Page 1344 - Sports
McKenzie to shape up Bangladesh's struggling batsmen
Bangladesh today appointed former South African batsman Neil McKenzie as their new batting consultant to help shape up their woeful batting unit. Bangladesh failed to score 200 runs in any of their last six Test innings and were bowled out for 43 in an innings during the ongoing series against the West Indies. Bangladesh Cricket Board in a statement said McKenzie, 42, who played 58 Tests, 64 one-day internationals and two Twenty20 internationals for South Africa, would work with the Bangladesh team until the World Cup 2019 in England and Wales. He is expected to join the team in Guyana on July 24 during the three-match ODI series against West Indies, the BCB said. McKenzie, who acted as South Africa's batting consultant twice following his retirement in 2009, would replace former Sri Lankan batsman Thilan Samaraweera, whose contract was not renewed after the ICC Champions Trophy in Britain last year. High performance coach Simon Helmot acted as interim batting coach in the last few ...
Pakistan smash records, pummel Zimbabwe
Fakhar Zaman became the first Pakistan player to hit a double century in one-day internationals, racing to 210 not out in the fourth ODI against Zimbabwe today. That wasn't the only record to fall as Pakistan batted first in Bulawayo and made 399 for the loss of only one wicket. The visiting openers blazed to a world one-day record 304-run stand, which was also Pakistan's biggest partnership for any wicket in ODIs. The final total was their biggest ODI innings. The first-wicket partnership broke the record of 286 set by Sanath Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga for Sri Lanka against England at Headingley in 2006. When Imam-ul-Haq was the first, and only man out, for 113, snapping the gargantuan opening partnership, Asif Ali arrived at the crease and increased the scoring rate as he mashed 50 from 22 deliveries to propel Pakistan past their previous highest ODI total, 385 against Bangladesh in 2010. Pakistan already hold a winning 3-0 lead in the five-match series after routing the hosts in .
India to play 'historic' football friendly against China
All India Football Federation (AIFF) has confirmed that India's senior football team will play a friendly match against China during the FIFA window of October 8 to October 16.Terming the occasion as 'historic,' AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das said that it is an amazing opportunity for two of the fastest emerging football markets and it will help in reviving the neighbourhood rivalry."China and India are today being seen as the two fastest emerging football markets, globally. We are happy to have come to the conclusion of our month-long discussion with the Chinese Football Association," he said."The opportunity presents us with an opportunity to not just break the two-decade deadlock, but also provides us with a chance to revive the neighbouring rivalry," he added.India and China have faced each other 17 times, of which 12 have gone in favour of China while the rest 5 were drawn. However, the Indian national team has been on an upsurge over the last couple of years, maintaining an ..
Effects of Greek bailout will extend beyond August: Merkel
BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday the effects of Greece's bailout package would not end on the day that the programme itself ends.
Wrestling Federation's Brij Bhushan appointed as Asian Games head
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has appointed Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh as the incharge of the upcoming 18th Asian Games.Brij Bhushan will be assisted by four deputy heads- Raj Kumar Sacheti, Satyavrat Sheoran, Balbir Singh Kushwaha and Dev Kumar Singh- who have been appointed to lead the Indian contingent at the event.Congratulating the newly-appointed heads for the tournament, General Secretary of IOA, Rajiv Mehta, said that he is confident of the leadership abilities of the appointed members and hoped that they will ensure good management of the Indian squad."I would like to congratulate the Chef de Mission and the Deputy Chef de Missions on their appointment for the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang in 2018. I am sure their able guidance and leadership will ensure good management of the contingent in Indonesia during the Games. Our good wishes to the entire Indian contingent for the event," Mehta said.The 2018 Asian Games
Amateur Pranavi wins 9th leg of Hero WPGT
Amateur Pranavi Urs held her nerves in the final stages and fired a birdie in the final hole to clinch the ninth leg of Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour with an even-par 72 in the third round here today. Pranavi totalled four-over 220 to became the second amateur to win a title this season. Ridhima Dilawari was the first amateur to win a Hero WPGT event this season, when she finished on top at the seventh leg. Tvesa Malik (75) and Gaurika Bishnoi (76) were Tied-2nd and by virtue of finishing on top amongst the professionals, shared the honours on the giant cheque. The consolation for Tvesa (Rs.7,85,600) was that she moved to the top of the Hero WPGT Order of Merit, overtaking Neha Tripathi (Rs.7,53,200). Gursimar Badwal (Rs.6,89,300) is third after being Tied-4th this week with Neha. Pranavi started the final day in third place and three behind the leader Gaurika, and two behind second placed Tvesa. She birdied the first and 18th and in between bogeyed the third and fourth. A magnificent ...
