Page 179 - Sports
Neymar injured in pre-Copa America friendly
Brazil's preparations for the Copa America suffered a blow after star forward Neymar was injured during a friendly with Qatar.
Ronaldo hat-trick helps Portugal beat Switzerland
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick to lead Portugal to a 3-1 victory over Switzerland and a berth in the 2018-2019 Nations League final.
Nations League: Ronaldo's hat-trick helps Portugal seal finals berth
Cristiano Ronaldo's timely hat-trick helped Portugal defeat Switzerland 3-1 on Wednesday to enter the finals of the Nations League.Ronaldo was seen in spectacular form throughout the match and his individual brilliance stood out as Portugal raced into the finals of the Nations League.The Juventus star won a free-kick thanks to a challenge from Swiss Kevin Mbabu, and he fired the ball past a messy wall created by Switzerland into the bottom-right corner beyond the static goalkeeper Yann Sommer to give Portugal a lead.However, it just took Switzerland 12 minutes to get the equaliser as Ricardo Rodriguez scored after a highly controversial penalty kick was awarded to Portugal, but video review canceled out the penalty and Switzerland was handed out a spot kick.Portugal suffered a blow when their star player Pepe went off with an arm injury, and Switzerland began to look like they would go away with a victory, as Shaqiri caused problems in Portugal's ranks.But Ronaldo came to his side's ..
CWC'19: Two wins in a row for New Zealand as they trump Bangladesh
New Zealand defeated Bangladesh by two wickets in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup at the Oval on Wednesday. With this win, the Kiwis have won both their matches in the tournament.Chasing a target of 245, the Kiwis got off to a flying start as openers Martin Guptill and Colin Munro put 35 runs on the scoreboard in the first five overs, but their stand was cut short as Guptill (25) was sent back to the pavilion by Shakib Al Hasan in the sixth over.Munro and skipper Kane Williamson were able to put just 20 runs for the third wicket as Shakib scalped his second wicket, dismissing Munro (24) in the tenth over.Ross Taylor came out at bat at number four and he, along with Williamson, scored 105 runs, steadying the innings for the BlackCaps. With 85 runs required for the win, Bangla tigers were able to dismiss Williamson (40), keeping their hopes alive of winning the match. Tom Latham was sent back to the pavilion for a duck by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, reducing the Kiwis to 162 for four.Taylor and
CWC'19: Indian supporters elated over team's win, ask Men in Blue to increase run-rate
India defeated South Africa by six wickets in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup on Wednesday, following which celebrations were witnessed outside the stadium as well as across India.However, the fans have one request for the team - to increase their run-rate in the upcoming matches."I am really happy that India has won. We have to pay attention to our next matches and we should try to increase our net run-rate in the upcoming matches. We played a little slow but it was a good victory. Rohit's innings was wonderful and I hope he continues his form going ahead in the tournament," Anand Parek, an Indian supporter, told ANI[{62a201c9-281e-4058-97c8-44967ddd0aab:intradmin/3_B65H0Lt.JPG}]"I drove from London to watch this match. At one point it was looking like the match might get slow, but India's win has made me really happy. But the team should look to increase their run-rate as finishing matches in the final overs will dip the Men in Blue's run-rate," said Varun Mehta, another Indian ...
Wishes pour in from politicos for Men in Blue after maiden CWC'19 victory
With the Indian cricket team's 2019 World Cup beginning with a thumping victory, key politicians extended wishes to the Men in Blue on the occasion.Home Minister and BJP Chief Amit Shah congratulated the Virat Kohli-led team for winning their opening match. "Well played TeamIndia. Superb knock by Rohit Sharma. Congratulations to skipper Virat Kohli and the entire team for winning their opening match of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. #CWC2019 Way to go" he tweeted.Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju termed the match as a 'superb beginning' by the Indian team and congratulated the players.Rijiju tweeted, "Well done boys! Superb beginning by Team India. Congratulations to the entire team for winning their opening match of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019."Defence Minister Rajnath Singh acknowledged performances of key players.Singh tweeted, "Well begun is half done! Congratulations to Team India for the superb victory against South Africa in Cricket ...
It was a professional effort from us: Kohli on maiden WC match victory
Indian skipper Virat Kohli lauded India's victory over South Africa in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in Southampton on Wednesday, terming it a 'professional effort'."It was a very professional effort from us, it was a low scoring game and from that point of view, we were very professional. The spinners scalped five wickets in the middle so we're very happy with the performance. It's important to create that energy and we finished off the match in a professional manner," Kohli said at the post-match ceremony.South Africa was just able to score 227 runs in the allotted fifty overs and India easily chased down the target, owing to opener Rohit Sharma's unbeaten century.Kohli said Sharma's in innings is the best the right-hander played in his career. With three double centuries in ODIs, Sharma seems to have impressed the skipper with his feat."I think in my opinion this is by far his best ODI innings because of the kind of pressure the World Cup brings. When the ball bounces, it is not .
