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JP Duminy in action on Saturday. — PTI
Dada keeps Knights alive
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Daredevils in must-win situation
IPL controversy:
Farooq sees a solution
Saina out, Indian challenge over
JCT trounce VIVA Kerala 5-1
Cheema lifts gold, again
Scholes’ strike sinks Man City
Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney controls the ball during their match against Manchester City on Saturday. — AFP
Chinese GP: Sutil starts 10th, Karun last
Again, it’s P10 - I know this position very well from the last races in Australia and Bahrain!
Nadal beats Ferrer, reaches final
J&K T-20 Cricket Cup
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Duminy’s Day
Bangalore, April 17 Chasing an intimidating 192 for a win, Bangalore top order crumbled under tight Mumbai bowling with none of them coming up with a big score in the match which was delayed by one hour due to low intensity explosions outside the stadium 45 minutes before the start. Virat Kohli top-scored with a brave 24-ball 37 but all his batting colleagues had a collective failure in their last league match. Manish Pandey (16), Jacques Kallis (14), Kevin Pietersen (21), Rahul Dravid (16), Robin Uthappa (4) and Ross Taylor (9) failed to click under a disciplined bowling effort from Mumbai. The home side were never in the run chase with their openers Pandey and Kallis back in the hut with just 31 on board in the sixth over before Dravid was out in the ninth over. When Pietersen and Uthappa fell in successive overs — in the 11th and 12th — and then Taylor followed suit in the 15th it was all over for Bangalore whose top six contributed just 97 runs. All the five Mumbai bowlers took at least a wicket with Pollard being the most successful with three wickets for 28 from his four overs. Dilhara Fernando and Harbhajan Singh took two wickets apiece by conceding 24 and 28 runs respectively from four overs each. Zaheer Khan and Ryan McLaren chipped in with a wicket each. With this win, Mumbai, who have already qualified for the semifinals, increased the gap with other teams taking their points tally to 20 with one league match yet to play. Bangalore, who slumped to their seventh loss today, will have to wait for the results of other league matches as the other three last-four slots are likely to be decided by net run rates. Bangalore ended their league engagements with 14 points and a net run rate of plus 0.219. — PTI Scoreboard Mumbai Indians: McLaren lbw b Pietersen 40 (42) Tendulkar c Taylor b Kallis 19 (18) Rayudu c & b Kallis 46 (27) Pollard lbw b Kumble 20 (7) Duminy not out 42 (19) Nayar not out 9 (7) Extras (lb 4, w 11) 15 Total (4 wickets; 20 overs) 191 Bowling: Steyn 4-0-18-0, Vinay 3-0-26-0, Pankaj 4-0-54-0, Kallis 4-0-41-2, Kumble 4-0-38-1, Pietersen 1-0-10-1. Royal Challengers: Pandey c Zaheer b Fernando 16 (18) Kallis b McLaren 14 (15) P’trsen c Tiwary b Harbhajan 21 (16) Dravid c Pollard b Harbhajan 16 (11) Uthappa c Nayar b Pollard 4 (6) Taylor c Harbhajan b Fernando 9 (11) Kohli c Tare b Pollard 37 (24) Steyn b Zaheer 0 (2) Vinay not out 10 (12) Pankaj c Zaheer b Pollard 1 (2) Kumble not out 1 (3) Extras (b 1, lb 2, w 2) 5 Total (9 wickets; 20 overs) 134 Bowling: Zaheer 4-0-30-1, Fernando 4-0-24-2, McLaren 4-0-21-1, Harbhajan 4-0-28-2, Pollard 4-0-28-3.
