Page 142 - Sports
Forks in hand, Harbhajan and Yousuf were ready to attack each other in 2003
Call it pressure of high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan that once Harbhajan Singh and Mohammed Yousuf were ready to tear into each other with forks in their hands during the 2003 World Cup in South Africa. The Indian off-spinner laughed about the incident, which happened 16 years back at Centurion, but admitted that it got so ugly at that time that it required intervention from legendary Wasim Akram, Rahul Dravid and Javagal Srinath to separate them. The match will forever be remembered for Sachin Tendulkar's epic 98 but it also had two angry protagonists in action, though, off the field. Since Pakistan made 270 plus, considered a good score at that time, there was a bit of pressure on India before the chase started. So what exactly happened? "It started with a joke but then got ugly. I was dropped for that game and Anil bhai (Kumble) was playing because team management felt he was a better choice keeping in mind his good record against Pakistan. I was a bit down and it can .
India static at 101st in FIFA rankings
The Indian football team remained static at 101st place in the FIFA rankings issued Friday. India had finished third in the King's Cup in Thailand, which the organisers had said was a FIFA-sanctioned tournament. Igor Stimac's men had lost to higher-ranked Curacao 1-3 before beating hosts Thailand 1-0, but these results did not make any difference to India's rankings. India's ranking points remained the same -- 1219 -- as that of the previous list, issued on April 4. The Indian team is at 18th spot among the Asian countries led by Iran (20th). Japan (28), Korea (37), Australia (43) and Qatar (55) form the top five in Asia. Belgium continued to top overall world rankings, followed by France, Brazil, England and Portugal.
Lahiri struggles to 74; Rose blooms with 65 in US Open
Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri carded a disappointing three-over 74 in the opening day and will need a strong second round to make the cut at the 119th US Open here. Lahiri, who missed the cut twice in 2015 and 2016 editions, opened with two bogeys and a double bogey before managing 74 to lie Tied-98th after the first round. In his fifth year on the PGA, Lahiri will now have to produce a hugely improved performance to make his first cut in three US Open appearances. Five years after his first and only Major win at the 2013 US Open, Englishman Justin Rose, playing alongside Tiger Woods (71), shot six-under 65 to emerge as the leader. His score equalled the best round at Pebble Beach, which belonged to Woods, who sank 65 in the first round in the 2000 edition, winning it by a record 15 shots. Rose birdied on each of his last three holes for a one-shot lead as four others, including Rickie Fowler, Louis Oosthuizen, Xander Schauffele and Aaron Wise, shot five-under 66 each to be ...
Tvesa's charge on back nine earns her 2nd win on Hero WPGT 2019
Tvesa Malik made a winning charge on the back nine with three birdies in a span of five holes, without dropping a single shot, to card two-under 70 and edge past overnight leader Millie Saroha (72) in the eighth leg of the Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour. Tvesa totalled three-under 213, while Millie achieved her best result of sole second at two-under 214. The 23-year-old Tvesa became the third player this season after Ridhima Dilawari and Gaurika Bishnoi, to win twice. She had earlier won the third leg, while Ridhima and Gaurika had two wins each in the last four events. Millie, however, continues her search for her first win. Neha Tripathi shot the day's only card in the 60s, with a three-under 69 to finish fourth, while Khushi Khanijau (75), Astha Madan and Ridhima Dilawari (78) were Tied-fifth at 227. Amandeep Drall (72), Ananya Datar (74) and amateur Sneha Sharan (78) completed the Top-10. Millie started the day with a one-shot lead that vanished as Tvesa opened the day with a birdie.
India supported our Asia Cup bid but venue to be decided later: Mani
PCB chief Ehsan Mani on Friday said that India supported the awarding of 2020 Asia Cup's hosting rights to Pakistan at the recent Asian Cricket Council meeting in Singapore. "India supported our bid but the venues will be decided later. Our preference is to have the matches in Pakistan if the Indian government gives permission to the Indian board to send its team to Pakistan for the tournament. If not, UAE is the second option," Mani told the media in Lahore. Next year's Asia Cup is scheduled for September before the World T20 in Australia. India had hosted the last Asia Cup in UAE last year after Pakistan refused to travel across the border. Mani said Pakistan was trying to bring back international cricket to the country and its first priority would be to have matches in Pakistan. "But it will depend on whether the Indian team is cleared to tour the country." The Asian Emerging Nations Cup was held in Karachi and Dubai earlier this year with India playing all their matches in UAE ...