Paris-Saint Germain confirms Gianluigi Buffon's exit
French football club Paris-Saint Germain on Wednesday confirmed that the club won't be renewing the contract of Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon."I will never forget the pride that everyone at Paris Saint-Germain, both the club and the fans, felt when they saw Gianluigi Buffon wearing our jersey. For the first time in his fabulous career, Gianluigi had made the brave choice to leave Italy, struck by our ambitious and modern project," Nasser Al-Khelaifi, Chairman and CEO of Paris Saint-Germain, said in an official statement."We will miss his warm and open personality here at the club. 'Gigi' will forever remain among the football giants who have worn the Paris Saint-Germain colours and shared the values of the club," he added.Buffon had joined PSG last year on a free transfer basis from Juventus.The 41-year-old made 25 appearances for PSG in all competitions, winning the 2019 Ligue 1 title and the 2018 Trophee des Champions."Thank you all for everything I have had the opportunity to
CWC'19: Dhoni sports gloves with Army insignia in Proteas match
Indian wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni was seen donning the 'Balidan' (sacrifice) badge on his wicket-keeping glove during the team's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup match against South Africa on Wednesday.'Captain Cool' was spotted sporting the Army insignia, which was clearly seen while he stumped Andile Phehlukwayo. The regimental dagger is the insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces.In 2011, Dhoni was given an honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel and he has undergone training for a brief period with the para regiment.During the course of his training in Agra, Dhoni is believed to have done five parachute jumps during the training period.The former skipper's love for the Army is well known, as he has often expressed his desire of joining the forces.Earlier this year, Dhoni and the Indian team wore army caps during the ODI match against Australia at Ranchi as a tribute to the CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the February 14 Pulwama terror attack.India, who began their World Cup ..
CWC'19: Proteas' Chris Morris says 'anything can happen' in low-scoring matches
After facing defeat at the hands of India on Wednesday in their World Cup clash, South African all-rounder Chris Morris said anything can happen in low-scoring matches, but it is important for the team to create chances and latch onto them.Morris was speaking at a presser after South Africa conceded defeat by six wickets while defending their score of 227."You know in these low totals, anything can happen. In the first five overs, things did happen. India could have easily been 40 for three. But when the ball lands in no man's land three to four times, you cannot do much about it," Morris said at the post-match ceremony."If a batting lineup as good as India needs 48 overs to chase down 228, then it shows how well we really bowled," he added.South Africa was unable to post a challenging total on the board as they were restricted to just 227 runs in the allotted fifty overs. Kagiso Rabada and Morris, in the end, added some vital runs for the Proteas to allow them to post a par score on .
CWC'19: Mashrafe Mortaza defends Mushfiqur Rahim over run-out blunder
Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza defended his wicket-keeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim after he committed a run-out blunder in the match against New Zealand on Wednesday at the Oval.The skipper was referring to an incident that took place in the 12th over of the New Zealand innings when the Ross Taylor - Williamson partnership was flourishing.The two batsmen got involved in a mix-up and Tamim Iqbal threw the ball from mid-on, Williamson was well short of the crease and he had almost given up. But Mushfiqur took the ball in front of the stumps, with his feet behind, and tried to break the stumps. Straight away, Tamim and Shakib reacted in a way that suggested they knew what had happened. The replays clearly showed that the wicket-keeper's elbow had dislodged the bails without the ball in his grasp.As a result, the duo of Williamson and Taylor went on to add 105 runs for the fourth wicket. Bangladesh was able to scalp wickets at later stages, but the Kiwis somehow managed a two-wicket ..
NZ beats Bangladesh in Cricket World Cup thriller
New Zealand beat Bangladesh by two wickets after a thrilling end to their Cricket World Cup day-night match at the Oval on Wednesday. Set 245 to win, New Zealand was cruising at 218-5 in the 43rd over, but the loss in consecutive overs of allrounders Colin de Grandhomme and Jimmy Neesham left tailenders Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry at the crease, both on 0. With the pro-Bangladeshi crowd whipped up by their team suddenly back in the hunt, any hint of an out was wildly cheered. Santner and Henry got off the mark with singles and combined for 20 runs in less than three overs. Then Henry was bowled for 6 with New Zealand needing seven to win with two wickets left. Santner and Lockie Ferguson held their nerve, and the end came in a rush thanks to two wides, a Ferguson tickle to the third man boundary, and a Santner boundary through the covers to complete the victory with 17 balls to spare. New Zealand's second win from two matches put it at the top of the standings. Bangladeshis packed
New Zealand beat Bangladesh by two wickets in Cricket World Cup
New Zealand beat Bangladesh by two wickets at the Oval on Wednesday as they made it two wins from as many games at the World Cup. The Black Caps, losing finalists four years ago, achieved a seemingly modest target of 245 thanks mainly to Ross Taylor's 82. But they lost three wickets for 27 runs before Mitchell Santner (17 not out) and Lockie Ferguson (four not out) saw them to a victory achieved with 17 balls to spare. Earlier, fast bowler Matt Henry took four for 47 in a Bangladesh total of 244 that featured Shakib Al Hasan's 64.
Rohit ton helps India thrash South Africa by 6 wickets
Rohit Sharma went past Sourav Ganguly and also became the first Asian batsman to hit a hundred in this World Cup so far, as India cruised to a six-wicket victory over South Africa to get their campaign off to a glittering start at The Rose Bowl on Wednesday.
