Page 418 - Sports
Kohli elated as India retain Test Championship Mace
Virat Kohli-led India have retained the ICC Test Championship Mace and won the purse of $1 million for a third year running after finishing at the top of the ICC Test Team rankings on the cut-off date of April, while New Zealand have ensured second place.
India retain Test Championship for third year in a row
India retained the ICC Test Championship Mace and won the purse of USD one million for a third year running after a memorable season that saw them winning their maiden series in Australia. India finished at the top of the ICC Test team rankings on the cut-off date of April 1 while New Zealand have ensured second place, the world body said in a statement on Monday. "Retaining the ICC Test Championship Mace once again is something we are all really proud of. Our team has been doing well across formats but it gives us extra pleasure to come out on top of the Test rankings," India captain Virat Kohli said reiterating his love for Test cricket. "We all know of the importance of Test cricket and of how only the best can prosper in the format," he added. A top place finish was never in doubt for India, while New Zealand's consistent performances over the past year saw them climb from third position, needing them to only avoid losing the home series against Bangladesh last month to finish at .
Versatility important, says Langer ahead of announcing World Cup squad
Australia coach, Justin Langer, has put emphasis on the importance of versatility of the players ahead of announcing World Cup squad which is set to be picked on April 9.Both the openers, Aaron Finch and Usman Khawaja, showed a stunning performance against Pakistan and whitewashed Pakistan 5-0 to register their first whitewash abroad since 2008.David Warner too proved himself as he scored 100 runs off just 55 balls in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) making it tough for the selectors to pick their opening pair."Aaron has had a really good partnership with David Warner as well. This partnership's blossoming between Aaron and 'Uzzie' at the moment," Cricket.com.au quoted Langer as saying."David has shown he's a very versatile player, Uzzie's batted three a number of times, Finchy's batted in the middle order. Versatility's important," he added.The former test batsman admitted that announcement of the squad will leave some players "brutally unlucky" but the recent performances ...
Not thinking about WC spot, enjoying IPL: Rahul
When it comes to talent, not many can question what India batsman KL Rahul brings to the table. But a couple of failures at the start of this edition of the Indian Premier League saw critics questioning his form as also if this would ultimately see him miss the bus for the World Cup. After all, the Kings XI Punjab batsman is in the race to fill the No.4 slot in the national set-up for the showpiece event in England, starting May 30.
AFC Olympic Qualifiers: Indian women's football team to meet Indonesia
Indian women's football team is set to take on Indonesia in Mandalay, Myanmar on April 3.Coming on the back of their fifth successive SAFF Championship title, India have been sweating it out training in Mandalay since March 26, gearing up for the AFC Olympic Qualifiers Round 2."We arrived here eight days prior to our first match against Indonesia for acclimatization. The team has responded well, and have settled down fast to the torrid weather conditions here. The players have got a feel of the pitch, and the training sessions had been designed specifically to help them adjust while focusing on tactics," head coach Maymol Rocky said."We had won the SAFF Championship in Biratnagar (Nepal), where temperatures were similar but here in Mandalay, its lot more humid. But not just physically, everyone is charged up mentally. The weather won't be an issue. We have prepared hard for the Olympic Qualifiers Round 2, and we won't let the weather dictate our performance," she said."We have played .
Is ICC's #CricketNotAsYouKnowIt a real thing?
ICC started their Monday morning by posting a prolific number of tweets announcing the changes they are planning to bring in longest-format cricket during the World Test Championship to make it more distinctive and appealing to the younger generation.Some of the changes they planned to bring in Test cricket for the World Test Championship, which is scheduled to commence in the month of July this year, from traditional Test cricket are:Numbers and Instagram handle on jerseys:ICC tweeted to bring numbers and Instagram handles to the jerseys of the players to make it more appealing to the younger generation.Using their official Twitter handle, ICC tweeted: "As part of our efforts to make the game more appealing to younger generations, the ICC will be applying both numbers and Instagram handles to kits from the beginning of the World Test Championship."Twitter polls rather than traditional coin toss:Now the fans will decide who will come to bat first and who will have to go for bowling by
Gaj Singh graces the Sternhagen Polo Cup 2019
The polo ground at ARC, Mahalaxmi in Mumbai, was flush with colour, sound and excitement as over 500 guests embarked on a thrilling adventure during the Sternhagen Polo Cup, held on 30th March 2019.The event brought together some of the finest professional talent and Polo enthusiasts from India and overseas. It was a tournament with an atmosphere where, between the comings and goings of the private jets, high-quality and adrenaline rushing matches had people constantly on their feet.Complementing the thrilling games were prestigious exhibitors such as Ferrari cars, luxury sponsors of the event with Sternhagen Germany being the main sponsor and many others, including La Polo Magazine - the associate sponsor and Chivas and Stella Artois - the celebrations partner that made it well worth a visit even between the matches. A gala evening at the venue offered the perfect amalgamation of luxury and sophistication.The final game between V-Piramal Polo Vs Madon Polo saw V-Piramal Polo emerge ..
