Page 235 - Sports
Want to prove Arthur wrong, Riaz after getting World Cup call
Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz, who recently found a spot in his country's final 15-man World Cup squad, is keen to prove coach Mickey Arthur wrong by excelling in the premier tournament."Now it's about what we are going to do in the World Cup. Obviously, it's the coach's duty to get the best results from the players, and he wants players that can win matches for the team. I also wanted to be in the team, the only difference is I missed two years of (international) cricket. Now I am in and want to prove him (Arthur) wrong and justify my opportunity," ESPN Cricinfo quoted Riaz, as saying.In 2018, Arthur had criticised Riaz for his work ethic and even went on to say that the pacer has not won them a game in two years.Riaz has not played an ODI match since June 2017 and was not named in the 17 men who were in England recently for a five-match ODI series. However, Riaz remained optimistic throughout and said that he does not want to waste the opportunity he has got."You can't say it was .
Buttler is England's dangerman, says Ponting
England boats of a number of match-winners in their 15-man World Cup squad, but former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has handpicked Jos Buttler as the dangerman for the hosts in the showpiece, stating May 30. "The dangerman for England is gonna be Jos Buttler. I just watched him develop over the last 2 or 3 years. I had a chance to coach him at Mumbai Indians 3 or 4 seasons ago when he was really sort of starting to make his mark in international cricket," Ponting was quoted as saying in a video posted at Cricket Australia website. "What he has done in the last 12 to 18 months whether in a T20, One-Day game or a Test match for England, it's really outstanding. So, Jos Buttler is England's dangerman for me." "He (Buttler) might not take the gloves but his middle-order batting is out of this world. He scores 360 degrees around the ground, hits the ball incredibly hard, hits the ball a long way as well," he added. Besides Buttler, England's team comprises of match-winners like skipper .
She's beautiful: Anderson thought on 1st meeting Broad
James Anderson and Stuart Broad are perhaps one of the most destructive bowling pairs in modern times. The duo have taken more than 1,000 Test wickets between them for England and have been one of the main reasons why the team has seen tremendous success in last decade.
India lost 0-3 to China, crash out of Sudirman Cup
India crashed out of the Sudirman Cup mixed team badminton championships after losing 0-3 to 10-time champions China in the second and final group match, here Wednesday. After going down 2-3 to Malaysia in their opening Group 1D match, India needed an extraordinary effort to get across the mighty Chinese but the shuttlers yet again produced a below-par performance to go down in a lop-sided contest. The gap between India's mixed doubles pair of Pranaav Jerry Chopra and N Sikki Reddy and Chinese combination of Wang Yilyu and Huang Dongping was evident once again as they went down 5-21 11-21 against the world no 2 pair to trail 0-1. Sameer Verma, whose straight-game loss to Lee Zii Jia proved to be vital against Malaysia on Tuesday, once again took the court after Kidambi Srikanth suffered a minor injury during practice sessions here. "Won't be playing today due to an injury caused during practice. Will be backing the team for today's all-important match," Srikanth had tweeted ahead of ..
Can Morgan & Co create history at home? (SWOT)
England, for the first time, will go into a World Cup as leading contender to win the coveted trophy. After crashing out in the group stage level in the 2015 edition, England seemed to have rejuvenated in a manner no other team could manage in four years. The extent of Englands dominance in the limited-overs format can be judged by the fact they have not lost a bilateral series in the last two years.
England will be at the heart of a special WC, says Vaughan
In-form England have the "best opportunity" to break their title jinx in the ODI World Cup and they will be at the heart of what promises to be a "special" showpiece event, said former captain Michael Vaughan. "It's the best opportunity in my time for England - I remember 1992 as a youngster, watching that final at college," Vaughan said. "They got to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy two years ago but didn't get over the line on that occasion. They've got to see that as a real positive experience and if they get into the semis again, play smart cricket." Vaughan also termed England's 15-man World Cup squad as the best he has ever seen. "This England squad is the best I've seen. They have earned the right to be favourites," Vaughan was quoted as saying by BBC Sport after England named their 15-man squad for the tournament, which begins on May 30. "I think we're in for a special World Cup - world-class players, world-class teams - and I think England will be right at the heart of
Tough but a right call, Eoin Morgan on exclusion of Denly and Willey
England on Tuesday announced their final squad for the forthcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup that featured Jofra Archer and Liam Dawson. Joe Denly and David Willey were the ones who had to face the consequences of their inclusion as they were missed out after being named in England's provisional World Cup team.England skipper Eoin Morgan stated that ruling Denly and Willey out from the final World Cup squad was his 'toughest decision ever' but at the same time backed it by calling it a 'right call'."It was the toughest decision I've ever been a part of, certainly with this group. To leave two guys out, one who has been around for the last four years and been a big part of everything we've done on and off the field, and the other is an exceptionally talented cricketer. It's unfortunate for those who missed out but it was the right call," ESPN Cricinfo quoted Morgan, as saying.Also, James Vince has found a spot in the squad replacing Alex Hales.Besides having an edge of playing at ...
