 |
|
|
Mumbai Indians clinch thriller
Negre’s last warning to HI
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Holland take bronze
Wonder from Down under
World Cup Diary
Saina crashes out of All England Super Series
Daredevils’ night out
|
|
Mumbai Indians clinch thriller
Mumbai, March 13 Yusuf was run out brilliantly by R Satish whom he had treated with utter disdain during his superb 107-run partnership with the unheralded Paras Dogra (41 off 29 balls) for the fifth wicket to raise visions of a great come-from- behind victory. But the marauder from Baroda was run out in the first ball of the 18th over and the rest of the batting order could not provide the finishing touch. Needing 12 runs in the last over bowled by Lasith Malinga, the Royals ended at 208 for seven after losing Dogra and Amit Uniyal in the first two balls. Dmitry Mascarenhas and captain Shane Warne could not complete the job. Earlier fine half centuries from Ambati Rayudu (55) and Saurabh Tiwary (53) following a sound start piloted Mumbai Indians to their highest-ever IPL total. Guntur-born Rayudu, an ICL returnee, cracked 55 in 33 balls studded with 6 fours and 2 sixes while Jamshedpur-born Saurabh Tiwary slammed a breezy 53 in the same number of balls, embellished with 4 fours and two sixes. The fourth wicket duo put on 110 runs in only 63 balls to lift Mumbai Indians from 70 for three to 180 for four. The duo’s late order hitting, after the rollicking start given by openers Sanath Jayasuriya (23) and skipper Sachin Tendulkar (17) helped the home team end up with a 200-plus total amidst carnival atmosphere inside the famed Brabourne Stadium. Left-handed Sri Lanka veteran Jayasuriya set the scorching run-scoring pace by lofting Dmitri Mascarenhas for three fours in the first over, two of them lofted shots in his typical fashion over covers. The Royals commenced their chase to overhaul the record Mumbai Indians score on the wrong foot as they lost opener Swapnil Asnodkar in the second ball without facing a ball due to a misunderstanding with Graeme Smith. Smith, who had to return home early at the end of the Test series against India after a finger injury, looked in good touch and was especially severe on Zaheer Khan by thumping the left arm pace bowler for three fours in his second over, two of them to the straight field. — PTI Scoreboard Mumbai Indians Jayasuriya lbw b Uniyal 23 (14) Tendulkar lbw b Mascarenhas 17 (11) Tare c Warne b Mascarenhas 23 (13) Tiwary c Ojha b Tait 53 (33) Rayudu c Dogra b Uniyal 55 (33) Sathish run out 6 (5) Harbhajan retired hurt 8 (6) McLaren not out 11 (5) Zaheer not out 0 (0) Extras: (lb 3, w 13) 16 Total (6 wickets; 20 overs) 212 Fall of wickets: 1-38, 2-69, 3-70, 4-180, 5-191, 6-192 Bowling: Mascarenhas 4-0-34-2, Tait 4-0-46-1, Kamran: 1-0-10-0, Uniyal 4-0-41-2, Warne 3-0-29-0, Jhunjhunwala 2-0-27-0, Pathan 2-0-22-0 Rajasthan Royals Smith c & b Sathish 26 (22) Asnodkar run out 0(0) Ojha c Khan b Murtaza 12 (12) Jhunjhunwala b Malinga 14 (11) Pathan run out 100 (37) Dogra run out 41 (29) Mascarenhas not out 9 (7) Uniyal b Malinga 0 (1) Warne not out 1 (1) Extras (w 5) 5 Total (7 wickets; 20 overs) 208 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-38, 3-40, 4-66, 5-173, 6-201, 7-201. Bowling: Zaheer 4-0-27-0, McLaren 4-0-43-0, Malinga 4-0-22-2, Murtaza 4-0-46-1, Sathish 3-0-51-1, Jayasuriya 1-0-19-0.