Indian Jr women's hockey team draws with Belarus Seniors 1-1
India's junior women's hockey team came up with a fine performance to hold Belarus senior women's team to a 1-1 draw here on Friday. Belarus is currently leading the five-match series 2-1, with one drawn game. In a competitive first quarter, it was India who were consistently on the front foot with their attack and wing play. Although India managed to trouble the Belarusians, they were unable to create clear goal scoring chances and the first quarter ended with both teams locked 0-0. The pattern followed in the second quarter as well, but by now the Belarusians had settled down and were happy winning the loose balls and attacking on the counter. In the 23rd minute, Yuliya Mikheychyk scored the opener to give the hosts the lead. India won their first Penalty Corner of the game but missed the attempt. Moments later, they were gifted another chance, with the referee awarding a stroke and Gagandeep Kaur slotted home from the spot in the final minute of the quarter to level the scores. The
Yousuf slams PCB for allowing families to stay with players ahead of India clash
Former captain Muhammad Yousuf is furious with the Pakistan Cricket Board for allowing families of the players to stay with them ahead of the much-awaited match against India in the World Cup. Wives and children of the Pakistani players have joined them in Manchester ahead of the clash against India on Sunday. "I was part of the 1999, 2003 and 2007 World Cups but the board never allowed players to have their families with them during the tournament," Yousuf said. "In 1999 we had such a big team with so many big names that if we had pressurized the board to give permission to have our wives and children stay with us in team hotel they would have done so. "But we didn't because the World Cup is high-pressure event and players need to just be focussed on cricket and reaching the final. That is what happened in 99' in England," Yousuf said. Yousuf, who played 90 Tests and 288 one-day internationals, recalled that the board didn't even give permission to players in one-day series or ...
The Pak-born fan who gets match tickets from Dhoni, since 2011
The bond between M S Dhoni and Karachi-born Mohammad Bashir aka 'Chacha Chicago' blossomed during the 2011 World Cup semifinal between India and Pakistan and it has only grown stronger since then. Such is the bond that Bashir has flown in to Manchester from Chicago (approximately 6000 kms) for Sunday's high-octane Indo-Pak contest without a match ticket. He knows that Dhoni will ensure that he is it at the Old Trafford when the first ball is bowled. "I arrived here yesterday and saw that people are ready to pay as much as 800-900 pounds for a ticket. A return ticket from Chicago costs the same. Thanks to Dhoni, I don't have to struggle for a match ticket," the 63-year-old, who owns a restaurant in Chicago and is an American passport holder, told PTI. The connection goes back to 2011. Bashir was bowled over by Dhoni's benevolence when India's World Cup-winning captain went out of his way to arrange a ticket for him for the marquee clash in Mohali, a showdown for which most fans would ..
India-Pakistan WC tickets being re-sold for Rs 60K
One thing synonymous with every India-Pakistan cricket match is the emotions attached to it. Not just among players, but also fans are high on adrenaline. The battle on the cricket field between the two Asian neighbours is touted to be the "greatest rivalry" for which fans wait eagerly.
Sports Minister joins athletes at JLN for jog, breakfast
Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju Friday joined the athletes training at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for a morning jog and breakfast to get a "first-hand' experience of the facilities at the venue. The sports minister spent time talking to athletes and coaches from various disciplines and asked for suggestions to improve the overall sporting culture in the country, said a press release from the Sports Ministry. "In the informal interaction that followed, coaches and athletes put forward their ideas and spoke of ways to improve the already existing infrastructure," it added. The minister also tried his hand at javelin throwing. He went on to have breakfast at the JLN hostel along with the athletes and interacted with gymnasts. Veteran archer Limba Ram and Olympian hockey player M P Ganesh were also present at breakfast, and shared their experiences with the minister.
Aditi Ashok starts with 71, lies T-33 in LPGA classic
Aditi Ashok saw all her scoring action in the five holes as she shot one-under 71 to lie tied-33rd after the first round of rain-delayed Meijer LPGA Classic. Aditi shot a birdie, an eagle and two bogeys -- all coming within a span of five holes from 14th to the 18th after teeing off from the 10th at the Blythefield Country Club. She parred the rest of the holes, including the whole front nine of the course. This week becomes significant as Aditi has made only four cuts in 11 starts on the LPGA this season with a best of T-30 at the Hugel-Air Premia LA Open in April. She missed the cut at the year's first Major, the ANA Inspiration, but finished T-39 at the US Women's Open. Next week she is due to play the third Major of the year, the KPMG Women's PGA Championships at the famed Hazeltine National next week. With a rain-delay affecting the day's schedule and delaying the start by seven hours, Katherine Perry and Jenny Shin were in a share of the lead at 6-under 66 when the first round ..
East Bengal sign Mizo 'keeper Ralte
East Bengal on Friday announced the signing of Mizoram-born goalkeeper Lalthuammawia Ralte from FC Goa on one year loan. Having joined Bengaluru FC from Shillong Lajong, the 26-year-old played a crucial role in the team winning the I-League as he also featured in the AFC Cup final in 2016. Head Coach Alejandro Menendez has identified the young talented goalkeeper who has safe hands and swift legs as he will be their second-choice goalkeeper after Rakshit Dagar. "East Bengal is a name that is well known across the country for its legacy and passionate fan following. I am excited and look forward to playing for this prestigious club. Kolkata football has an ardent fan following and East Bengal fans are the true spirit of the club," said Ralte who was last on loan with with ISL franchise Kerala Blasters. "Since my childhood, East Bengal has always been a household name as many players from Mizoram have donned the Red and Gold including the likes of Syhlo Mama, who put Mizoram on the ...
England opt to bowl against West Indies (Toss)
England skipper Eoin Morgan won the toss and elected to field against the West Indies in their fourth World Cup fixture at The Rose Bowl on Friday.