Maxwell keen to play a part with the ball in Australia's WC quest
Better known for his hard-hitting abilities, Glenn Maxwell has set his sights on becoming an asset for Australia with his part-time off-spin in the upcoming ICC World Cup in the United Kingdom. Maxwell has averaged five overs per match since Aaron Finch took over as skipper, compared to just 2.4 overs under Steve Smith's captaincy. He also completed his full quota of 10 overs three times in the recent tours of India and the UAE. "That's probably the clarity I have with my role," the Victorian told reporters here when asked about his role as a bowler. "It's something I did a little in Dubai and India, I started to get a few more overs and get that consistency. To have that continue into my time at Lancashire where I got plenty of time at the bowling crease, you get that rhythm and feel of the ball coming out consistently. "You need that as a part-time bowler to have that consistency and time at the crease. Just get the cobwebs out a bit," Maxwell added. Maxwell's effectiveness with his
Best opportunity for England to win World Cup: Vaughan
Former skipper Michael Vaughan believes the Eoin Morgan-led side has the best opportunity England have had in years to win the World Cup.
FIFA working on solution for World Cup ticketing issue
Responding to criticism after some fans buying tickets for the Women's World Cup were not given seats together, FIFA said it was working toward a solution with the local organising committee in France. Tickets were made available for printing Monday and ticket holders learned their seats were sometimes split up in separate rows and different sections even couples and families with children were separated. The backlash on social media was swift. On Tuesday, FIFA posted a statement to its website explaining that high demand for some matches, including the semifinal and final in Lyon, meant only single seats were available. FIFA also said that it estimates only a small number of fans are affected. "FIFA and the Local Organizing Committee are continuing to work towards finding the best solution for all fans attending the FIFA Women's World Cup and, in particular, are doing everything they can to ensure that families will always be seated together at each and every match," the statement ..
Determined to 'prove Arthur wrong' at WC: Wahab Riaz
Left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz, who has been named in the Pakistan squad for the upcoming World Cup, is raring to go and prove coach Mickey Arthur wrong in the showpiece event beginning May 30 in England and Wales.
Messi and Aguero in Argentina Copa America squad
Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi and the returning Sergio Aguero headed the 23-man Copa America squad announced by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni. Paris Saint Germain winger Angel Di Maria was also included but there was no place for striker Gonzalo Higuain, who is on loan at Chelsea from Juventus. "These are the best players in an important time for the national team," said Scaloni on Tuesday ahead of the tournament hosted by Brazil, which begins on June 14. Argentina will play in Group B alongside Colombia, Paraguay and guests Qatar, the 2022 World Cup hosts and current Asian champions. Messi, who only returned to the Argentina squad in March after an eight-month absence following the World Cup in Russia, will turn 32 during the competition. Di Maria, like Messi, made his post-World Cup return in March ahead of friendlies against Venezuela and Morocco, but Manchester City's Aguero had not been called up since Argentina's 4-3 last 16 defeat to eventual champions France in ...
With the world at her feet, Osaka takes Paris in her stride
Twelve months ago at Roland Garros, an embarrassed Naomi Osaka bristled at being hailed as the 'coolest thing' in tennis. Now, however, the 21-year-old Japanese returns to Paris as comfortably the sport's hottest ticket with the world number one billing, a bank balance bursting at the seams and on the brink of a third successive Grand Slam title. "The one word that comes to my mind is amazing," says Osaka's older sister Mari, a fellow tour player. "I'm really proud of her." Naomi Osaka was seeded at a Grand Slam for the first time at the 2018 French Open when she made the third round, countering claims she was the 'coolest thing in tennis' by asserting she was the sport's 'most awkward person'. But it was the razzle-dazzle of New York -- helped by a mega-meltdown by Serena Williams -- which propelled her to a maiden Slam triumph in September. That was backed up by a second major at the Australian Open, her status as the face of the new generation of women's tennis comfortably ...
Messi, Aguero in Argentina's squad for Copa America
Argentina national football coach Lionel Scaloni has announced his roster for the upcoming Copa America, which will be led by Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero.
India leaves for England to participate in World Cup
Team India, on Wednesday, left for England from Mumbai airport to participate in the much-anticipated International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's Cricket World Cup.The premier tournament is set to commence from May 30. However, ahead of the World Cup, warm-up matches will take place starting from May 24. India will face New Zealand on May 25 for their first warm-up match followed by a match against Bangladesh on May 28.Virat Kohli will lead the India side in the quadrennial tournament and the squad also includes the 2011 World Cup winning captain MS Dhoni.At a press conference held in Mumbai on Tuesday, Kohli opined that they are entering in the tournament with a balanced and a strong side."We are going into the World Cup as a balanced and strong side. You saw in the IPL as well. All the players in the squad are in great form and playing really well. I think from that point of view, we just expect ourselves to play the best cricket we can," Kohli said.India will kick-off its World Cup ..