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Kolkata, April 17 Chetshwar Pujara gave him able support with an unbeaten 38-ball 45 which was studded with five fours and a six as the duo shared run-a-ball 80-run partnership for the unfinished third wicket. Ganguly hit the winning runs, a single, off Aaron Finch as the home side reached 133 for two in 16.1 overs. Earlier, electing to bat, Rajasthan Royals could make 132 for nine with Shane Watson top-scoring with a 26-ball 44. After today’s win, KKR still have an outside chance to qualify for the semifinals with 12 points from 13 matches and a net run rate of minus 0.456. They still need to beat table toppers Mumbai Indians at the same venue on April 19 in their last league match to have any chance of qualifying for the semifinals. With today’s loss, Rajasthan Royals ended their hopes of making it to the semifinals. They have 12 points after their last league match today. KKR looked like they wanted to win the match in quick time to shore up their net run rate with Ganguly and his opening partner Brendon McCullum smashing 21 runs in first two overs. Ganguly smashed two fours off Yusuf Pathan in the first over and then followed them with another off Shane Watson in the second over before KKR was pegged back by two quick wickets in a space of three balls in the third over bowled by Kamran Khan. McCullum (6), who opened along with Ganguly instead of Chris Gayle, was the first to go as he offered a Kamran full toss for a simple catch to square leg fielder Shane Watson. Gayle followed McCullum two balls later for a duck to leave KKR at 22 for two. The dismissal of two big hitters seemed to have boomeranged KKR plans for a quick win and Ganguly and next man in Cheteshwar Pujara retreated into a shell. The duo ran mostly in singles and waited for loose balls as KKR 50 came in the eighth over. By the halfway mark, the home side were 69 for two and two overs later Ganguly decided to open up his arms, smashing a four off Pathan and followed by a six off Adam Voges in the 13th over. Pujara was also not the one to remain quiet now as he also hit a four off Pathan and a six off Voges. — PTI Scoreboard Rajasthan Royals: Watson b Shukla 44 (26) Ojha c Shukla b Unadkat 18 (22) Yusuf c Ganguly b Unadkat 8 (9) Finch b Bond 21 (21) Voges c Kartik b Dinda 8 (7) Raut c Gayle b Unadkat 2 (4) Dogra b Kartik 8 (12) Fazal run out 13 (13) Warne not out 3 (4) Trivedi c Unadkat b Dinda 4 (2) Kamran not out 0 (0) Extras (b 1, w 2) 3 Total: (9 wickets; 20 overs) 132 Bowling: Bond 4-1-20-1, Dinda 4-0-24-2, Kartik 4-0-31-1, Unadkat 4-0-26-3, Shukla 4-0-30-1. Kolkata Knight Riders: Ganguly not out 75 (50) McCullum c Watson b Kamran 6 (7) Gayle b Kamran 0 (2) Pujara not out 45 (38) Extras: (w 7) 7 Total: (2 wickets; 16.1 overs) 133 Bowling: Yusuf 3-0-32-0, Watson 3-0-17-0, Kamran 2-0-13-2, Trivedi 2-0-16-0, Warne 3-0-20-0, Finch 1.1-0-5-0, Voges 1-0-16-0, Fazal 1-0-14-0.
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Kings battle Super Kings
Dharamsala, April 17 On paper, Chennai look very strong. With an impressive array of batsmen, most of them capable of using the long handle, and good bowlers, the Super Kings have the wherewithal to last the distance. Recent addition to the squad, left-arm seamer Doug Bollinger has made their bowling look even more formidable. Bollinger made an instant impact in his debut IPL match. Bowling a tidy spell, the Australian fast bowler scripted victory against Rajasthan Royals. Stunning catch he took to dismiss hard-hitting Yusuf Pathan still lingers in the memory. The presence of M Muralitharan, Albie Morkel and Balaji makes Chennai bowling attack look formidable. Chennai have been well served by off spinner R Ashwin and left-arm bowler S Jakati. It is their batting, however, that makes the Super Kings such a dangerous opponent. Both opener Murali Vijay and Suresh Raina have been in devastating form. While Raina with 415 runs in his kitty is the third most successful batsman, Vijay, having amassed 404 runs this season so far, does not lag far behind and is the fourth highest scorer in the IPL. It is Vijay’s strike rate of 160.31 that makes him such a dangerous batsman. Vijay was a revelation when he hammered 56-ball 127 studded with 11 sixes and eight fours against Rajasthan Royals, propelling Chennai to 246 runs in the stipulated 20 overs. A big knock has eluded skipper M S Dhoni. The wicket-keeper batsman is too good a batsman and is unlikely to lose out on an opportunity to make a sizeable contribution in such a crucial outing. Languishing at the bottom of the table with just four wins out of the 13 matches, Kings XI Punjab have been left to play for pride. Their winning streak - the successive wins against Mumbai Indians and Delhi Daredevils - having been snapped by Deccan Chargers last night, Kings XI would sure love to play party-poopers. |
