Page 1887 - Sports
Hope Rishabh is groomed properly unlike Parthiv: Kirmani
Legendary India wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani believes that young Rishabh Pant should be monitored a bit longer in the domestic arena unlike Parthiv Patel, who suffered after being thrown into the deep end of the pool, when he was barely 17. "Everyone is not Sachin Tendulkar, who will be a success at 16 years. He was a prodigy but that's not the case with everyone else. Parthiv was inducted very early which shouldn't have happened. Rishabh is talented but he should be groomed enough so that he doesn't go the Parthiv way," Kirmani told PTI during an interaction. Parthiv made his international debut in 2002 but thanks to the presence of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, he had a start-stop career having played only 65 international matches (25 Tests, 38 ODIs and 2 T20 Internationals) in 16 years. Pant, considered as Dhoni's heir apparent across all formats in near future, has failed to impress in the four T20 Internationals that he has played so far. "The influx of ODI cricket and John Wright's entry ..
Bangladesh elect to bowl first against Sri Lanka
Unchanged Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bowl first against Sri Lanka in the third match of the Nidhas Twenty20 Tri-Series here today. Teams: Sri Lanka: Dinesh Chandimal (captain), Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Upul Tharanga, Dasun Shanaka, Thisara Perera, Jeevan Mendis, Akila Dananjaya, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Pradeep. Bangladesh: Mahmudullah (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Sabbir Rahman, Mehidy Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain, Nazmul Islam.
SAfrica's Rabada charged over Smith shoulder bump, faces ban
South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is in danger of being banned for the rest of the series after he was charged today by match officials for intentionally bumping into Australia captain Steve Smith when he got him out on the first day of the second Test in Port Elizabeth. Rabada was charged with a level two breach of the International Cricket Council's code of conduct regarding inappropriate physical contact. Rabada bumped into Smith with his shoulder during his follow-through after dismissing the Australia skipper lbw on Friday at St. George's Park. Rabada currently has five demerit points on his disciplinary record and will be banned for two tests if he reaches eight demerit points. Level two offenses carry a penalty of three to four demerits, which would take Rabada over the threshold. Rabada will contest the charge on the basis that he claims the contact with Smith was unintentional, South Africa team spokeswoman Lerato Malekutu said. Rabada's hearing will take place on ...
Pogba ruled out of Liverpool clash
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba was ruled out for today's Premier League clash against Liverpool due to injury. Reports suggest Pogba picked up a gashed leg in training on the eve of the game. "He is injured. (It happened) yesterday in training, an unlucky situation, and he is out," said United boss Jose Mourinho. And Mourinho refused to confirm if the French international would be fit to return for Tuesday's Champions League last 16 clash against Sevilla with the tie finely balanced at 0-0. "I don't know how long he is out for," added Mourinho. Anthony Martial was also absent through injury so Marcus Rashford was handed a first league start this year and rewarded his manager's faith with two goals in the first 23 minutes. Juan Mata and Eric Bailly also return to Mourinho's starting line-up at the expense of Jesse Lingard and Victor Lindelof. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp recalls record signing Virgil Van Dijk and top scorer Mohamed Salah to his side after both were rested ...
Slovakian skier wins first gold as Paralympics get under way
Slovakian skier Henrieta Farkasova won the first gold medal of the Pyeongchang Paralympics today and the USA clinched a hat-trick of victories as sporting action got under away at Games marked by a rapid inter-Korean thaw. Medals were up for grabs in alpine skiing and biathlon. Russian athletes, competing under a neutral flag after a mass doping scandal, clinched two golds while France also won two. The Paralympics opened Friday with a glittering ceremony that mixed spectacular light shows and fireworks with traditional Korean performances and modern pop music. North Korea was in focus as the country's first two athletes to ever compete at a Winter Paralympics paraded into the Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium under their own country's flag. It was the latest stage of a detente on the Korean peninsula that began at last month's Winter Olympics, and culminated with this week's announcement that US President Donald Trump had agreed to meet the North's leader Kim Jong Un. Slovakia's Farkasova .
