encouraged by the support of the media, former greats, the cricket community and the people.

"I am a Pakistani first. Whatever I am today, it is because of Pakistan. I don't accept this ban but I will follow the Board procedures in filing the appeal." Imran said the ban was yet another case of poor policy decision by the Board and called for an overhaul of the system. — PTI

Lahore, April 2
Sympathising with Shoaib Akhtar, former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad has put the blame on the PCB for temperamental fast bowler's ban saying, ''it is the result of the board's leniency towards the blunders he did in the past.''

''I feel sorry for Shoaib but it is also true that he has been involved in so many disciplinary cases.

''However, I would like to add here that it is the result of the PCB's leniency towards Shoaib's blunders he did in the past. But now his (latest) offence is not that grave as several Pakistan Test cricketers in the past have done this type of wrong acts repeatedly and got away with those,'' Miandad was quoted as saying by The Dawn.

Former Test cricketer and once Akhtar's coach, Sarfaraz Nawaz yesterday said, ''disappointing is no word to describe Akhtar's ban, I would call it pathetic and request the new political government to sack Nasim Ashraf-led Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).''

Describing Akhtar as the only match-winner in the team, Nawaz said he would urge new Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and other coalition leaders to take ''a serious notice of this unjust ban.''

Former captain Rashid Latif also came in support of Akhtar and termed the ban ''damaging for Pakistan cricket,'' but was of the view that the ban will be lifted in two months time.

''Banning Akhtar will harm Pakistan cricket,'' said Latif and added ''the team would be significantly weaker as a result.''

Rameez justifies ban

Karachi: Former Pakistan captain Rameez Raja has supported the decision to impose five-year ban on Shoaib Akhtar, saying the temperamental fast bowler had become a "problem child" and the verdict was just and expected.

Rameez, who worked as chief executive of the Board between 2003 and 2005, said the speedster had brought the problem upon himself. — Agencies

After the draw in Chennai, the India-South Africa Test series has virtually become a two-match affair. Both teams will take a lot of confidence from the way they played at Chennai, particularly the batsmen from both sides. Toss will be a crucial thing for both the teams in Ahmedabad tomorrow. If a team chooses to bat first and scores heavily, then it lends the necessary foundation for a possible victory, and I am sure, both teams will be eager to win the toss.

As far as team combination is concerned, Sachin’s unavailability is a big loss for India. He has been such an important player for India, and still is. However, they have a good replacement for Sachin in the form of Yuvraj Singh. Yuvraj may not be at par with Sachin as far as class is concerned, but still he is a good enough replacement.

A more worrying factor for India will be the availability of skipper Anil Kumble. He is a key player for them in Tests, especially in India, where the pitches suit his style of bowling. If he doesn’t play, then that will be a much bigger loss for the hosts. There has been some talk about whether India should play with five specialist bowlers or six specialist batters. I think, playing someone like Irfan Pathan in place of a batsman can give them a better balance. But even if India play with just four specialist bowlers, they have the part-time spinners to do the job for them.

South Africa coach Mickey Arthur has already indicated that Sehwag might be in for some short-pitched stuff. I remember playing against him, when we had some amount of success by bowling short at him. But it also depends on the kind of bounce that is on offer on the Motera pitch. If the ball doesn’t bounce much, there is no point in digging it short the whole day. I can assure you that this is just one of the four-five plans that might have drawn up for Sehwag. They might try the short-pitch stuff up front, but if it doesn't get the desired results, they will have three-four other plans of attacking him.

When I played in Ahmedabad, the pitch had a little bit in it for the pace bowlers. So if the pitch is similar to that, then the Proteas will have an edge in this game. Their pace bowlers, particularly Ntini and Steyn, showed a lot of character with the way they bowled in Chennai on the fourth day. I am sure both of them are aware of the expectations the team has from them and will surely be better prepared for this game, as they know the conditions better now.

Speaking of being better prepared, I think left-arm spinner Paul Harris won’t be too disappointed with his effort in Chennai.

Indians play the spinners well, and no spinner has got a five for 30 against them. All spinners have always been made to work hard for wickets against them in their own backyard. I think Harris’ confidence will be a bit higher now, as he has a game behind him. Don’t forget the South Africans went into the first Test without any practice game.

All in all, I am sure both teams will be looking for opportunities to get an upper-hand in this Test, as soon as possible. — PMG

Chandigarh, April 2
Superb half century from Hemang Badani went in vain as Hyderabad Heroes stormed into the final of the ICL Edelweiss 20s Challenge match at Hyderabad here tonight, defeating Chennai Superstars by fours runs.

In a nail-biting contest, Heroes, batting first notched up 147 for 6 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Heroes innings was based on scintillating 47 by former South Africa all rounder Nicky Boje. Ambatti Rayudu and Stuart Binny were the other main scorers with 25 and 24, respectively, as Heroes posted a modest 147 for six on the board as the target.

Chasing the target, Superstars were kept in the hunt by Badani who scored 37-ball 50. The innings was studded by six fours and a six. Late camoes by R Satish and Syed Mohammad were not enough as the team fell short by four runs. For his superb batting, Boje was adjudged Player of the Match.