Sri Lanka snap losing streak with Scotland win
Sri Lanka snapped an eight-match one-day international losing streak ahead of the World Cup with a 35-run win over Scotland in a rain-affected match in Edinburgh on Tuesday. The Scots may not have qualified for the World Cup but last year beat tournament hosts and favourites England to prove they were well capable of causing an upset. Saturday's opener had been abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain, but the teams had better luck with the weather second time. Dimuth Karunaratne, the new Sri Lanka captain top-scored with 77 in a total of 322 for eight -- just his second fifty at this level and first since he reached the landmark against Scotland on the same ground back in 2011. It was one of three fifties on the innings, including opening partner Avishka Fernando's maiden ODI half-century. But both batsmen men dropped off Brad Wheal, Karunaratne at first slip on 13 and Avishka on 22 at mid-off. Karunaratne received a third life on 36 when Calum MacLeod couldn't hang on to a .
Shahzad century fires Afghanistan to World Cup warm-up win
Mohammad Shahzad smashed a blistering 101 as Afghanistan fine-tuned their World Cup preparations with a 126-run thrashing of Ireland to draw the one-day international series on Tuesday. Afghanistan were put in to bat by the hosts in Belfast and Shahzad made them pay with his 87-ball century. Together with Rahmat Shah, Shahzad put on 150 for the second wicket to help the visitors take control. Najibullah Zadran added a rapid-fire 60 not out from 33 balls as Afghanistan amassed 305-7 in their 50 overs, a total that set a record for internationals at Stormont's Civil Service Cricket Club. Ireland never looked likely to threaten Afghanistan's total despite Paul Stirling's 56-ball half century -- his fourth successive score of 50 or more. Gulbadin Naib, who was named Afghanistan's one-day captain last month, was Ireland's chief tormentor. Naib took 6-43 to record the third-best figures by an Afghanistan bowler in ODI cricket, including the key wickets of Stirling and Gary Wilson, who was .
India has a lot of match-winners for World Cup, says Mithali Raj
India ODI captain Mithali Raj on Tuesday said that "India definitely has a lot of match-winners" and will be going in as favourites in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, beginning May 30 in England.In a video posted by the Twitter handle of the UK in Hyderabad, Mithali along with Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to Hyderabad, can be seen discussing how the India ODI captain is looking forward to the tournament this summer.Mithali said that she is quite excited, adding, "All the teams, all the main players are in good form with the IPL just wrapping up recently. Everyone is now looking forward to the World Cup."Replying to Fleming's question on which team has the better chances to lift the trophy, Mithali said, "India is absolutely going in as favourites because they have been doing very well in the one-dayers and in the other formats in the recent past."The India ODI captain, however, keeping in mind England's home conditions, added, "But I cannot rule out the home team .
India Open International Boxing: Mary Kom, Nikhat Zareen to meet in semi-final
Six-time world champion Mary Kom and Asian Championships bronze medallist Nikhat Zareen set up a blockbuster semi-final in the India Open International Boxing on Tuesday.In the 51 kg category, Mary and Nikhat confirmed medals in the second edition of the tournament at the Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi AC Indoor Stadium here.London Olympic bronze medallist Mary wasted no time in progressing into the last four with a commanding 5-0 win over Nepal's Mala Rai.Strandja Cup gold medallist Nikhat too was equally impressive with her flurry of punches against compatriot Anamika and registered a comfortable 5-0 victory.Meanwhile, Manju Rani, Monika, and Kalavani have entered in the 48 kg semi-finals to book five medals on the second day of the tournament, bringing India's total medal tally to 15.Strandja Cup silver medallist Manju kept attacking Cleo Claveras Tesara of Philippines right from the start to earn a win by RSC (Referee Stop Contest) in Round 1 to move into the 48 kg ...
T20 World Cup Africa Final: Namibia, Kenya, Uganda make bright start
Kenya, Namibia, and Uganda made a bright start with their victories over Nigeria, Ghana, and Botswana, respectively in the T20 World Cup Africa Final tournament.After the opening day of the tournament was abandoned on Sunday, play eventually got underway in Kampala.Tournament organisers made the decision to move all fixtures at Kyambogo for the rest of the week, ICC has reported.Once the players were able to take the field, Kenya made the early noise as they trounced Nigeria by eight wickets in the opening game.Kenya captain Shem Ngoche took two for six in three overs as Nigeria was restricted to 105 for five. Only veteran Leke Odeye made an impression with a run-a-ball 27 for Nigeria.The response from Kenya was brutal as they scored 106 for two inside 13 overs. Alex Obanda got the innings going with 27 from 22 balls, but it was Dhiren Gondaria's punishing unbeaten 47 from just 31 balls that settled the match.Namibia cruised to a nine-wicket triumph over Ghana in the second game. ...