Page 269 - Sports
South Africa hopeful Rabada will be fit for WC
South Africa are hopeful that injured pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada will be fit in time for the World Cup as he was sidelined for another 2-3 weeks.
Dhoni is an era of cricket, almost like leader of a nation: Hayden
Australia's former star batsman Matthew Hayden has used a variety of superlatives to describe Mahendra Singh Dhoni, calling him an "era of cricket" and "almost like a leader of a nation". The big-hitting ex-opener eulogised the two-time World Cup winning skipper hours ahead of the IPL final between Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, both eyeing a record fourth title. "You know Dhoni, he is not just a player, he is an era of cricket. In many ways, I think MS is like the captain of the gully cricket team, he is one of us, he will do anything," Hayden said on Star Sports' special programme for CSK -- 'The Super Kings Show'. The Australian added, "You see how he warms up, he bowls his leg spinners, he catches, he asks players and people around the squad on how they are doing and he is so relaxed, I think we can all relate to him because we all have busy lives working around with friends and families and that's a big commitment. "So, someone like that at the helm will make you
India's youngsters hoping to impress at FC Bayern Youth Cup world finals
India's promising young footballers are excitedly gearing up to take part and make a mark in the upcoming world finals of the FC Bayern Youth Cup. The players from Bengaluru's Army Boys School, who won the national finals in February, expressed confidence to excel in adidas' world finals on May 19. "It is still unbelievable that we are participating in the World Finals and representing the nation. It is a big responsibility as well as an honour for us, and we are determined to do everything to excel ourselves and make the country proud," the players said in unison. When asked about their strategy for the big finals in Germany, the team said that team spirit, unity, selfless play and diligent football are key elements of focus. They have been going through rigorous training under guidance and supervision of their coaches in terms of tactics and techniques. The team thanked German sportswear manufacturer adidas for bringing in a platform like the FC Bayern Youth Cup in India for budding
Arthur has no idea how to stop Butler
Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur is stunned by Jos Butler's unbeaten 110-run inning in the second ODI against Pakistan as he said neither he nor his bowlers have an idea of how to stop Butler."I don't know how you bowl to him. I've just asked the bowlers the same thing and they didn't have an answer either. But I don't think we're going to stop him, so we've got to try to get him out," ICC quoted Arthur as saying.Butler faced only 55 balls to play a knock of 110 not out, which included six fours and nine sixes. Butler's innings helped his side register a 12-run victory over Pakistan after rain washed out the first ODI.England Skipper Eoin Morgan also praised Butler's inning saying he was the only difference between the two teams."He seems to have a gear that not many of us have. I certainly don't have it, but it's great to watch. He always seems to time his run really well, regardless of what time he comes in, he always seems to have enough balls to go on and bang a 50-ball hundred. He ...
T'gana official in trouble for seeking complimentary tickets for IPL final
A senior official of the Telangana Excise and Prohibition Department landed in trouble for seeking 300 complimentary tickets for the IPL final with higher-ups taking a "serious view" and issuing a memo. The two most successful teams of the Indian Premier League (IPL)-Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings - clash in the final here later Sunday night. K Pradeep Rao, District Prohibition and Excise Officer of Medchal-Malkajgiri District, wrote a letter to the chief executive officer of the Hyderabad Cricket Association seeking 50 complimentary corporate box and 250 other privilege passes to be given to "higher authorities". "Kind attention is invited to the subject cited and requesting to provide (300) IPL cricket match tickets for the upcoming final match to be held on 12-05-2019 so as to provide the same to the higher authorities of the department," Pradeep Rao wrote in an official letter with stamp and seal on May 9. Justifying the letter, the official said many people sought ...