|
|
Negre’s last warning to HI
New Delhi, March 13 He said there seemed to be some ego problems in holding a proper Hockey India elections, and the FIH was also aware of the court cases and many impediments in the way of holding the elections. Negre asserted that the FIH was not concerned about these things and it wanted a proper unified hockey body in India by May end. The FIH chief also indicated that there was a proposal to have two wild cards for the Champions Trophy, which will be finalised in the FIH Executive Committee meeting to be held in Delhi over the next two days. He said after 2012, the Champions Trophy will be made a biannual tournament as the world body had plans to squeeze in another tournament in the hockey calendar, probably a world series. Negre said Holland and England have bid for the 2014 World Cup, and both preferred to hold the men's and women's World Cup together. He said the 12th edition of the World Cup in Delhi was a great success and the FIH was keen that Asia (read India) were represented in the FIH, but that can happen only if a duly elected Hockey India was put in place. He said the FIH was keen to hold more international tournaments in this part of the world for giving the game a big boost, as Asia was a big market for the FIH financially and hockey-wise. |
|
Holland take bronze
New Delhi, March 13 England’s competent defence was caught on the wrong foot, but England had their chances too when they forced two penalty corners before the Holland goal, and once Richard Alexander muffed an open chance when he slammed into custodian Guus Vogels. In fact, the veteran Vogels prevented England from scoring on a few occasions though even he could not contain the sustained England attacks effectively for long. The Holland lead lasted just a minute as Alastair Brogdon equalised following a quick counter attack. The goal pepped up England as they mounted a series of raids on the rival citadel to earn two penalty corners in quick succession in the 29th and 33rd minutes which were brilliantly scooped in by their drag flicker Ashley Jackson. With England retiring for the half time break with a comfortable 3-1 lead, the Dutch suddenly found themselves fighting with their backs to the wall. But they were such tenacious fighters, with captain Teun Nooijer leading his armada into the enemy territory often, that they could not be contained from scoring for long, and that's what happened when Taeke Taekema swept in off their first penalty corner in the 13th minute of second half to narrow the lead 2-3. This was Taekema’s 21st World Cup goal which equalled the record of his illustrious predecessor Tie Kruize. And Dutch captain Teun de Nooijer also equalled the record of four World Cup medals hitherto held by Pakistan’s Akhtar Rasool, who reigned from 1971 to 1982. Four minutes later, Jeroen Hertzberger's high scoop was palmed by goalie Vogels but Holland equalled a couple of minutes later through Klaas Vermeulen and three minutes before the final hooter, Rogier Hofman relayed a pass from Teun Nooijer into the goal to get the match-winner and seal a 4-1 victory. Holland's never-say-die fighting spirit was remarkable as the sustained pressure they exercised put tremendous pressure on the otherwise solid England defence which eventually caved as never before in this championship. The Netherlands thus recorded their fourth victory against England in five World Cup meetings, with just a lone defeat as the only blemish in their record, which came when England hosted the Cup in 1986. England had beaten Holland in the European Championship but only to lose in the Champions Trophy later. |
|
Wonder from Down under
New Delhi, March 13 And chief coach Richard Charlesworth, again sat in the stands. His superstition perhaps prevents him from sitting on the team bench in crucial games. The 2-1 win for Aussies deprived Germany from completing a hat-trick of gold medal triumphs at the World Cup. It is a different brand of hockey that top teams play now. They start aggressively in a bid to take early lead, consolidate it and then control the game by dominating midfield play besides seeking better ball control and possession. This pattern of play was evident as both Germany and Australia did mount relentless attacks to utilise any gaps, free or unmarked positions to get the score moving. It was in the fifth minute that Edward Ockenden got the Australians lead with a brilliant goal. First penalty corner in the game had to wait till the 20th minute when Witthaus worked his way into the circle before being obstructed. The award did not produce any result. Though Australians had tough time on controlling Germans rampage even after taking an early lead, they managed to hang on to the lead till the breather. But after exchange of ends, Germans had the consolation of drawing equal in the 46th minute when Fruste flicked across the goal to beat Nathan Burgers in the Australian goal. It was in the 59th minute that luck smiled on Australia. Abbot asked for video referral after the umpire had blown for a free hit for Germany. Video umpire, however, overruled the field umpire and awarded a penalty corner to Australia. Though Australians wanted Luke Doerner to be substituted by Kavanagh, it was disallowed as substitutions is not permitted once penalty corner has been awarded. And Luke Doerner proved lucky. He was destined to score the World Cup winning goal with a powerful flick that beat Max Weinhold in the German goal. Final standings: Australia, Germany, The Netherlands, England, Spain, Korea, Argentina, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and Pakistan. Man of Steel of the Tournament - Max Mueller (Germany), Goalkeeper of the tournament - Guus Vogels (the Netherlands), Top scorer of the tournament - Luke Doerner (Australia) and Taeke Taekema (the Netherlands), Hero Honda Player of The Tournament - Guus Vogels (the Netherlands), Fair Play Trophy - New Zealand, Man of the Steel (final) - Martin Haner (Germany), Hero Honda Man of the Match - Luke Doerner (Australia).