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Daredevils in must-win situation
The fate of the losers will be known, depending on the result of the first match of the day between Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings. Super Kings are also in line for a semis berth, but if they lose against Kings XI, they will be out of reckoning. So far, only Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore have ensured berths in the semis. Daredevils need to blame only themselves for their present plight as they had thrown away their last home match against Kings XI. Daredevils, however, redeemed themselves somewhat with their away victory against Chennai Super Kings by six wickets in stiffling heat to keep alive their hopes of a last-four berth on the boil. The salient feature of the victory was captain Gautam Gambhir’s unbeaten 57, and Ashish Nehra’s fiery spell of 3 for 26. Delhi were done in against Kings XI by a slow pitch at the Kotla but this time around, the curator must have taken into account the strengths of the home team while readying the match pitch. Deccan Chargers are also on the upswing after their victory against Kings XI at new venue Dharamshala yesterday. Suman and Rohit Sharma cobbled together some valuable runs to help Deccan to victory, and captain Adam Gilchrist expect a similar kind of performance from his players, including himself, if they hope to get the better of Daredevils. Delhi have depth both in batting and bowling, and big knocks are due from both openers Virender Sehwag and David Warner. Decccan Chargers have also some big-game hunter in Suman, who hit a rollicking 78, and Andrew Symonds, who slammed 53 not out, against the formidable bowling of Royal Challengers Bangalore which was a kind of comeback for them, as it was only their fourth win in ten matches. And they laid low RCB in the away match at Nagpure too, with Rohit Sharma scoring a decisive half cnetury and Symonds playing a cameo. So Daredevils would have to be on their guard, in every respect, if they want to make Chargers bite the Kotla dust. |
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IPL controversy:
Farooq sees a solution
Jammu, April 17 Farooq, president of Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association
(JKCA), was here in the city to inaugurate a T-20 cricket tournament being organised by the JKCA at the
G.G.M. Science College grounds. Farooq added, “It is also true the IPL has revolutionised the limited overs version of cricket. It has brought India on the horizon of international cricket.” However, Farooq avoided speaking anything directly about the controversy of Kochi IPL team vis-à-vis involvement of Union Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor and Kashmiri beautician Sunanada
Pushkar. Farooq further said the clear picture of IPL will come out in a few days, even the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who will return to India on Monday, has already said he will look into the matter. Tharoor is in the middle of a thick controversy, ever since Sunanada having a free equity of Rs 75 crores in the IPL Kochi team surfaced in the media. Asked about Lalit Modi’s role, the minister played safe. He said, “I can’t say anything, but the picture will be clear after the general house meeting.” He appreciated the work done by officials of the JKCA to organise such a big tourney and said that if this tourney proved as successful, the JKCA will try to organise a woman T-20 tourney. |
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Saina out, Indian challenge over
Xuerui will next take on compatriot Liu Xin in an all-Chinese final tomorrow in the women’s singles category. In men’s singles, Chinese superstar Lin Dan beat fifth seed Thai Boonsak Ponsana 22-20, 21-10 in 39 minutes. He will lock horns with fellow Chinese Zhengming Wang, who pulled off an incredible 21-14, 19-21, 21-16 win over Sixth seed Japanese Kenichi Tago in a 57-minute match. The 20-year-old Saina was not in her elements today as a weak defense and a series of unforced errors ruined her final hopes although the semifinal finish still remains her best result in the Asian championship. The Chinese shuttler was better prepared and exploited Saina's defense. The Indian tried to keep the shuttle low and served it flat but Xuerui used her agility and powerful smashes to shut the door on Saina. In men’s doubles, top seeds Hung Ling Chen and Yu Lang Lin of Chinese Taipei continued their march, beating the Korean pair of Sang Hoon Han and Ji Man Hwang 21-18, 12-21, 21-18 in a 53-minute match. Fifth seeds Gun Woo Cho and Yeon Seong Yoo of Korea edged out sixth seeds Chieh Min Fang and Sheng Mu Lee of Chinese Taipei 21-18, 22-20 in a closely fought 33-minute match.
