He has transformed 
himself from
'Mr Inconsistent' to 'Mr Dependable' in the shorter formats and Indian batsman Rohit Sharma today said it has been possible because of the backing that he has got from the team management.
     Few years back, the Indian team management was criticised regularly when Rohit had a string of low scores but Dhoni's faith in the Mumbai batsman's ability has been unshakable.
     "If any individual knows that he has the backing of the team, that's when he opens up and expresses himself better -- gets the performance going," Rohit told mediapersons on the eve of India's Asia Cup T20 match against arch-rivals Pakistan.
     "For us also, we have been playing with the squad for a while which shows that we have a good bunch, which is ready to take up the challenge at any given point of time. That's a good sign and we are very proud of that.
     "It's a good sign going to the World T20. But we have three more games to go and the focus now is on against the game ..

Team management's backing has helped performance: Rohit

PTI Automatic

The Indian women's hockey team continued its winning streak on its tour to South Africa by routing Scotland national team 5-0 here.
     The first period of the match started with the Indian eves looking for an early goal but the Scottish defence refused to give away any clear short at the goal.
     The Scottish girls tried to make a comeback in the second period but the Indians refused to give away any ball possession as both the sides failed to break the deadlock at the halfway stage.
     The third period started with the Indian team looking determinant to score. The breakthrough came in the 37th minute Rani scored from a penalty corner.
     Rani soon made it 2-0 for India with another penalty corner conversion in the 42nd minute before Deepika made it 3-0 on the 45th minute through a field strike.
     India continued in the same vein and scored their fourth goal which came from the sticks of Anuradha Devi Thokchom in the 54th minute.
     Gurjit Kaur rounded off tally for India 

Indian eves continue winning run on SA Tour

The Indian women's cricket team dished out a clinical performance to thrash Sri Lanka by nine wickets in the third and final Twenty20 International and complete a 3-0 series whitewash, here today.
     Asked to bowl, the Indians first restricted Sri Lanka to a lowly 89 for nine and then overwhelmed the target in 13.5 overs, reaching 91 for the loss of just one wicket.
     Sri Lanka's decision to bat first backfired as only four batswomen -- Eshani Lokusuriyage (25 not out), Chamari Atapattu (21), Ama Kanchana (17) and Nipuni Hansika (13) -- reach double-digit mark against a disciplined Indian bowling attack.
     Left-arm orthodox Ekta Bisht (3/17) was the pick of the Indian bowlers, while Anuja Patil (2/19) also chipped in with two wickets.
     The Indians were also sharp on the field, inflicting two runs outs.
     Later opening duo of Smriti Mandhana, who made run-a-ball unbeaten 43, and Vellaswamy Vanitha (34 off 25) got India's chase off to a flier, notching up 64 quick runs in 

Indian eves thrash SL by 9 wkts, complete series whitewash

World cricket's most intriguing rivalry will once again be renewed when India take on an unpredictable Pakistan with rehabilitated pacer Mohammed Amir being the focus of attention in a round-robin league encounter of the Asia Cup T20 tournament here tomorrow.
     The match will also serve as a pre-cursor to the two teams' opening round battle in the ICC World Twenty20, next month.
     The Indo-Pak cricket contests over the years have carried a legacy, not to forget the political undercurrents involved whenever the two bitter neighbours square off on the 22 yards.
     But the most exciting aspect will be whether the tainted Amir gets to play in the XI.
     Back after serving a five-year ban for spot-fixing, Amir has started playing for the national team since the tour of New Zealand and this immensely talented bowler will certainly come out all guns blazing against the Indian batsmen.
     Virat Kohli has already welcomed Amir's return but not much is known as to what other Indian .

All eyes on Amir as India clash with Pakistan

Cricket South Africa (CSA) is optimistic about the chances of the Proteas women's squad for the ICC Women's World Twenty20, to be played from March 8 to April 3 in India.
     "Eighty per cent of the squad has been exposed to subcontinent conditions, especially India. So, there won't be too many players who will be experiencing the conditions for the first time," said coach Hilton Mooreng.
     South Africa is in a tough Group A, along with Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Ireland. But, Moreeng is confident of his team's chances of qualifying for the knock-out stage.
     "From a selection point of view and the preparation we have had in the last two years, we think it is the best squad for the conditions that we will be faced with," he said.
     Mooreng said he is fortunate to have a squad used to playing in subcontinent conditions. He believes that the ICC Women's Championship series that the side has been playing in mostly subcontinent conditions has helped them in their ...