Scoreboard

Hyderabad Heroes:

Maher b Vignesh 2

Razzaq run out 14

Rayudu c Vignesh

b Syed Mohammed 25

Boje c Syed Mohammed

b Kumaran 47

Kemp run out 2

Binny st Parore b Harvey 24

Harris not out 8

Anirudh not out 10

Extras (b 3, lb 5, w 7): 15

Total (6 wickets; 20 overs): 147

Fall of wickets: 1-16, 2-23, 3-78, 4-92, 5-116, 6-137

Bowling: Shabbir Ahmed 4-1-28-0, G Vignesh 4-0-24-1, T Kumaran 4-0-24-1, I Harvey 3-0-28-1, R Arnold 1-0-18-0, Syed Mohammed 4-0-17-1

Chennai Superstars:

Harvey b Kemp 2

Vignesh c Boje b Razzaq 0

Law run out 11

Arnold c Kemp b Razzaq 16

Badani c Reddy b Harris 50

Saravanan c Rayudu b Absolem 6

Sathish c Kemp b Harris 25

Syed not out 17

T Kumaran run out 5

Parore b Kemp 0

Shabbir run out 7

Extras (lb 3, w 1): 4

Total (all out ,19.5 overs): 143

Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-4, 3-23, 4-34, 5-58, 6-105 , 7-124 , 8-136, 9-136 , 10-143

Bowling: A Razzaq 4-0-29-2, J Kemp 3.5-0-21-2, N Boje 4-0-31-0, P Reddy 3-0-27-0, A Absolem 2-0-13-1, C Harris 3-0-19-2. 

Chandiarh, April 2
Eighteen-year-old Chandigarh golfer Fatehbir Dhaliwal fashioned a five-stroke triumph to clinch the title in one of the biggest tournaments of the Future Collegions World Tour and earned a slot in the All-American junior golf team at the Mission Inn (El Campeon) golf course in Florida last week.

This was Fatehbir's second major victory in the last two months in the FCWT Tour (16-18 age-group). The first triumph came at the Legends of Orange Lake in the last week of January where he played a three-under par 69 to win by one stroke. The second and final round of the Legends of Orange Lake contest was cancelled due to a strong storm.

That the Legends of Orange Lake win was no fluke was amply demonstrated when Fatehbir played a steady three-round game with top juniors from all over America vying for a spot in the All-American team. With 150 top juniors teeing off Fatehbir showed his class as he started off with a fine four-under par 68.This included an eagle on the par 4 fifth hole. He was one of five players who carded an eagle.

Tory Henderson of Bradenton, Florida, who was trailing Fatehbir by five strokes on the opening day, reduced the margin to three strokes, carding a par card of 72 to Fatehbir's two over par 74.

When the two teed off for Sunday's final round only three strokes separated them. After starting badly with a bogey on the first hole, Fatehbir came back strongly finishing with a one over par 73 to win by five strokes over Henderson. Henderson who started well making par on the first four holes, got into trouble double-bogeying on the fifth, sixth and seventh. He played the back nine at two under par, but just could not close the gap.

This second triumph in the FCWT got Fatehbir a slot in the All-Amecian junior team.

It was a good exposure for Fatehbir as the tournament was held in collaboration with the American Junior Golf Association.Big names in Amecian junior golf like Stanislav Matus and Roy Steinberg, who have won multiple times on the tour, were among the 150 participants.

Fatehbir also topped in firing the maximum number of birdies in the tournament. His share included 10 birdies and an eagle.

He is also leading in the scoring average section in the entire tour which is an an average of 72.70.

New Delhi, April 2
Northern Railway swept the men's and women's team titles in the 62nd All-India Railway Boxing championship which concluded at the Karnail Singh stadium here today.

Northern Railway clinched three gold medals in the men's section while Eastern Railway grabbed two gold to emerge as runners-up. In the women's section also Northern Railway grabbed three gold while Central Railway, with three silvers, finished as runners-up. One hundred and fifty boxers, including 40 women, from all over the country participated in the five-day championship.

Akhil Kumar, Jitender Kumar and Vijender Kumar, who have qualified for the Beijing Olympic Games, were among the contestants. Manoj Kumar (65kg) and Chhotu Loura (50) were adjudged the best boxers in the men's and women's category, respectively. Women participated in the championship for the first time.

New Delhi, April 2
Food Corporation of India (FCI) scored an emphatic 7-0 victory against Delhi Transport Corporation in the Chief Minister's Cup DSA Institutional League at the Ambedkar Stadium here today. The victory helped FCI ensure a place in the Super Six league.

Gamlung Kamei set off the goal-glut with a powerful strike in the second minute and completed his brace in the second half. Sanjeev Bhalla also struck a brace while Mehtab Ali, Bhupender Singh and Ravi Rana scored a goal each.

In a Group A match Railway Board scored defeated Bank of India 1-0. Vinay Rawat scored the match-winner in the third minute. Delhi Development Authority (DDA) blanked All India Institute of Medical Sciences 3-0 in another Group A encounter. After a goalless first half, Michael, Ankit and Gagan scored in the space of four minutes to give DDA a facile victory.

Ahmedabad, April 2
The Indian think-tank has decided to wait till the last moment to decide whether captain Anil Kumble and Ishant Sharma can play in the second cricket Test against South Africa commencing at the Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium tomorrow.

"We have some fitness concerns and want to give some more time. I am feeling much better. A final call (whether he and speedster Sharma will play) will be taken tomorrow morning," said Kumble after a full net session for the team at the venue.

Kumble is fighting a groin niggle sustained in the drawn series opener at Chennai while the gangling Delhi pacer Sharma, who missed the first match, is recovering from toe and bowling finger injuries that he suffered during the one-day tri-series in Australia.

The decision to wait till the morning of the match to decide on his own fitness issue makes him a doubtful starter for the tie.

In case he's not fit, vice captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is all set to make his debut as a Test captain, after leading India in ODIs and Twenty20 internationals, which will add one more feather in his well-adorned cap.

Kumble, who was felicitated at Chennai by the cricket board for having grabbed 600 Test wickets, simply brushed aside talks from the South African ranks that swashbuckling opener Virender Sehwag was susceptible to the short-pitched ball bowled into his body. — PTI