— PTI |
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JCT trounce VIVA Kerala 5-1
Ludhiana, April 17 In quick counter attacks, Kerala outfit weaved good move in the 19th minute and then 21st minute but on both occasions, JCT custodian, Karanjit Singh stood his ground, nullifying the danger. Exhibiting mobility and depth in his attacks, Henry again was at the centre stage. In the 26th minute, from out the striking zone, he despatched a powerful grounder which beat the goalkeeper, squarely to have the score reading 2-0. JCT pumped in two more goals (55th and 65th minutes) through E Okoro to further enhance the lead 4-0. Henry struck in the 75th minute through a header to complete the tally. With few seconds before the long hooter, VIVA Kearla scored the consolation goal when off a corner kick taken by Surjith, Senyo sailed the ball into the net to reduce the margin 5-1. With the victory, JCT secured three points to take their tally to 25 from 21 matches while VIVA Kearla too had 25 points from as many matches. Henry was declared the man of the match. Now, JCT will take on Chirag United here on April 21. Lajong stun Mahindra 2-1
Shillong: Relegation-threatened Shillong Lajong struck a late winner to stun title contenders Mahindra United 1-2 in a crucial round 21 I-League encounter here today. The odds were heavily staked in favour of Mahindra who had lost just one match prior to today's game but the home side made a remarkable comeback from one-goal down and scored the winner three minutes from full time. Bagan beat Air India
Kolkata: Jose Barreto sparkled with a double strike to help Mohun Bagan blank Air India 4-0 and snap six-match winless streak in the I-League at Yuba Bharati Krirangan here today. Mohun Bagan ruled the roost right from the start with Ryuji Sueoka giving a fifth minute lead while Marcos Pereira made it 2-0 in the 21st minute. Sporting end Churchill title hopes
Margao: Junior Obagbemiro struck twice as Sporting Clube de Goa ended Churchill Brothers' hopes of retaining the title with a 2-1 victory at Nehru stadium here today. Churchill's Felix Chimaokwu scored in the 87th minute to cancel Junior Obagbemiro 21st minute strike. But Junior scored the winner one minute later (88th)
— PTI |
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Cheema lifts gold, again
Talking to The Tribune, he said he was delighted that Palwinder has lived up to his expectations. He says it is a proud moment for any father and coach to see their player on the top. He informed that this year, 14 players participated in his weight category. He defeated Surinder Nar of CISF is the final to grab the medal. Talking about Palwinder’s achievements, he informed that Palwinder won back to back gold medals at the Commonwealth Championship and Canada Cup. Honoring his national and international success, Palwinder Singh Cheema was bestowed with the Arjuna Award in 2003. He won the Gold Medal in Indo-Pak Punjab Games in the following year. Born on 11th November, 1982, Palwinder Singh Cheema has also won medals in Asian Games and other international tournaments. He is employed with the Punjab Police.