South Africa's Elgar, Amla grind out half-centuries
Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla ground out half-centuries as South Africa, under the cloud of disciplinary action, made slow progress on the second day of the second Test against Australia at St George's Park today. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada faces a hearing on Sunday that could result in a ban from the third Test against Australia. Rabada, who devastated the Australian batting order on the first day, has been charged following an incident with Australian captain Steve Smith on Friday. After winning a leg before decision against the Australian captain, Rabada shouted in celebration and approached Smith aggressively. Their shoulders made contact. If found guilty, Rabada could be fined as much as 100 per cent of his match fee and, because of previous offences, might be suspended from the third test of what is proving an ill-tempered series. South Africa were 153 for two at tea in reply to Australia's first innings of 243, with Elgar and Amla unbeaten on 57 and 54 respectively. Only 43 runs ...
Leander to be considered for Davis Cup tie against China
Veteran Leander Paes is in contention to make a comeback to the Indian Davis Cup squad for next month's tie against China as the selectors get ready to announce the team tomorrow. Paes was dropped from the tie against Uzbekistan last April. He has been out of favour since the Bengaluru fiasco when he was not included in the starting line-up by captain Mahesh Bhupathi. However, there is a strong feeling among AITA officials that having Paes in the squad will be an advantage for India in the away Asia/Oceania Group I tie. "We have no business losing the doubles tie against Canada. If we had won that we would have been in World Group. Paes brings a lot on table in terms of experience," said an AITA source. When pointed out that captain Bhupathi and doubles specialist Rohan Bopanna do not share a good chemistry with Paes, the official said, "the players have to put nation ahead." "It's not about individuals it's about the team and country. Paes will definitely be considered when the ...
Aussies hope to beat Indian eves in ODI series
Indian and Australian women cricketers will be involved in a three match ODI series from March 12.Ahead of the series, Australian speedster Megan Schutt said her team has put the 2017 World Cup semi-final defeat against India behind them.The Southern Stars, who were eliminated by the Mithali Raj-led Indian side in semi-finals of the ICC Women's World Cup 2017 in England back in July, have started hitting form after beating the India A side in two practice matches in Mumbai."It's probably not that I'm going to attack it but the team is going to attack it. Obviously, we run through the same people such as Raj [Mithali Raj] and Kaur [Harmanpreet Kaur] and obviously the last time that we played them, it didn't end so well in that kind of sense, so yeah, I thought we have really done the planning well and should the same situation arise, I think we are ready for it," Schutt told reporters here.She added, "We had some pretty good matches there against the India A side and we are obviously ..
Lankan cricketer Rambukwella arrested
Sri Lanka cricketer Ramith Rambukwella has been arrested on charges of assault and drunk driving.Rambukwella was to be produced before the Aluthkade Magistrate court today, reports the ESPNcricinfo.The 26-year-old has played two T20Is for his country, the recent one being in July 2016. Rambukwella made his debut against New Zealand in 2013.He is active in domestic cricket and plays for the Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club.Rambukwella was earlier arrested in 2016 following a car accident. In 2013 the then 21-year-old created mid-air panic by attempting to open the cabin door at a height of 35,000 feet, while travelling back from the West Indies with the Sri Lanka A team.According to reports, if charged, Rambukwella might lose his Sri Lanka Cricket contract.
Shubhankar cards 72 to share lead after day 3 at Hero Indian Open
Shubhankar Sharma displayed admirable temperament to grind out an even-par 72 to share the lead after the penultimate round of the USD 1.75 million Hero Indian Open at the challenging DLF course here today. While other Indians in fray went over par, the 21-year-old from Chandigarh sank five birdies, including one at the 18th, against three bogeys and a double bogey at the 17th, to share the lead with English golfer Matt Wallace, who carded two-under 70 to total 209. It was a birdie after a chip in from the fringes at the last hole which earned him a place at the top after he held the lead briefly on his back nine as fortunes fluctuated too frequently on the third day. On a day when overnight leader Emiliano Grillo (78) faced the wrath of the challenging DLF course, Wallace, who had clinched his maiden European Tour title at the 2017 Open de Portugal, rode on his front nine to rise to contention. Scottish golfer Stephen Gallacher scored a sizzling five-under 67 to zoom to the second ...