Proteas women's team used to Indian conditions: coach

Sri Lanka's T20 captain and strike bowler Lasith Malinga has hinted that he might call time on his international career after the ICC World T20 in India as he is finding it difficult to manage a grave knee injury.
     At the post-match media conference, Malinga was asked if he would like to quit after the upcoming edition of World T20, just like Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara did after winning the last edition, he replied: "Might be".
     The Lankan slinger elaborated that his current injury is so bad that complete recuperation might take close to two years, which effectively ends his career now that he is nearly 33.
     "I have played 12 years for the national team. I am now 32 and will soon be 33. I have had a bad injury and if at this stage I have to take one or one and half years of rest, I would rather have to finish my career. If I need to play tough cricket for my country, I don't think I can then totally recover from the injury. That's why I am saying I don't know .

I might retire after World T20, hints Lasith Malinga

Indian tennis star Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis' 41-match winning streak came to halt after the world number one womne's doubles pair went down fighting in the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open, here.
     Sania and her Swiss partner Mirza lost 2-6 6-4 10-5 to Russian pair Elena Vesnina and Daria Kasatkina late last night.
     The last time the Indo-Swiss pair, who have won three doubles Grand Slams in a row, had lost was way back in Cincinatti last August.
     After surviving a gruelling three sets win over an unseeded Chinese pairing in the last round here, luck finally ran out for Sania and Hingis against the Russians despite dominanting the first set.
      Sania and Hingis have together won four titles this year out of an overall trophy count of 13.
     They started the year with wins in Brisbane and Sydney before completing a hat-trick of Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open. The duo had won the St Petersburg Ladies title earlier this month.

Sania-Hingis 41-match winning streak comes to a halt

FIFA members today elect a new president and pass reforms they hope will open an escape route from a storm of scandal symbolised by the downfall of veteran leader Sepp Blatter.
     The landmark presidential contest has become an Asia v Europe battle between Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa and Gianni Infantino.
	But former FIFA vice-president Prince Ali bin al Hussein is aiming to upset the odds.
	And even outsiders Jerome Champagne, an ex-FIFA official, and South African tycoon Tokyo Sexwale, have been doggedly pleading their cause to the more than 200 delegations in Zurich.
	The result is uncertain and experts say that football leaders will not be able to escape multi-national corruption investigations even with a new president.
	Blatter, 79, will be the big absentee at the extraordinary congress in Zurich. The Swiss sports baron suffered a spectacular fall over the last nine months.
	Swiss police, acting under US warrants, arrested seven FIFA officials in Zurich two days ...

FIFA to pick post-Blatter leader in bid to end to crisis

After picking up a match winning four-wicket haul in his first outing since November, Sri Lanka captain and premier bowler Lasith Malinga said that he is still not fully fit, raising questions on his participation further in the tournament.
     "I am not alright. I have still not fully recovered. I wanted to play this match and help the other players and show them you can do whatever the team needs," said Malinga after leading his team to a 14-run win over UAE in their Asia Cup opener here today.
     His effort made the difference after Sri Lanka put up an ordinary batting performance to end up with 129/8. Malinga admitted that batting needs to improve.
    "Yes it (batting) is an issue. After the retirement of Sanga (Kumar Sangakkara) and Mahela have experience, we will have to give time to the youngsters," the captain added.
    UAE captain Amjad Javed said the team will look to bounce back against Bangladesh tomorrow.
     "The whole game was excellent. We put them [Sri Lanka] ...

I am not fully fit yet: Malinga after match-winning spell

Sri Lanka overcame their batting failure with a disciplined bowling performance to beat United Arab Emirates by 14 runs in a round robin league encounter of the Asia Cup T20, here today.
      Put into bat by UAE, the defending World T20 champions could manage only 129 for eight in 20 overs with only Dinesh Chandimal (50) making a significant contribution.
      But skipper Lasith Malinga dealt twin blows in the very first over with two block-hole deliveries to peg back UAE, who only managed 115 for 9 in their stipulated overs. The target was a small one but UAE's inexperience against big teams was the main factor in not being able to chase down a small total.
      In a match that never rose to dizzy heights, the only notable incident was pacer Dushmantha Chameera being barred from completing the final over of the innings for bowling two beamers which is illegal as per rules. It was Angelo Mathews who completed the formalities.
      The batsmen, even after recovering from the ...