Sri Lanka's Galle stadium faces axe over Dutch Fort
Sri Lanka's picturesque Galle cricket stadium could be demolished because its pavilion stand violated heritage laws protecting a 17th century Dutch fort, the government said today. Cultural Affairs Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe told parliament the fort risked loosing UNESCO World Heritage status because of unauthorised construction, including the 500-seat pavilion. "We have to decide if we want to remain in the World Heritage list or keep the pavilion," Rajapakshe said. The Galle stadium is one of the most renowned in the world because of its setting. Rajapkshe noted however that the government plans to build another stadium in Galle, 115 kilometres (72 miles) south of Colombo. "We could have another cricket grounds in Galle soon," he added. The Galle pavilion was built in 2008, four years after the grounds was devastated by the December 2004 Asian tsunami which killed at least 31,000 people in the country. Galle, which favours spinners, has been a lucky venue for the national team.
SESA Football Academy secures AIFF accreditation
SESA Football Academy (SFA) has been accredited by AIFF, which now enables it to participate in the Under-13, U-15 and the U-18 Youth Leagues in the coming season, it was announced on Friday.
Iniesta undergoes first training with Japan's Vissel Kobe
FC Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta trained with J-League side Vissel Kobe for the first time on Friday morning.
Ronaldo joining Juventus will help all clubs in Italy: Miranda
Brazil's Inter Milan defender Miranda believes the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus will provide a boost not only to the Serie A champions, but also to their rival clubs in Italy.
IOA partners with Borosil as hydration partner
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Friday announced Borosil Glass Works Ltd, one of India's largest glassware producing companies, as the Indian contingent's official hydration partner.
FC Goa signs Mourtada
FC Goa have signed Senegalese central defender Mourtada Fall for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season. The 6ft 3 inch African is a valuable addition to Sergio Lobera's men and will provide much needed strength and height in the Gaurs' back line. Mourtada is known for his ability to react quickly to make tackles and dispossess opposition forward players. I am very happy to be signing for FC Goa and have heard many great things about the club and fans from Sergio (Lobera). I can't wait to start this new adventure with the Gaurs," Fall said. Head coach, Sergio Lobera was all praise for his new signing. Fall is a powerful centre back and is physically very strong. He is an excellent player who will suit our system of playing the ball out of defence," he said. "He will definitely help us improve our game defensively. He is a dedicated and committed player who puts the team first. I know him well from my time in Morocco.
Neymar insists he will stay at PSG, seeks to end Real Madrid move rumours
Real Madrid's chances of signing Brazilian forward Neymar this summer look to have disappeared for the upcoming season after he ruled out leaving Paris Saint Germain.
F1: Bottas extends Mercedes contract till 2019
Formula One announced on Friday that Valtteri Bottas had signed a new contract with Mercedes until 2019 with an option for a further year, a day after his teammate Lewis Hamilton finalised his two-year deal with the racing team.
Barcelona prepare for US pre-season tour
Barcelona continued their pre-season training regime on Friday ahead of a promotional tour of the United States at the end of the month.
