Page 180 - Sports
Bangladesh undone by New Zealand pace at World Cup
Paceman Matt Henry grabbed four wickets as New Zealand bowled Bangladesh out for 244 in their World Cup match at the Oval on Wednesday. Henry finished with figures of 4-47 to follow his three wickets against Sri Lanka as Bangladesh -- sent in to bat -- lost their last six wickets for just 65 runs. Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan hit a fighting 68-ball 64 with seven boundaries in his 200th one-day international but no other batsmen cashed in on good starts. Once Shakib was caught by wicketkeeper Tom Latham off the bowling of Colin de Grandhomme in the 31st over, the innings fell apart. Mohammad Mitun (26), Mahmudullah (20) and Mosadeek Hossain (11) all failed to build a significant innings. Tailender Mohammad Saifuddin hit a 23-ball 29 with a six and three boundaries before Henry and Trent Boult (2-44) mopped up the tail. Earlier, openers Tamim Iqbal, who made 24, and Soumya Sarkar, who scored 25, gave Bangladesh a solid base, putting on 45 runs for the first wicket. But Henry ..
Eriksen expresses desire to leave Tottenham
Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen has hinted that he would be willing to leave the club he helped lead to the final of this season's Champions League to take his career forward.
Henry four-fer helps NZ bowl Bangladesh out for 244
Veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan scored a half century but New Zealand pacer Matt Henry starred with the ball to bowl Bangladesh out for 244 in 49.2 overs in their World Cup tie at the Kennington Oval on Wednesday.
World Cup winner Buffon to leave PSG: club
Gianluigi Buffon will leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer after it was agreed to not renew the former Italy captain's contract, the French champions announced on Wednesday. "Following joint discussions, Paris Saint-Germain and Gianluigi Buffon have agreed to not renew the legendary goalkeeper's contract which expires on 30 June 2019," PSG said in a statement. The 41-year-old goalkeeper, who won the World Cup in 2006 and is Italy's most-capped player, joined PSG last summer after ending a trophy-packed 17-year career at Italian giants Juventus. He played 25 matches in all competitions for PSG last season, winning the Ligue 1 title.
Asif thanks family for World Cup chance after daughter's death
Pakistan batsman Asif Ali has credited his family for convincing him to play at the World Cup after the tragic death of his infant daughter last month. The 27-year-old had to leave Britain after the fifth one-day international against England when he learned of the death of his 19-month-old daughter Dua Fatima from cancer in the United States. Asif, who was not in the preliminary squad for the World Cup, forced his way into the final 15 with two half centuries against England during the recent series between the two countries. Asif said his wife and family helped him deal with his daughter's illness. "I was informed of my daughter's health during the Pakistan Super League in February," Asif said. "It was shocking and heart-breaking but my family stood by me in those difficult times and they eased it by convincing me that I should play for the country and they will take care of her. "They told me 'don't waste a chance of playing for the country' because only lucky ones get that chance.
CWC'19: Players to watch out in fast and furious Aussie-Windies battle
Defending champions Australia and the first-ever winners West Indies will lock horns in a fast and furious ICC Men's Cricket World Cup battle on June 6 at the Tent Bridge in Nottingham.Australia lifted its first Cup after defeating England by seven runs in 1987 edition. The team then ended as runners-up against Sri Lanka in 1996. This defeat by seven wickets charged the Australians and they went onto win three consecutive titles in 1999, 2003 and 2007.This Down Under team returned in 2015 and clinched their fifth trophy. Now, in the 12th edition of the 50-over event, the most successful team in the history of the tournament will be aiming to clinch their sixth trophy. In the first match of the 2019 edition, Australia beat Afghanistan by seven wickets.On the other hand, the then clear contenders to win the World Cup, the West Indies have become the dark horse in the tournament. Clive Lloyd led the side to win the very first Cup in 1975 and returned to defend the title in 1979. However,
Roland Garros washout keeps Djokovic and Halep waiting
Torrential rain caused a complete washout of quarter-final action at Roland Garros on Wednesday with Novak Djokovic and Simona Halep amongst the biggest victims. It is the second time since 2016 that all French Open play was cancelled and third since 2000. The decision left world number one Djokovic and defending women's champion Halep facing having to play their quarter-finals on Thursday and semi-finals on Friday if they get through. With the women's final set for Saturday, third seed Halep could end up playing three days in a row. Djokovic had been due to face German fifth seed Alexander Zverev on Court Philippe Chatrier on Wednesday as was Halep who was up against American teenager Amanda Anisimova. On Court Suzanne Lenglen, America's Madison Keys was due to face Australia's Ashleigh Barty before 2018 runner-up Dominic Thiem clashed with Russia's Karen Khachanov. The first quarter-finals had been completed on Tuesday with 11-time champion Rafael Nadal setting up a Friday ...