|
|
Hockey needs a makeover
Prabhjot Singh writes from New Delhi Hockey World Cup may not return to India for another 15 to 20 years. Though it leaves behind many memoirs, both sweet and sour, the sport Indians adorned most may not be the same again. Though India went three notches up, from 11th position finish in 2006 to eighth position here, but home team’s overall performance was far from satisfactory. It could win only one of six matches it played in the fortnight-long mega event besides drawing one. Remaining four it lost. Two of these losses were against the teams that were destined to play the medal rounds, but other two losses, against Spain and then Argentina, by flattering margins were a set back. In fact, India had no reason to lose its game against England as well. Hockey is a game that has been changing fast. Even the Union Sports Minister Manohar Singh Gill admitted that changes in the game, including rules, equipment and playing surface, have made it attractive besides adding pace to it, yet both India and Pakistan have failed to keep pace with it. Not only synthetic surfaces, even the team management needs to be bolstered up. India may be the single largest export house of software engineers but as far as hockey is concerned, Indian expertise in technological advancements in sports in general and hockey in particular is nowhere near the Europeans or the Australians. Physical fitness, basic skills and new equipment have seen the western world wrest mastery from Indian masters. Unfortunately, even the base of Indian hockey has been shrinking rapidly. Number of schools, colleges and universities evincing interest in the sport has been waning fast. No serious effort was made to use the World Cup here as a source for inspiring youngsters to take to this sport. Though a couple of stalls of sports goods, especially sportswear, were organised as a part of the World Cup but that was more from a commercial angle than imbibing in the younger generation a love for the game. Security may have been a big concern because of developments across the border and threats looming large of probable strikes in this part of the subcontinent. Even the participating teams were not keen to come out and participate in promotional events where some of the top teams and players could have visited schools and colleges and encouraged youngsters to play the game with them. Security was the biggest hurdle that instead of diminishing drew greater gaps between the players and the spectators on one hand and the players, officials and media on the other. There was hardly any communication between the players and the media. Now when the nation has created a huge facility by using hundreds of crores from public exchequer, the Union Ministry of Sports and the Sports Authority of India should utilise the new infrastructure to better use by allowing schools, hockey clubs and institutions with hockey teams to use these facilities. Even if some usage charges are to be introduced, they should be kept on the minimal side so that facilities so created are used to the brim. But unfortunately indications are that these facilities may not be open to public at least till the end of the year or till the Commonwealth Games are completed. A lot of wet paint is still around. A number of things or discrepancies and shortcomings witnessed during the World Cup need to be rectified and fixed up. It means that Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium will for the time being remain inaccessible, both for technical and security concerns.