I am the man to fix Manchester United: Maradona
Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona has expressed his desire to help restore Manchester United to their former glory as a coach. United have been struggling to replicate their dominance under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson since the Scot retired in 2013 and they finished sixth last season in the Premier League while rivals Manchester City and Liverpool won major titles.
Ton-up Rohit, Chahal star in easy India victory
Rohit Sharma curbed his natural flair for greater good as his gritty hundred complemented a superb bowling effort in India's resounding six-wicket victory over a hapless South Africa in their World Cup opener here Wednesday. It was an uncharacteristic 23rd ODI hundred for the Indian vice-captain (122 no off 144 balls) in a successful chase of 228 in conditions that were not exactly conducive for free-flowing strokeplay. It might have taken India 47.3 overs to complete the chase but not for once were they in any sort of trouble. Jasprit Bumrah (10-1-35-2) bowled a scary opening spell while leggie Yuzvendra Chahal (10-0-51-4) displayed his guile in the middle overs, making them equal contributors in India's victory. It did help that a bowling attack with a lone ranger in Kagiso Rabada (10-1-39-2) couldn't have defended a 227-run total but nobody can take away the fact that conditions remained overcast throughout with the extra bounce causing discomfort for most of the established ...
India played fealessly, says Igor Stimac after losing to Curacao
India football head coach Igor Stimac stated that Blue Tigers played fearlessly in the second half despite losing to Curacao in the first match of King's Cup on Wednesday."I'm proud of the team achievement especially the manner we played in the second half. The young players who came on showed great character, and had no fear to come on the pitch and playing football," Igor Stimac said.Stimac in a post-match press conference congratulated Curacao and appreciated the way they played and outclassed India. Playing to Curacao is a blessing for Indian players, they could feel the touch of European Academy players their movements and self-confidence also."Congratulations to Curacao. I had mentioned in the pre-match PC that they were the favourites and displayed in the first 45 minutes that they are of a different class. They have 6-7 top quality players. The match is a good blessing for our players. They could feel the touch of European Academy players among the Curacao players you can feel
Australian Open: Sindhu, Sameer cruise into second round
Indian shuttlers PV Sindhu and Sameer Verma cruised into the second round of the Australian Open at the Quaycentre in Sydney on Wednesday.World number five Sindhu easily trounced Indonesia's Choirunnisa 21-14, 21-9 in women's singles event. The Indian shuttle queen has set up her meeting with Thailand's Nitchaon Jindapol in the next round.Sameer came from behind to outclass Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia 21-15, 16-21, 21-12 in men's singles event. The sixth seed recovered in time after losing the second game to Lee, who defeated Sameer in the Sudirman Cup last month. The Indian will next take on Chinese Taipei's Wang Tzu Wei in the second round.In other men's singles match, B. Sai Praneeth defeated Lee Dong-Keun of South Korea by 21-16, 21-14 and Parupalli Kashyap beat Suppanyu Avihingsanon of Thailand by 21-16, 21-15.Praneeth will clash with Indonesian Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, while Kashyap will meet Lin Dan of China. Elsewhere, Prannoy Kumar's campaign ended as he lost to Lin Dan of China
Squash: Aishwarya claims women's girls' U-17 crowns
Maharashtra's Aishwarya Khubchandani played to her potential to bag a grand double winning the women's and girls' under-17 crowns in the4thNSCI All India Open (Junior and Senior) Squash Tournament here Wednesday. 15-year-old Aishwarya produced some impressive performances, especially in the women's competition, defeating the top two seed to emerge champion. In the final, Aishwarya played confidently against Maharashtra's second seed Sachika Balvani romping to a 3-1 win with a degree of comfort. The upcoming talent Aishwarya called the shots against the 25-year-old Sachika and cruised to a 11-4, 12-10, 7-11, 11-3 victory. Earlier, in the semi-finals, Aishwarya had defeated top seed Urwashi Joshi in five games on Tuesday. In the girls' under-17 showdown, Aishwarya outclassed top seed Ananya Dabke, also from Maharashtra, in three games. Aishwarya was dominant from the start and with some clever placements reeled off points without much difficulty and with Ananya unable to ..
Roland Garros chiefs won't rule out finals shift after washout
Roland Garros organisers were facing a scheduling nightmare on Wednesday after the entire day's play was washed out with the prospect of another all-consuming deluge expected to swamp Paris on Friday, possibly forcing the women's final to be played alongside the men's on Sunday. Tournament director Guy Forget said he remained hopeful of the French Open finishing on time on Sunday. However, if the weather continues to deteriorate, the women's final could be shifted from Saturday to Sunday, sharing top billing with the men's title match. "We always have to study the worse case scenario," said Forget. Wednesday was the second time since 2016 that all Roland Garros play was cancelled and third since 2000. The decision left world number one Novak Djokovic and defending women's champion Simona Halep to play their quarter-finals on Thursday and semi-finals on Friday if they get through. With the women's final traditionally set for Saturday, third seed Halep could end up playing three days in