Manu Sawhney takes over as Chief Executive of ICC
Manu Sawhney took over as the International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive on Monday.Sawhney has been working alongside the outgoing CEO David Richardson for the last six weeks to ensure a smooth transition within the organisation."I am absolutely delighted to be taking over the reins from David, who has steered the sport so capably over the last seven years. I am pleased to say he will continue to lead the delivery of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 and there is no better person to ensure the event is the greatest celebration of cricket ever," Sawhney said."I am excited by the opportunities ahead and I am looking forward to working in partnership with our Members, partners and staff to ambitiously accelerate the global growth of the game. Technology, engagement, women's cricket and driving greater value are key focus areas for us as we consider how we can innovate to transform the sport's long-term future and create a vibrant and sustainable sport globally," he ...
Sawhney takes over as Chief Executive of ICC
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced that Manu Sawhney will assume the position of Chief Executive with immediate effect.
Praful Patel set to be first Indian in FIFA Council
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) might be fighting a legal battle in the Supreme Court over the validity of its constitution vis-a-vis the National Sports Code (NSC) but President Praful Patel is set to don the bigger role on the world stage this week.
Sawhney takes charge as ICC Chief Executive
Media professional Manu Sawhney on Monday took charge as Chief Executive of the International Cricket Council and will work alongside Dave Richardson, who will step down after the World Cup in July. Former ESPN Star Sports MD Sawhney has already been working alongside outgoing Chief Executive Richardson for the last six weeks to ensure a smooth transition. Richardson will remain with the ICC until July as originally planned to oversee the delivery of the World Cup in the United Kingdom. Sawhney was appointed in January. His appointment was ratified by the ICC Board following a global search and appointment process led by the apex body's chairman Shashank Manohar and the Nominations Committee. "I am absolutely delighted to be taking over the reins from David, who has steered the sport so capably over the last seven years. I am excited by the opportunities ahead and I am looking forward to working in partnership with our Members, partners and staff to ambitiously accelerate the global .
Srikanth heads to Malaysia after high of India Open
A strong finish at the India Open will hold him in good stead when Kidambi Srikanth yet again strives to end his long title drought at the USD 700,000 Malaysia Open, beginning here Tuesday. Srikanth, who last won a title at the 2017 French Open, came close to ending the lean patch when he reached the finals of the India Open but Denmark's Viktor Axelsen thwarted his challenge on Sunday. Despite the loss, it was a good week for the 26-year-old as he quelled the challenge of one opponent after another on way to his first summit clash of a BWF world tour event in 17 months. On Wednesday, Srikanth will begin his campaign against a qualifier, following the withdrawal of Malaysian legend Lee Chong Wei, who was supposed to play his first event after recovering from nose cancer. "I'm just happy how it has been last week. I just want to take it the way it comes. I know I was trailing in most of the matches but somehow I wanted this kind of momentum. I wanted these kind of wins and want to ...
Malaysia tour will help us improve in key areas ahead of Olympic qualifiers: Savita
Indian women's hockey team skipper Savita Monday said their Malaysia tour will help improve on key areas ahead of the Olympic qualifiers, slated to be held later this year. An 18-member Indian women's hockey team will play a five-match series against Malaysia, starting April 4. "Earlier this year we played in Spain where we did well against the hosts and Ireland. We will carry the same confidence into Malaysia and look to improve on key areas which we felt needed to be worked on after analysing our performance in Spain," Savita said. "Whatever we are doing now is all part of the preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics qualifying event later this year and we are looking to improve as a team as well as our individual performance," explained Savita. Going into the tour with some key players missing due to injuries such as experienced striker Rani, midfielder Namita Toppo and dragflicker Gurjit Kaur, Savita said the tour will be a good platform for the youngsters to step up and make use .
RCB, Royals clash in search for their maiden win
Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the only two teams yet to win a game in the 2019 IPL, will be desperate to outdo each other in a clash of strugglers at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium here on Tuesday. Both teams have been more than disappointing thus far in the IPL and need a win to revive their respective campaigns. Royals have failed to tighten the screws when it mattered most. In the all three matches, they were in a good position but could not grab the moments, losing to Kings XI Punjab, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings respectively. In Chennai on Sunday, Royals had CSK reeling at 27 for three before skipper M S Dhoni smashed an unbeaten 75 off 46 balls to bail the hosts out of trouble and eventually win the game by eight runs. "We win as a team and we lose as a team. If we win the smaller moments in T20s we will do well. We have played well in the last three games and hopefully with some luck we'll be able to turn it around," said Royals skipper Ajinkya ..