Holder confident about Russell regaining full fitness for Australia tie
West Indies captain Jason Holder on Wednesday said that he is "very, very hopeful" of star all-rounder Andre Russell getting fit in time for their World Cup game against Australia here on Wednesday. Russell has had to deal with recurring knee issues over the years and was seen limping in the field after his fiery spell against Pakistan. While Chris Gayle has regained full fitness, Russell has not, said Holder on eve of the game. "The beauty with both of those guys (Gayle and Russell) is they've played enough cricket. We just tend to trust them, take their word and then make a final determination on the team then," said the captain. "Chris was at practice for the last couple days, so he is all well and ready to go for me. Andre will be assessed in training, and we're very, very hopeful that he'll be fit." Trent Bridge will play host as Holder's side and Australia renew a battle that goes right to the start of World Cup history with this game a repeat of the first final in 1975. The ...
Australia captain Finch wary of West Indies' threat
Australia captain Aaron Finch expects his side to face a "very dangerous" West Indies when the teams meet in a mouthwatering World Cup clash at Trent Bridge on Thursday. Reigning champions Australia started their title defence with a seven-wicket stroll against Afghanistan, while the West Indies' fast bowlers were especially impressive in skittling out Pakistan for just 105 on the way to a comfortable win at Trent Bridge. West Indies, with veteran opener Chris Gayle leading the way, have the run-scoring power to give an Australia side strong in both batting and bowling a run for their money. "They're a very dangerous side and I think that whichever team comes out and executes it from the start of the game, I think it's important that you start really well, whether you bat or bowl first," Finch told reporters at Trent Bridge on Wednesday. "Those first 10-over periods are going to be really crucial because we know how damaging the West Indies can be during that period. But equally, if ..
India's performance was like weather in Buriram: Stimac
Indian coach Igor Stimac said that India's performance was very much like the weather in Buriram. "At one time the sun was shining, while in the second half there was a storm. After we changed few things in the half-time we started playing better," he stated.
Mission impossible? How Federer can beat Nadal at Roland Garros
Roger Federer faces Roland Garros' mission impossible on Friday when he tries to become just the third man to beat 11-time champion Rafael Nadal on the Paris clay. The great Spaniard has only been defeated twice on the red brick dust in the French capital in 93 matches since his 2005 debut. Ten years ago Robin Soderling hit winner after winner as the unheralded Swede ended Nadal's 31-match win streak at the tournament. "I think to beat him on clay is challenging. But to beat him in five sets on clay is even more difficult," said Soderling who crushed 63 winners in that last-16 landmark win. "You have to play extremely well. To beat him on clay, the only chance for any player is to be really aggressive. "Take some risks. Many, many players, even good players, top players... you can almost see that they don't really believe 100 per cent that they can win." Nadal was far from his best that day in 2009. He was to eventually pull out of Wimbledon with a knee injury, ending his hopes of ...
King's Cup: India lose to Curacao 3-1
India started their King's Cup campaign with a 3-1 loss against Curacao on Wednesday at Chang Arena, in Buriram, Thailand.It was new coach Igor Stimac's first match since his appointment. It was the day where he handed International debuts to 6 players, including an 18-year old Amarjit Singh, India's U-17 World Cup Captain.It was also the day when Sunil Chhetri played his 108th international match, thus becoming India's highest capped International player, breaking Bhaichung Bhutia's record. Not surprisingly, he even scored, converting from the spot, his 68th international goal.In a game of two halves, the Blue Tigers learnt from the mistakes of the first half, and despite being the better side in the 2nd half ended losing 1-3 to a strong Curacao in their opening match of the King's Cup.Stimac started with a new-look Indian side, as three players - Rahul Bheke, Brandon Fernandes, and Abdul Sahal -- made their International debut in starting XI. Raynier Fernandes and Amarjit came in as
Chhetri scores in milestone match but India lose 1-3 to Curacao in Stimac's first match in charge
Talismanic captain Sunil Chhetri struck in his milestone match but India lost 1-3 to higher-ranked Curacao in their opening tie of the King's Cup football tournament in Igor Stimac's first game in charge here Wednesday. Chhetri became the most capped India player by surpassing Bhaichung Bhutia's 107 international matches and he scored the lone goal for his side in the 31st minute from a spot kick for his 68th goal, though it did not make any difference to the result of the match. The 82nd ranked Caribbean island nation, which has two players plying trade in English Premier League and some others in European leagues, scored three in the space of 18 minutes -- through Roly Bonevacia (16th), Elson Hooi (18th) and Leandro Bacuna (33rd). A sloppy first half in which India -- ranked 101 -- defended and attacked poorly, saw the team trailing 1-3 at the breather. The new defensive set up -- with Rahul Bheke coming in as central defender -- was looking out of sorts with lack of anticipation ...