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Scholes’ strike sinks Man City
Manchester, April 17 The win brought renewed optimism to second-placed United and with three games remaining puts them just a point behind league leaders Chelsea, who travel to Tottenham Hotspur in the day's late match. "I couldn't see a goal coming to be honest with you," United manager Alex Ferguson told Sky television. "It (winning the title) would have been very, very difficult (without Scholes's goal). "We are hoping Tottenham win tonight and if they do, the title is back on. Obviously it is a big boost to Tottenham because they can go fourth tonight." City's defeat dented their hopes of securing the fourth and final Champions League qualifying spot. Spurs, one point behind in fifth place, will overtake them if they beat Chelsea at White Hart Lane. "We hope Tottenham don't win but I think the crucial game will be when we meet Tottenham here (on May 5)," said City manager Roberto Mancini. United, who included England striker Wayne Rooney in their team after an ankle injury, had the better of a frustrating derby where they enjoyed plenty of possession but lacked penetration. City's apparent first half reluctance to go forward drew cries of 'attack' from the home fans but the closest they came to a breakthrough was a Carlos Tevez free kick held by keeper Edwin van der Sar. The best chances before the break fell to the visitors. First, Antonio Valencia's header found Rooney with space and time but the striker, who has scored 34 goals this season, dragged his shot wide when he should have done better.
— Reuters |
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Chinese GP: Sutil starts 10th, Karun last
Shanghai, April 17 Karun starting from the back of the grid was more or less a certainty after the Indian F1 driver was handed a five-place grid penalty by the Shanghai race stewards for mending a broken seal on his gearbox in the absence of any FIA delegate. But with Karun finishing qualifying at the back of the field in 24th, the penalty could not affect his grid position. For force India, the onus would be on Sutil tomorrow to stretch their point-scoring streak and the German seemed up to the task. “Another Q3 qualifying performance for us, I think we can be very pleased with that,” Sutil said. “Again, it’s P10 - I know this position very well from the last races in Australia and Bahrain! The car is behaving very well and we can be happy about the balance we have. It’s a bit difficult in the mid sector though as the grip is missing a little bit so we have a touch of oversteer and it's hard to drive on the limit. However from the team’s point of view we can look forward to the race tomorrow,” he said. Teammate Liuzzi blamed the traffic for not making it to Q2 but said he would push for a good result tomorrow. “Again for the third time in four races I got caught in traffic, again with a Williams and an HRT. But that's how it is, it happens, we have to look at why and then work on this,” Liuzzi said. “Tomorrow I think we are in great shape for the race as the speed has been there when we were on the longer runs but when you start in 18th place it makes life much more difficult. We are still optimistic though and we keep pushing whatever happens,” added the Italian. Red Bull’s Mark Webber seemed to have snatched the pole position from teammate Sebastian Vettel, who eventually regained it in the dying seconds.
— PTI |
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Nadal beats Ferrer, reaches final
Monte Carlo, April 17 The four-times French Open champion, who has not won an ATP title in the last 11 months, was again in a class of his own on the Monte Carlo clay. After needing just 75 minutes to dismiss Ferrer, Nadal took the time to sign a few balls and fire them into the delighted crowd as the first sunbeams pierced through on a mostly cloudy day at the Monte Carlo Country Club. The Mallorcan, who lost his first French Open match in the fourth round last year, lost the first game to love. He then saved a break point in the second game before turning on the engine and racing to a 5-1 lead, with Ferrer unable to control his opponent’s devastating forehand. Nadal even seemed to feel sorry for Ferrer, apologising to his compatriot after clinching the sixth game with a delightful backhand lob. Grunting in agony, Ferrer won the seventh game to love but conceded the opening set as he sent a backhand long. The 11th seed smashed his racket onto his foot twice in frustration after he failed to capitalise on a Nadal weak moment in the second game of the second set.
— Reuters |
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J&K T-20 Cricket Cup
Jammu, April 17 Now the match will be played at 12:30 pm tomorrow, said Rajesh Gill, organising secretary. DGP Kuldeep Khoda was the chief guest during the inaugural ceremony. |
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Bangalore, April 17
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session (Q3) once again and will start tomorrow’s Chinese Grand Prix 10th while Karun Chandhok of Hispania will begin from the back of the grid. It was a mixed qualifying session for Force India with Vitantonio Liuzzi getting caught in traffic and not prospering beyond the first qualifying session (Q1).
New Delhi, April 17
New Delhi, April 17
Patiala, April 17
Bhupathi-Mirnyi in final of Monte Carlo event
Sunny for Sobers’ celebrations