|
|
Saina crashes out of All England Super Series
London, March 13 Saina became the first Indian woman to reach the semifinals of the prestigious tournament but her journey was cut short by Rasmussen of Denmark, who beat her 21-19 21-17 in a 37-minute battle. Down 1-5 in the first game, Saina picked up four straight points to make it 5-5 and then moved neck and neck till 19-19 but Rusmessen had the last laugh as she sealed the game with two straight points. In the second game, the world No 7 Indian had raced to narrow lead of 3-1 but the Dane soon surged ahead at 9-4 and held the fort as Saina's game crumbled. Earlier, the Hyderabadi had beaten German Juliane 21-8, 21-14 in just 27 minutes to reach the semifinal at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham. Saina had also beaten Judith Meulendijks of the Netherlands and Korean Seung Hee Bae in the first two rounds of the tournament. — PTI
|
|
|
Daredevils’ night out Mohali, March 13 Man of the Match Gambhir played a classic knock. Just recovered from the injury, the left-handed batsman paced his innings beautifully. There was not even a single false stroke. The regular fall of wickets at the other end failed to fluster him as he went about his job in a professional manner. The only time he played an uncharacteristic stroke to be caught by Jayawardene off Pathan was when he had scored 72 and the Daredevils were at the doorsteps of victory. Only formality remained to completed. Mithun Minhas and Ferveez Maharoof proved equal to the task as Daredevils completed their first engagement with a win. In fact, after the depleted KXIP had put up a modest total (142 for 9) in the stipulated 20 overs, a victory for the visitors looked very much on the cards as their batting line-up boasted of some of the most explosive contemporary batsmen like Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Tillakaratne Dilshan, AB de Villiers and Dinesh Karthik in the ranks. Luckily for KXIP, S Sreesanth got them of to dream start, getting rid of Sehwag and Dilshan in the space of just four deliveries in his first over at the same score of 10. The innings barely looked like getting the momentum, when the agility of Mahela Jayawardene, who dived full length to hit the stumps that ran De Villiers out, jolted the Daredevils. The batsman had yet to reach the two-digit mark. Karthik and Gambhir steadied the innings somewhat. But indiscretion get the better of Karthik soon and he lobbed a simple catch to Irfan Pathan off left-arm seamer Yusuf Abdulla after he had scored 20. Minhas steadied the ship in the company of skipper and the two kept on accruing runs without any extravagance. They opened up in the 16th over of offie Ramesh Powar, which yielded 16 runs. In the next over, Abdulla came in for some harsh treatment when Gambhir hoisted him over long-off fence effortlessly for a big six. Punjab’s innings was based on a half century by Ravi Bopara. Bopara held the innings together, contributing 48-ball 56. Skipper Kumar Sangakkara toyed with Maharoof in one over adding 9-ball 17. Pathan, who scored 21, was the second highest scorer from the side. Scoreboard Kings XI Punjab
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Mumbai Indians survived a brutal assault by Yusuf Pathan, who struck a belligerent 37-ball century, to record a thrilling four-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in their opening match of the Indian Pemier League here today.
Australia could not have asked for more. A lucky video referral, a disallowed substitution and above all a familiar surface that incidentally came from Downunder were all factors that helped Australians to end their 24-year-old wait to regain World Cup before nearly packed Major Dhyan Chand National Hockey Stadium here.
And chief coach Richard Charlesworth, again sat in the stands. His superstition perhaps prevents him from sitting on the team bench in crucial games. The 2-1 win for Aussies deprived Germany from completing a hat-trick of gold medal triumphs at the World Cup.
Ace Indian Saina Nehwal suffered a straight-game defeat against Tine Rasmussen of Denmark in the semifinals of the women's singles to bow out of the All England Super Series badminton championship here today.
Saina became the first Indian woman to reach the semifinals of the prestigious tournament but her journey was cut short by Rasmussen of Denmark, who beat her 21-19 21-17 in a 37-minute battle.
Third IPL match and the third cliff-hanger. This time, it were the Delhi Daredevils, who prevailed over Kings XI Punjab with five wickets and one ball to spare at the Punjab Cricket Stadium at Mohali tonight. Set a modest 143-run target by
KXIP, skipper Gautam Gambhir led from the front scoring a brisk 72, enabling Daredevils make a winning start in the 45-day extravaganza that began in Mumbai with a match between Kolkata Knight Riders and the defending champions Deccan Chargers yesterday.
Mumbai Indians survived a brutal assault by Yusuf Pathan, who struck a belligerent 37-ball century, to record a thrilling four-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in their opening match of the Indian Pemier League here today. Yusuf slammed an astonishing nine sixes and eight fours while making exactly 100 runs to bring the Royals on the doorstep of a brilliant victory after Mumbai Indians made 212 for six. But after his dismissal, the Royals were stopped in their tracks.
Vijender in semis of CW C’ship