Azlan Shah Cup: India beat Ireland 4-1 to take fifth spot
Indian men's hockey team beat Ireland 4-1 to end their campaign at the 27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in the fifth position.It was goals by Varun Kumar (5', 32'), Shilanand Lakra (28') and Gurjant Singh (37') that ensured India finished with a win. Meanwhile, Ireland's lone goal was scored by Julian Dale (48').The Men in Blue began with the strong attack early on that helped them win back-to-back penalty corners in the 5th minute. It was an infringement on Ireland's part when Simranjeet Singh was attempting a shot on goal that resulted in the penalty corner. Though the first attempt was saved, a tussle for the ball in the circle resulted in another penalty corner. This time Varun Kumar found success to give India a 1-0 lead.In the second quarter, forward Shilanand Lakra beat Ireland's goalkeeper Jamie Carr to double the lead to 2-0.India began the third quarter Varun Kumar pumped a brilliantly struck dragflick past Carr to take India's lead to a comfortable 3-0. India's next goal came off
South African officials face action over Sonny Bill Williams masks
Two senior Cricket South Africa officials face disciplinary action after posing with spectators wearing masks showing the face of All Black rugby player Sonny Bill Williams during the second Test against Australia. The masks were likely to have been worn to taunt Australian batsman David Warner, whose wife reportedly had an encounter with Williams in 2007 before meeting Warner. There have been calls on social media for spectators to wear the masks following a row between Warner and South Africa's Quinton de Kock during the first Test, which Warner blamed was sparked when De Kock insulted his wife. In a statement issued on Saturday, Cricket South Africa distanced itself from the action of the officials, marketing manager Clive Eksteen and communications manager Altaaf Kazi. Eksteen is a former South African Test player. The two officials were photographed with three spectators wearing the masks at the match at St George's Park in Port Elizabeth. The statement said CSA had taken ...
South Africa make steady progress in second Test
South Africa made steady progress on the second day of the second Test against Australia at St George's Park today despite the distraction of disciplinary issues. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada faces a hearing on Saturday that could result in a ban from the third Test against Australia. Rabada, who devastated the Australian batting order on the first day, has been charged following an incident with Steve Smith on Friday. After winning a leg before decision against the Australian captain, Rabada shouted in celebration and approached Smith aggressively. Their shoulders made contact. If found guilty, Rabada could be fined as much as 100 per cent of his match fee and, because of previous offences, might be suspended from the third test of what is proving an ill-tempered series. Rabada, who had come in as a nightwatchman, was the only South African batsman to lose his wicket as the home team added 71 runs in 28 overs during the morning. He was bowled by Pat Cummins for 29. South Africa reached .
Messi misses Barca match 'for baby's birth'
Lionel Messi has pulled out of Barcelona's squad for today's La Liga match at Malaga with reports saying the birth of his third child is imminent. The club tweeted: "Change to the squad. Messi is out for personal reasons and Yerry Mina takes his place." Messi's wife Antonella Roccuzzo is expecting a boy, a brother to five-year-old Thiago and Mateo, who is two. The child is expected to be called Ciro. The Argentinian couple, both 30, first met as children in 1996. Their relationship began a decade later. Barcelona, who face Chelsea in the second leg of their last-16 Champions League tie at the Camp Nou on Wednesday, have an eight-point lead over Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga.
Sharapova parts way with Dutch coach
Former world No. 1 Maria Sharapova has "mutually agreed" to split with her Dutch coach Sven Groeneveld.The four year partnership comes to an end following Sharapova's first round exit from the WTA Indian Wells tournament."After four successful and challenging years of collaboration together, I would like to thank Sven for his incredible loyalty, work ethic and most importantly the friendship that we have formed that will go beyond this working partnership," the Russian tennis star said in a statement.She added, "Although we have mutually agreed to part ways during this time, I have been incredibly fortunate to have a team leader like him in my corner for the past four years."Former ATP professional Groeneveld started working with Sharapova in 2014, and helped her to win the French Open in that year.The pair also remained a team during 15-month drugs ban in 2016.The two have won two titles together, but the 30-year-old Russian has won just five matches this year.Groeneveld also ...