CWC'19: Chahal strikes for India, restricts S Africa to 227/9
Indian team, playing their first match in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019, restricted South Africa to 227 for the loss of nine at the Rose Bowl stadium on Wednesday.The men in blue who were invited to bowl first showcased the magnificent game of cricket. India's top spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was on full fire and derailed South Africa's batting order by getting four wickets in his spell.The South African opener could not stand in front of the Indian pace attack as Jasprit Bumrah's terrific bowling did not give a chance to the Proteas openers to settle in and took early wickets of Hashim Amla (6) and Quinton de Kock (10).Playing under pressure, South Africa captain Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen tried to put much-needed runs, having a partnership of 54 runs for the third-wicket. But soon Indian spinners derailed the middle-order of the Proteas, taking four wickets. The pair of Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav showed excellent bowling and did not let South African batsmen put runs .
Bumrah reveals secret behind Indian bowlers' success
Premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah said the Indian quicks were looking to bowl "Test match lengths" on The Rose Bowl wicket against South Africa in their World Cup opener on Wednesday.
Symcox upset with lacklustre South Africa batting
Former South Africa off-spinner Pat Symcox came down heavily on the batters as they failed to put up a decent show against India in their World Cup fixture on Wednesday.
Chahal leads show as India restrict SA to 227/9
India restricted South Africa to 227/9 in their opening match of the 2019 World Cup. Yuzvendra Chahal was the chief tormentor for the tottering Proteas batting line-up, picking four wickets while Jasprit Bumrah accounted for the wickets of openers Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock.
Complacency has no place in modern hockey: Reid
Complacency is something which has no place in any high performance sport, said Indian men's hockey team chief coach Graham Reid, insisting that respect for any opponent is the hallmark of a good team. Reid made the statement in context of the FIH Series Finals, where India start as overwhelming favourites having been pitted against seven other lower-ranked sides. "Complacency for me is not an option in high performance sport. I always try and respect the opposition no matter who they are. They can always score a goal against you and there is no referral here as well," Reid told PTI on the eve of India's opening Pool A match against world no. 22 Russia. At fifth position, India are the highest ranked side in the tournament, which kickstarts here on Thursday. South Africa (16th) and Asian Games gold medallist Japan (18) are the closest to the hosts in terms of world ranking. The other participating teams are Poland (21st), Uzbekistan, United States (25) and Mexico (39). However Reid, ..
'Khel bhi jeeto, dil bhi': PM Modi greets Indian team for World Cup
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished luck to the Indian cricket team for their first World Cup match against South Africa on Wednesday.In a mix of Hindi and English, the Prime Minister not only wished the Men in Blue, but also gave them an important message."As #TeamIndia begins it's #CWC19 journey today, best wishes to the entire Team. May this tournament witness good cricket and celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship. khel bhii jiito aur dil bhii ! #INDvSA," Modi wrote on Twitter.Modi's Hindi message roughly translates to - win the game and hearts too.South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first against India in the closely watched clash.India played two warm-up matches prior to commencement of the marquee event. In the first practice game, Virat Kohli-led side lost to New Zealand by six wickets. However, India bounced back in the second warm-up match and defeated Bangladesh by 95 runs.
Bumrah, Chahal restrict South Africa to 227/9
Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal grabbed four wickets, helping India restrict South Africa to a sub-par 227 for 9 in their opening encounter of the World Cup here Wednesday. South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis' decision to bat under overcast conditions backfired with Jasprit Bumrah (10-1-35-2) setting the tone with twin blows in his opening spell. Chahal (10-0-51-4) then tightened the noose on South African batsmen as they could never really force the pace during the middle overs. Incidentally, this was the best 10-over single spell (in terms of wickets taken) by any bowler in a World Cup game. South Africa's total got some semblance of respectability courtesy Chris Morris (42 off 34) and Kagiso Rabada (31 not out off 35), who shared a much needed 66-run stand for the eighth wicket. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (10-0-44-2) coming in place of Mohammed Shami was impressive in his second spell. Under a thick cloud cover and a pitch that offered bounce, Bumrah was unplayable in his initial five over ...