Sri Lanka survive UAE scare in Asia Cup

Shivam Dubey's all-round performance helped his side D Y Patil 'B' defeat Central Railway by seven wickets to win the 12th IDBI Federal Life Insurance DY Patil T20 Cup here today.
     Dubey picked five wickets and then starred with the bat as he smacked 57 off 35 balls.
	Dubey's spell made all the difference as Central Railway were restricted to a paltry 115-8 in their 20 overs.
	The chase was tricky for a while for DY Patil 'B' as they lost their openers and were struggling at 41-3. But in walked Dubey who smashed an unbeaten 57 off 35 balls.
	He shared a 76-run fourth wicket stand with Shashank Singh to seal the issue.
	Earlier in the semifinals, DY Patil 'B' had defeated CAG by five wickets, while Central Railway stoutly defended a modest target of 138 for 7 to get the better of a star-studded BPCL by 35 runs.
	Brief Scores:
	Central Railway 115-8 in 20 overs (Salil Aggharkar 28, Mussavir Khote 24; Shivam Dubey 5-33) lost to DY Patil (B) 117-3 in 16.3 overs (Shivam Dubey 57 n.O., .

Dubey steals show in DY Patil B's title triumph

Sri Lanka defeated United Arab Emirates by 14 runs in their Asia Cup opener at the Shere Bangla Stadium here today.
     Brief scores: Sri Lanka 129/8 in 20 overs (Dinesh Chandimal 50; Amjad Javed 3/25). UAE 115/9 (Swapnil Patil 37; Nuwan Kulasekara 3/10, Lasith Malinga 4/26).

Sri Lanka beat UAE by 14 runs

Defending champions U Mumba thrashed Bengaluru Bulls 39-18 to register their eighth win in the Season 3 Pro Kabaddi League at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex here today.
     With today's win, U Mumba moved to second spot with 40 points and with four matches in hand are almost certain of making it to the final four. On the other hand, Bengaluru Bulls suffered their 10th loss in 12 games.
     It was a dream game for the defending champions as everybody contributed to the win, including the substitutes.
     It was Rishank Devadiga (7), captain Anup Kumar (6) and Rakesh Kumar (5) who led the assault with solid back up from the defence where Iranian Fazel Atrachali grew in stature with each match.
     And when you have Mohit Chhillar, Vishal Mane, the best in the business, you cannot hope to pose any problems to the U Mumba defense.
     That Surjeet Narwal, the rival skipper and main raider, went without a point and was out of the court for longer than he was in it showed the ruthless ...

U Mumba thrash Bengaluru Bulls, virtually in last four

Europe's Gianni Infantino and Asian football leader Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al Khalifa led the five man battle for votes ahead of crisis-stricken FIFA's landmark vote tomorrow for a new president.
     Amid final political attacks and pleas, Sheikh Salman, Infantino and their rivals went to regional confederation meetings in Zurich today ahead of tomorrow's vote to find a replacement for Sepp Blatter.
     Football's multi-billion dollar world governing body has been in turmoil since the arrest of seven football officials in Zurich at a Congress in May over more than $200 million (182 million euros) paid in bribes. Others have been arrested and Blatter has since been suspended for six years.
     All the candidates have said tomorrow's vote will be one of the most important in FIFA history.
     Infantino called the Congress "a crossroads moment for FIFA" and said the decisions taken "will shape football for generations to come".
     "FIFA needs to turn the page on the ...

FIFA rivals scrap for votes ahead of Congress

Victorious March, ridden by Zulquar Nain, won the C.S. Loganathan cup, the prime event of the races held here today.
	The winner, trained by Saddam Iqbal, is a property of Dr Saddam Iqbal, V. Sathish Kumar and Jopseph Prabhakaran.
	Six favourites obliged in a card of eight events.

Victorious March triumphs

The Pakistan Cricket Board has failed to rope in West Indian great Sir Vivian Richards as the mentor of the national team for the upcoming World T20 in India.
     PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan told the media that negotiations with Richards had been wrapped up as the two parties could not agree on financial details and the West Indian legend also had prior commitments.
     "We are now considering the name of Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara to work as mentor of the team but nothing is final as yet as we have to first see how much benefit our team can derive from his presence," Khan said.
     He said Sangakkara's presence in the Pakistan Super League had left a big impact on everyone including the players.
     "He is under consideration for sure and we will decide soon what to do as I am going to Bangladesh for the Pakistan and India match on Saturday," he added.
     The PCB chief said a lot would also depend on Sangakkara himself and his commitments and whether he was interested in the .