Indian women's hockey team to play five-match series against Malaysia
Indian women's hockey team is set to play a five-match series against Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, starting April 4.The match will kick off on April 4 at 4:30 pm (IST).Ace goalkeeper Savita, who will led the side, believes the eight-day tour will help India in their preparation for the FIH Series Final in June."Earlier this year we played in Spain where we did well against the hosts and Ireland. We will carry the same confidence into Malaysia and look to improve on key areas which we felt needed to be worked on after analysing our performance in Spain," Savita said."Whatever we are doing now is all part of the preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Qualifying event later this year and we are looking to improve as a team as well as our individual performance," she added.Going into the tour with some key players missing due to injuries such as experienced striker Rani, midfielder Namita Toppo and drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur, Savita said the tour will be a good platform for the youngsters to
New Zealand U19 tour of Bangladesh called off
New Zealand Under-19 tour of Bangladesh, slated for this month, has been cancelled in the aftermath of terror attacks that claimed lives of 50 people at two mosques in Christchurch.New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chairman Greg Barclay said both the NZC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) agreed that sending an age-group team to one of the countries affected would be insensitive and inappropriate, ESPNcricinfo reported."We have conveyed our deep sense of regret over the circumstances leading to this mutual decision, and the BCB have been both understanding and generous in response," Barclay said."NZC have nothing but respect for the BCB and believe this development has only served to bring our countries closer together, and to strengthen our bond through cricket," the chairman added.In reply, the BCB has expressed "solidarity with NZC and the peace-loving people of New Zealand".Moreover, Barclay said both countries will continue playing bilateral series across all levels. Later in ...
Manzi hattrick dismantles Pune as Chennai storm into quarter-finals
Chennai City FC emerged 4-2 victorious over FC Pune City in a thrilling Hero Super Cup pre-quarter final encounter at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.The match on Sunday evening gave both the sides a chance each within the first three minutes but neither could make the most of it. Pune's midfield comprising of Adil Khan and Marko Stankovic held control in attack and defense, giving hardly any space to the likes of Pedro Javier Manzi and Nestor Gordillo to work with.Pune had two glorious chances in the space of ten minutes around the midway point of the first half. Adil released Marcelo Pereira on the left, who in turn picked out Iain Hume free inside the box. The Canadian headed his ball on target, but Mauro Boerchio pulled out a sensational save to keep the match goalless. Hume then, turned provider for Marcelo, for the second of those chances, but the Brazilian lobbed his shot over the onrushing Boerchio.Chennai attack had been quiet until then, but somehow managed to break ...
With dew, we knew batting would get easier, says Dhoni after match-winning effort
Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said the Chennai Super Kings dressing room remained calm despite a wobbly start against the Rajasthan Royals in an IPL match here as the side knew that batting would get easier owing to the dew factor. Super Kings posted 175 for five on Sunday night and Dhoni led the team's recovery from 27 for three with an unbeaten 75 off 46 balls. The hosts restricted Royals to 167 for eight to win the game by eight runs. "We wanted to get a partnership going - that was needed. We knew there was some dew on the field. We knew it would get easier as the game progresses. We bat quite deep - until 9 and knew we could accelerate in the last few overs," said Dhoni at the post-match presentation after Super Kings' registered their third straight win. He explained why he brought in left-arm spinner Mitchell Santer. "We have a stable XI and there were a lot less left-handers in the opposition, so we gave Mitch Santner a go. It isn't that important to make changes if not ...
From Slap Gate to Lalit Modi: IPL controversies (Part 1)
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is no less than a festival for the fans in the country. It is the perfect mix of cricket and entertainment. Not only does it entertain them with boundaries and sixes, but also gets them to witness their favourite stars playing for their favourite teams.
Finch sounds World Cup warning as Australia confidence rockets
Captain Aaron Finch warned Australia will embark on their World Cup defence next month with confidence riding high after completing an ODI sweep against Pakistan on Sunday hot on the heels of a series victory in India. Written off after a torrid 15 months which saw Australia win just three of 18 one-day internationals, Finch led the 2015 World Cup winners from 2-0 down last month to beat Virat Kohli's formidable side 3-2, Australia's first series win in India since 2009. They then romped to a 5-0 rout of a depleted Pakistan who rested six top players for the series played in the United Arab Emirates, including regular captain Sarfraz Ahmed, ahead of the World Cup which begins on May 30. "We'll go to the World Cup with a lot of confidence now, even after a lot of people wrote us off," said Finch who was declared man of the series for his 451 runs including two hundreds and two fifties. "Potentially we had a real focus coming here and that was our last hit-out before the World Cup so we