ISL semi-final: Pune handicapped by coach Popovic's absence
Bengaluru FC will enjoy psychological advantage when they take on a coach-less FC Pune City in the second-leg semi-final of the Indian Super League, here tomorrow. Bengaluru will be eyeing to finish the match in regulation time after being held to a goalless draw in the first leg. For Pune, not having their coach and master tactician Ranko Popovic on the reserve bench might affect their morale. Popovic was suspended for his utterances against the decisions of the referee and match officials. He has had the habit of getting into trouble with the administrators. Popovic has made a big impact as he guide them to the semi-finals of the ongoing edition, despite not being involved in the any of the recruitment before the season. Young Indian players like Vishal Kaith, Sartak Golui, Isaac Vanmalsawma, Ashique Kuruniyan, Rohit Kumar and Sahil Panwar, will be missing services of Popovic, as he was the key factor to Pune's success. In the first leg, Bengaluru failed to breach the defence of the
India beat Ireland 4-1 to finish 5th in Azlan Shah Cup
A resilient India defeated Ireland 4-1 to finish a disappointing fifth at the Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here today. The win enabled India to avenge their 2-3 loss against the same opponents in the last round robin match yesterday. For India Varun Kumar (5th, 32nd minutes) scored a brace, while Shilanand Lakra (28th) and Gurjant Singh (37th) found the bet once each. Ireland's lone goal came from the sticks of Julian Dale in the 48th minute. India began strongly and earned back-to-back penalty corners in the fifth minute. Though the first attempt was saved, Varun sounded the board from the second chance to hand his side he lead. India continued their attacking game in the second quarter and achieved success in the 28th minute when striker Shilanand beat Ireland goalkeeper Jamie Carr from close range after being fed by Nilam Sanjeep Xess's fierce pass from right side of the circle. India continued in the same vein and won another penalty corner in the 32nd minute and Varun scored .
Rabada charged for Steve Smith send-off
South African speedster Kagiso Rabada has been charged by the International Cricket Council (ICC) with a Level 2 offence for his send-off to Australian skipper Steven Smith during the opening day of the second Test at St. George's Park in Port Elizabeth here.The incident happened after Rabada scalped Smith's crucial wicket for 25 and celebrated the victory by brushing his shoulder against the departing skipper.Rabada, 22, will now face disciplinary action for the vehemence of his celebration and if found guilty, the South African is likely to miss the remainder of the series, as he is only one infraction away from a suspension.He will appear before a hearing tonight.Rabada's team-mate and bowling all-rounder Vernon Philander feels that the former's suspension will be a huge blow to the side.Speaking after day one in Port Elizabeth, team-mate Vernon Philander said it'll be a huge blow if Rabada gets suspended."He would leave a massive hole. He's a big part of this bowling line-up. ...
BCCI must comply with the Lodha Committee: Bishan Bedi
Former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi has said that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should comply with the Justice R.M. Lodha Committee's recommendations without using its usual delaying tactics.The R.M. Lodha Committee was appointed by the Supreme Court in January 2015 to look into the functioning of the Indian cricket board and suggested changes to its constitution."They have to comply with the Lodha Committee. That's a verdict which cannot be withdrawn. It was not a suggestion by the Supreme Court, but a verdict. Supreme Court is the highest court in the country; you cannot expect the court to backtrack," Bedi told ANI on the sidelines of the Blind Cricket Conclave.The legendary left-arm spinner further accused the BCCI of deliberately implementation of the committee's recommendations."Why has there to be the word "control" in BCCI? It should be the Indian cricket board or something else. There is no other country which uses this word with their parent body. Why .
Ashwin replaces injured Jadeja for Irani Cup
Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will replace all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja in the Rest of India squad that will take on Ranji Trophy champions Vidarbha in this year's Irani Cup, starting from March 14.Jadeja has a side strain and has been advised rest, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Saturday."The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Ashwin as the replacement for injured Ravindra Jadeja in the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup," the BCCI said in a statement.The statement added, "Ashwin missed the recently concluded Deodhar Trophy as he was advised a week's rest. He has now recovered and is declared fit to play."Karun Nair will captain the Irani Cup squad. The match will be played in Nagpur from March 14-18Rest of India Squad is as below:Karun Nair (c), Prithvi Shaw, Abhimanyu Easwaran, R Samarth, Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, KS Bharat (WK), R Ashwin, Jayant Yadav, Shahbaz Nadeem, Anmolpreet Singh, Siddarth Kaul, Ankit Rajpoot, Navdeep ...