PCB fails to get Richards on board

Najam Sethi, head of PCB Executive Committee, today made it clear that Pakistan will not tour India for any bilateral series until the BCCI agrees to play a "home" series.
     "We are ready to resume bilateral cricket ties with them but either in Pakistan or any other venue, not in India. We want a full "home" series so that we recoup our financial losses which we have faced over the years due to India not playing us," Sethi, who headed the successful Pakistan Super League in the UAE, told reporters.
     The Pakistan government today allowed its cricket team to participate in next month's World Twenty20 in India.
     "We want regular cricket ties with India because we believe this will only help improve overall bilateral relations between the two countries.
     "Our government has also constantly shown this same spirit as is evident. But India owes us two "home" series and we want them to first fulfill this obligation to us," said Sethi.
     India has not played Pakistan's home ..

Pak won't play in India until BCCI agrees to a home series:PCB

South Africa spinner Aaron Phangiso has been reported for a suspected illegal bowling action during a domestic 50-over match, the country's cricket Board said today.
     The 32-year-old, who has been included in the Proteas squad for the ICC World Twenty20, has been reported after helping his domestic side Highveld Lions into the final of South Africa's provincial 50-over competition on Wednesday when he took 2-38 in eight overs.
     "Aaron Phangiso of the bizhub Highveld Lions has been reported for a suspected illegal bowling action during the Momentum One-Day Cup match against the Warriors at Bidvest Wanderers, Johannesburg, on 24 February 2016," the Cricket South Africa said in a statement.
     "Phangiso's action will now be scrutinised further in accordance with the CSA Regulations for the Review of Bowlers Reported with Suspected Illegal Bowling Actions. He is required to undergo independent analysis by a member of the ICC Panel of Human Movement Specialists and is permitted ..

Phangiso reported for suspected illegal bowling action

United Arab Emirates won the toss and opted to field against Sri Lanka in their Asia Cup opener here today.
     Teams:
     Sri Lanka: DSNFG Jayasuriya, TM Dilshan, LD Chandimal, AD Mathews, TAM Siriwardana, CK Kapugedera, MD Shanaka, KMDN Kulasekara, HMRKB Herath, SL Malinga (captain), PVD Chameera
 	UAE:	 Rohan Mustafa, Muhammad Kaleem, Mohammad Shahzad, Muhammad Usman, Shaiman Anwar, Amjad Javed (captain), Saqlain Haider, SP Patil, Qadeer Ahmed, Ahmed Raza, Mohammad Naveed.

UAE choose to bowl against Sri Lanka

Cricket Association of Bihar (CAB) secretary Aditya Verma today said that he has filed an application in the Supreme Court (SC) questioning BCCI's 'contradictory stance' on the rival state association BCA.
     The application will be heard by a bench of Chief Justice TS Thakur and Justice Fakir Mohamed Ibrahim Kalifula, along with BCCI's reply as regards why the board is against implementing all the recommendations of the Justice Lodha Committee.
     His application comes after BCCI invited Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) representative Mrityunjay Tiwary to attend its Special General Meeting (SGM) on February 19.
     "BCCI has illegally called one section (BCA) and allowed him to sit in the SGM. The stand of BCCI is in violation of Supreme Court appointed Justice Lodha Panel," said Verma in a statement.
     Verma pointed out that the Justice Lodha Committee report was filed before the SC in January. The committee had recommended to the board to bring Bihar back into its fold and ..

BCCI trying to subvert Lodha Panel recommendations: Verma

Former WWE wrestler Dalip Singh Rana, better known by his ring name 'The Great Khali', suffered a severe head injury during the Continental Wrestling Entertainment show at Haldwani, Uttarakhand.
     Khali sustained a head injury last night during the first show of 'The Great Khali Returns Series' while fighting against foreign wrestlers -- Mike Knox and Brody Steel -- at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Gaula Par, Haldwani.
     The doctors suspect that Khali has suffered injuries to his chest as well but the exact nature of injuries are yet to be known.
     "Khali has been under observation and tests are being conducted on him to know whether he has suffered injuries to his chest as well," one of the organisers of The Great Khali Returns Series told PTI.
     After Khali sustained severe head injuries, he was airlifted from Haldwani this morning and bought to a speciality
hospital in Dehradun.
     Khali received seven stitches on his head last night before being flown to ...

Page 3230 -