First in 21 years: India to play China in football friendly
The Indian football team will play against China for the first time in 21 years, and the first time away from home, in an international friendly in October, continuing its preparation for the prestigious Asian Cup next year. The All India Football Federation today confirmed the development. The AFC Asian Cup will be held in the UAE from January 5 to February 1. The 97th-ranked Indian team will travel to Beijing to play against the 75th ranked China during the October 8-16 FIFA window. Though the date for the friendly will be decided in coming days, AIFF has proposed October 13 as its preferred match day. India and China have faced each other 17 times -- all on Indian soil -- with the last being 21 years ago in the Nehru Cup in Kochi in 1997. As per AIFF general secretary Kushal Das, India could also play against Saudi Arabia, another higher ranked team from the continent. Indian captain Sunil Chhetri has time and again stressed the need to play against stronger and higher-ranked ...
Maharaj strikes to leave Sri Lanka on 168-3 at tea
South African spinner Keshav Maharaj took three top-order Sri Lankan wickets on day one of the second Test after Sri Lanka started strongly on Friday. Maharaj struck with his left-arm spin to break a 116-run opening stand between openers Danushka Gunathilaka, who scored 57, and Dimuth Karunaratne, who made 53, on a seemingly turning Colombo pitch. Sri Lanka, who won the opening Test in Galle last week, elected to bat in its bid to clinch the two-match series. Dhanajaya de Silva, on 19, and Angelo Mathews, on 10 were batting at the break. Gunathilaka and Karunaratne mixed caution and aggression to keep the South African bowling attack at bay as they moved to 93-0 at lunch. The left-handed batting duo reached their respective half-centuries just after lunch but fell to Maharaj's guile soon after. Maharaj, the team's only regular spinner, got Karunaratne caught behind with a drifting delivery down the leg side. He got Gunathilaka in his very next over. Paceman Dale Steyn though will ...
Tokyo 2020 Olympic organisers unveil ticket prices
Tokyo Olympic organisers on Friday unveiled ticket prices for the 2020 Games ranging from 2020 yen ($18) up to $2,760, largely in line with prices at the London Olympics in 2012. More than half the tickets on sale will cost less than 8,000 yen ($71), according to the organisers. Tickets for the opening ceremony are priced between 12,000 yen ($110) and 300,000 yen ($2,670), but sporting events will be much cheaper. For those, tickets will start at the symbolic price point of 2,020 yen, but only for group sales, with the cheapest individual tickets on sale for 2,500 yen or just over $22. While fluctuating exchange rates make comparisons with previous Olympic ticket prices complicated, the Tokyo prices are roughly in line with those for the London Olympics, but more expensive than in Rio in 2016. There, the best seats at the opening ceremony cost 4,600 reais or $1,200 at today's exchange rate. In London, the top category opening ceremony tickets cost ?2012 or $2,616 at today's exchange ..
Chelsea prepare for life under new manager Sarri in Australia
Chelsea players have backed new manager Maurizio Sarri's plan for a more fluid and attacking brand of football starting with Monday's pre-season friendly against Perth Glory in Australia. Sarri, who was appointed on a three-year deal following Antonio Conte's sacking last week, said he didn't know what to expect from his new side in their first outing under him. "We started only four days ago. So I hope to do the best. But I don't know how is our best at the moment," Sarri told reporters in Perth on Friday. Sarri has vowed to bring flowing football to Chelsea, and that's music to the ears of Spanish international midfielder Cesc Fabregas. "It's a way of football that I believe in, that I really like, that I grew up in this system," Fabregas said. "For the type of player like myself, we can take a lot of advantage." Fabregas, who is in Australia along with David Luiz, Pedro and new signing Jorginho, made a plea for Belgian midfield star Eden Hazard to stay at Stamford Bridge. "I think .
Joint North-South Korea team defeats Taiwan 3-2 in TT, moves on to finals
Jang Woojin from South Korea and Cha Hyo Sim from the North beat Taiwan's Chen Chien-An and Cheng I-Ching 3-2 in the Mixed Doubles semi-final of the International Table Tennis Federation's (ITTF) Korea Open on Friday.