Having a squad of match-winners, honest team selection reason for consistent success: Mahela
The presence of multiple match-winners and a penchant for making "honest" team selection led to the consistent success of Mumbai Indians in the IPL, feels coach Mahela Jayawardene. The mighty Mumbai Indians have been the team to beat in IPL history and the Sri Lankan great says they have worked hard on building a "culture of success". While leggie Mayank Markande did well for them last year, they replaced him with Rahul Chahar who repaid the faith with some match-winning performances. An injured Lasith Malinga was the team mentor last year but this season he is one of the main bowlers. The team was also not afraid to drop veteran Yuvraj Singh for the young Ishan Kishan. The others who can win the game for Mumbai Indians on their day are captain Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, his brother Krunal, Kieron Pollard, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav and opener Quinton de Kock, who has been their leading-run getter this season. "That (multiple match-winners) is something we spoke about at the ..
Workload Management: Most World Cup bound India players feature in all IPL matches
'Workload management' of the World Cup bound India players was paramount for India captain Virat Kohli before the start of the IPL but most of them have ended up playing almost all matches in the cash-rich league. With good three weeks left before India start their World Cup campaign, the fatigue factor may not be an issue for the two-time champions even though everyone will be keen to note how the fast bowling unit holds up. The Indian skipper had indicated at the start of the tournament that if any of the players feel that they need rest, they should go for it keeping World Cup in mind. "If I'm able to play 10, 12 or 15 games, it doesn't necessarily mean that the other guy can only play that many. My body might demand I play a certain number of games and I need to be smart about that and rest," Kohli had said before the IPL opener. It was easier said than done in a league where private franchises would demand everything from their star players and it did happen that way. Skipper ...
Auctioneer recalls Dhoni's sale to CSK before IPL 2008
The only time MS Dhoni did not play in Chennai Super Kings (CSK) colours in the Indian Premier League (IPL) was the two years they were banned. While Dhoni helped in building one of the most consistent and successful T20 franchises in the world, he has admitted on numerous occasions that the move to Chennai was an important pit-stop in his career too.
Dhoni an era of cricket, not just a player: Hayden
MS Dhoni has nothing to prove when it comes to captaincy or finishing any game in his trademark style and the stumper has yet again led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to their eighth Indian Premier League (IPL) final in 10 seasons and is just one win away from clinching the prestigious trophy for the fourth time.
de Villiers now pulls back from Big Bash League
Former South Africa superstar AB de Villiers has gone back on his earlier interest of being a part of the upcoming season of the Big Bash League (BBL).
Selecting final 15 for WC will be difficult: Morgan
England skipper Eoin Morgan has admitted that it will be a tough job to select the final 15 for the upcoming World Cup beginning at the end of this month.
Women's T20 League was great but need to have more teams: Harmanpreet
The inaugural Women's T20 League was a great concept but it was too short and the tournament needs to have more teams and matches going forward, said Supernovas skipper Harmanpreet Kaur after clinching the maiden title. Supernovas defeated Velocity by four wickets to win the inaugural Women's T20 Challenge, a T20 league involving three teams. But Harmanpreet, who has hit a vital 51 in Supernovas last-ball win here on Saturday night, has called for more participation from teams after the success of the tournament. "Firstly it was great tournament for me, I learnt a lot from it and the same goes for other players also. We learned a lot from this tournament and that's what we were expecting," she said after the victory. "We wanted to play a T20 league in India and I am really happy the way it went. We are looking for more matches and more teams in the next Women's T20 League," added Harmanpreet, who was surprised to witness a strong crowd of 15,000 cheering both the teams. Harmanpreet ...
Indian-American student wins ESPN Esports championship
Houston, May 12 (IAN) A team from Georgia Institute of Technology, including an Indian-American student, has won "Hearthstone Collegiate Championship", part of the first-ever ESPN Collegiate Esports Championship.
My daughters forbidden to play outdoor sports: Afridi
Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has said he refuses to let his daughters play any outdoor sports.
Don't know how to bowl to Buttler: Arthur
Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur has praised Jos Buttler who played a match-winning knock of 110* which came off just 55 balls in the second ODI of the five-match series which England won here in Southampton.