We have to play within our limitations, can't copy teams like India: Karunaratne
Sri Lanka will have to work within their limitations and can't copy a team like India in their pursuit for a knockout berth at the World Cup, said skipper Dimuth Karunaratne. "We are a team with limited talent. If you compare us with a lot of other sides, we have major limitations. For example, the India side has someone who hits a hundred virtually in every match. In our team, we've only had one or two centurions all year," Karunaratne was quoted as saying in ESPNcricinfo. "Their openers can hit the big shots any time they want. They can defend any time they want ... They've faced every bowler there is to face, either in internationals or the IPL, and they've got all that knowledge and experience," he said. Karunaratne also said that his fast bowlers cannot be compared with the Indians. "They've got fast bowlers that go at over 140kph. We don't have that luxury - we're 130, 135kph. So we have to work within those limitations. We have to compete, but we can't copy India. We have our ..
SA, Afghanistan look to post maiden win in World Cup
Winless so far in the tournament, both South Africa and Afghanistan will be eagerly looking to tick the victory box when they take on each other in a World Cup encounter here on Saturday. Down and out, the two bottom-placed teams know that this will be their best chance to post their first win in the ongoing 50-over showpiece. This is perhaps the first time that South Africa, from the very beginning, were never in contention to make it to the semifinals but remaining winless after four matches is something unexpected. After three straight losses against England, Bangladesh and India, their fourth match against the West Indies was abandoned due to rain. Afghanistan faced a similar fate, losing all three of their matches till now to defending champions Australia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand. However, the players of the war-torn nation can take confidence from the fact that they gave a good account of themselves against the Sri Lankans and almost pulled it off. While Afghanistan will be ...
England win toss, elect to bowl against West Indies
England skipper Eoin Morgan won the toss and elected to field against West Indies in their World Cup match here Friday. England fielded an unchanged side from the Bangladesh game, while West Indies made three changes with Evin Lewis, Andre Russell and Shannon Gabriel coming into the team. Teams (From): England: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (c), Jos Buttler (w), Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Liam Plunkett, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood. West Indies: Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope (w), Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder (c), Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite, Sheldon Cottrell, Shannon Gabriel, Oshane Thomas.
Beware of Warner, he is nearing his best: Ponting to other teams
David Warner has overcome the challenges of reintegrating himself into the Australian team and with the explosive opener nearing his best, he could well end up as top scorer in this World Cup, feels assistant coach Ricky Ponting. After struggling for rhythm in early matches, Warner came close to his damaging best in a match-winning knock of 107 off 111 balls against Pakistan on Wednesday in his fourth game back in Australian colours. The 32-year-old right-handed batsman sat out for one year, serving a ban imposed by the ICC on ball tampering charges in South Africa last year. He came out of that ban on March 29, along with his former captain Steve Smith. Asked if other sides will now be more fearful of Warner, including Sri Lankans whom Australia face on Friday, Ponting said: "I think they should. You know with David Warner at his best, if you miss your line and length then he's going to make you pay. "Every game is a different set of challenges for every player. Davey capitalised on .
Kevin Pietersen posts hillarious picture on CWC'19
The ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup has been bogged down by poor English weather and former English batsman Kevin Pietersen on Friday posted a hilarious picture on Instagram taking a jibe at the tournament.In the picture, people can be seen playing cricket underwater and the image caption reads as 'Cricket World Cup final 2019'.So far, four matches have been abandoned due to rain in the ongoing Cricket World Cup. This is the most number of matches that have been called off due to rain in a single edition.The matches between Sri Lanka-Pakistan, Sri Lanka-Bangladesh, South Africa-West Indies and India-New Zealand have gotten abandoned due to rain in the ongoing World Cup.Three matches were washed out without a single ball bowled and in the South Africa-West Indies match, only 7.2 overs were bowled.The scheduling of the Cricket World Cup has come under scrutiny as the matches keep on getting abandoned and the teams are being awarded one point each.No reserve days have been put in ...
ICC planning forces Kohli & boys to train in private gyms (Exclusive)
The loopholes in the International Cricket Council's (ICC) planning for the 2019 World Cup is coming to the fore with each passing day. If the failure to cover grounds effectively to beat the rain wasn't enough, it has now been learnt that the Indian players have been asked to workout in private gyms as the ones in the team hotels aren't adequate.
Need to be aggressive to tackle Amir: Tendulkar advises Team India
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar wants Indian batsmen to throw caution to the wind and bat aggressively against Pakistan's in-form pace trump card Mohammad Amir in the marquee World Cup clash on Sunday. Unbeaten in the ongoing tournament so far, India will square off against the arch-rivals here and start overwhelming favourites due to the latter's dismal run. "I wouldn't go in with a negative mindset of playing dot balls against him. If you get an opportunity, I would encourage India to play their shots and stay positive," Tendulkar told 'India Today'. "It's not about survival but rather going out there and even defend positively. No need to do anything different. We need to be aggressive in all departments. The body language is important - the bowler knows that you're in control if you defend confidently," he added. Tendulkar feels Pakistan, who have won just one of their three matches so far, will be targetting Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma on Sunday. "Rohit and Virat are the two more .