CSK vs MI IPL final: A look at stats and numbers
There couldn't be a better end to the 2019 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as two of the best teams in the tournament's history --Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians -- square-off in what promises to be an another thrilling clash on Sunday and it will be interesting to see which team goes home with it's fourth title.
Solskjaer issues fitness warning to United flops
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told Manchester United's players they risk being omitted from the club's pre-season tour if they report back unfit. United manager Solskjaer has repeatedly expressed his frustration at the fitness levels of his players since he took over in December. Solskjaer is of the view that United have to be able to match their rivals physically if they are to close the huge gap between themselves and the top of the Premier League table next season. United are 29 points behind leaders Manchester City going into the final round of league matches on Sunday, with Solskjaer suggesting that even next season, United are unlikely to mount a title challenge. He feels the key to improvement is to make a fast start and build momentum, which is why he wants his players to return for pre-season training on July 1 in their best possible shape. United are scheduled to visit Australia, Singapore and China for four matches in July, although their schedule could be disrupted if they are .
Neymar scores on final game before ban, Monaco in trouble
Neymar responded to being handed a three-match ban by scoring as champions Paris Saint-Germain ended their three-game losing streak away from home with a 2-1 Ligue 1 victory at Angers. Thomas Tuchel's PSG have seen their season fizzle out since a shock Champions League exit at the hands of Manchester United in March, losing the French Cup final and embarking on a run of just one win in seven matches. The return of Neymar from a foot problem on Saturday has been a plus, with the world's most expensive player finding form ahead of his Copa America campaign with Brazil, which starts next month. The 27-year-old's suspension for lashing out at a fan following PSG's penalty-shootout loss to Rennes in the French Cup final comes into effect on Monday, while he will also miss three Champions League games at the start of next season for criticising the referee after the Man United defeat. But he scored his third goal in four games on his final appearance of the season to give PSG a 20th-minute .
Ambris ton helps Windies make record chase against Ireland
Sunil Ambris's maiden One-Day International hundred saw the West Indies complete their highest successful ODI run chase as they beat Ireland by five wickets in Dublin. Ambris made 148, off just 126 balls including 19 fours and a six, as the West Indies surpassed Ireland's total of 327 for five with 13 deliveries remaining on Saturday. The West Indies, who unlike Ireland have qualified for the upcoming World Cup in England and Wales, were behind the run-rate at 112 for two in the 20th over. But a third-wicket stand of 128 between Ambris, playing only his fourth ODI, and Roston Chase (46) helped get the tourists back on track. Not even a three-wicket haul from Ireland's former England fast bowler Boyd Rankin was sufficient to deny the two-time World Cup-winners, with Jonathan Carter (43 not out) and captain Jason Holder (36) seeing the West Indies to their second triangular series win over the tournament hosts. Earlier, Andrew Balbirnie scored a brilliant hundred of his own in an ...
Pakistan the latest left wondering how to stop Buttler
How do you stop Jos Buttler? It was a question that was being asked again after the talented batsman's latest one-day international hundred saw England to a 12-run win over Pakistan in the second one-day international on Saturday. With a home World Cup just weeks away, Buttler's 110 not out, which saw him reach three figures off just 50 balls, was another reminder of his match-winning ability in white-ball cricket. This was Buttler's eighth century in 129 matches at this level, with the England ODI wicket-keeper now having scored 3,497 runs at an average of 42. But what makes Buttler a particularly devastating batsman in this format is a strike-rate of 119.88 -- a figure bettered only by the West Indies' Andre Russell (130.45) and Australia's Glenn Maxwell (121.95). Russell, however, has only scored 998 runs in 52 ODIs, with Maxwell making 2,700 in 100 matches. Alterations in field and bouncer restrictions, a reduction in the number of overs in an ODI, generally shorter boundaries and