Page 424 - Sports
Cool Rahul anchors Kings XI Punjab to eight-wicket win over Mumbai Indians
K L Rahul played the role of a sheet anchor to perfection as Kings XI Punjab returned to winning ways with a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in an IPL encounter here Saturday. The talented Rahul was unbeaten on 71 off 57 balls with KXIP reaching the 177-run target in only 18.4 overs. This was KXIP's second win in three games while MI lost their second game. The India international hit six fours and a six but what stood out was the manner in which he paced his innings. He played second fiddle to perfection till the dashing Chris Gayle and the flamboyant Mayank Agarwal were at the crease but upped the ante when it was required. The 15th over bowled by Hardik Pandya swung the match decisively in KXIP's favour with 19 runs coming off it. Once the pressure was off, Rahul hit the ever-dependable Jasprit Bumrah for successive fours to literally close the match. Gayle (40, 24 balls) batted in a manner only he can as he cleared his front leg and hit those towering sixes ..
Kiwi all-rounder Kuggeleijn to replace injured Ngidi in CSK squad
Defending champions Chennai Super Kings Saturday named New Zealand all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn as a replacement for injured pacer Lungi Ngidi for the remainder of the Indian Premier League. Speaking to reporters on the eve of the match against Rajasthan Royals at the M A Chidambaram stadium here, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming said they had gone in for Kuggeleijn, who bowls quick and bats well and added that he would be joining the squad next week. "For Lungi we've been a little bit more selective. It's obviously a different level of replacement player (required for him) based on price. We've gone with Scott Kuggeleijn, who's a New Zealand international, who bowls quick and bats well. So we've gone for an all-rounder who has good pace and good variations. He'll be joining us next week," Fleming said. Ngidi has been ruled out of the ongoing IPL even before its start after the South African pacer felt discomfort while bowling during the last ODI against Sri Lanka at Newlands ...
Chikka top Indian at tied 6th; Suri, Shinkwin share lead at Hero Indian Open
Young Indian golfer S Chikkarangappa gave himself a long shot at the Hero Indian Open 2019 with the day's best card of six-under 66 to be placed an impressive tied sixth at the demanding DLF Golf & Country Club here Saturday. Chikka, who came within a whisker of grabbing his maiden Asian and European title in Mauritius last year, was five shots behind overnight leader Julian Suri and Callum Shinkwin of England, who is looking for his first won on the European Tour. Two-time European Tour winner Shubhankar Sharma grinded out a hard-fought one-under-71 to move up four places to tied 15th at three-under-213 and was next best Indian after Chikka. Among other Indians, Rashid Khan (72) was tied 21st at two-under 214 and SSP Chawrasia (71), who lamented his cold putter and two three-putts, was one-over 217 at tied 47th spot. Other Indians are Ajeetesh Sandhu (73) at tied 54th, Gaurav Pratap Singh (73) at tied 59th, Gaganjeet Bhullar (72) at tied 63rd and Rahil Gangjee (77) at tied ...
Ashwin-Buttler 'mankad' controversy is good warning ahead of World Cup: Joe Root
England Test captain Joe Root believes the recent 'mankad' controversy between R Ashwin and Jos Buttler during an IPL match is a "good warning" ahead of the World Cup.Kings XI Punjab skipper Ashwin removed the bails of Rajasthan Royals batsman Buttler, who was at the non-striker's end. As the off-spinner acted within the laws, the umpire ruled Buttler run-out."I think it's a good warning now and I'm glad it's not happened to us in the World Cup final for example, or in a World Cup game," ESPNcricinfo quoted Root, as saying.Root is confident that his side will not indulge in the tactic. However, he wants clarity over what constitutes an acceptable 'mankad' before the World Cup begins."I think you know some people might be looking for clarification now. I think umpires being really clear on what is out and what is not out is going to be crucial. Making sure everyone is on the same page with it so that there are no inconsistencies is going to be really important; having the clarity there
IPL: Punjab fight back to restrict Mumbai at 176/7
An impressive bowling effort helped Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) restrict Mumbai Indians at 176/7 in their Indian premier League (IPL) clash at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium here on Saturday.
Quinton, Hardik shine as MI score 176/7 vs KXIP
Hardik Pandya once again provided the final flourish after yet another middle-order collapse as Mumbai Indians managed 176 for 7 against Kings XI Punjab in an Indian Premier League encounter here Saturday. Quinton de Kock with a 39-ball-60 created a platform which the middle-order unfortunately didn't make full use of before Hardik smashed 31 off 19 balls to enable MI get past 175-run mark. While De Kock hit six boundaries and two sixes in his innings, Pandya hit three boundaries and a six off Mohammed Shami. Skipper Rohit Sharma also looked good during his brief stay at the crease, scoring 32 off 18 balls with five fours. He added 51 for the opening stand with De Kock. For the home team, it was the lesser known Ashwin -- Murugan, who emerged as the most successful bowler with figures of 2 for 25 from his four overs. Skipper Ravichandran Ashwin didn't get any wickets but gave away only 26 runs in his four overs. The pace troika of Shami (2/40 in 4 overs), Andrew Tye (1/40 in 4 overs) .
FanFight's extensive growth in the world of Fantasy Cricket
Cricket is a religion in India and the fantasy version of the sport has gathered rapid pace. From being a mere pastime to garnering over 20 crore Indians, Fantasy Cricket has certainly come a long way.One platform that has played catalyst to this exponential rise of fantasy sports in India has been FanFight. Its creativity, vision and simplicity has made it one of the most trusted fantasy sports platforms in the country.In the midst of a busy corporate sector in Gurugram lies a workplace where ideas are created. One idea that sprung to life and is making immense. is the world of fantasy sports - FanFight. The seeds of this idea were sown and within no time this very idea has gone on to evolve into one of the finest fantasy cricket platforms in India.Akhil Suhag, ISB alumni and the founder of FanFight, had envisaged the growth of the fantasy sports market in the country and to design a product that has now garnered more than 2 million users in a short duration is one success story ...
Srikanth seals final spot at India Open
Former champion Kidambi Srikanth broke a 17-month long drought by reaching the finals of the USD 350,000 India Open after prevailing in a three-game thriller in the men's singles competition here Saturday. Srikanth had entered the finals of Commonwealth Games last year but he failed to reach the summit clash in any BWF superseries or BWF World Tour tournament since his French Open win in October, 2017. The 26-year-old from Guntur eked out a 14-21 21-16 21-19 triumph over China's Huang yuxiang in an engrossing semifinal. He will face either second seed Viktor Axelsen or India's Parupalli Kashyap in the final. "It's been really long since I reached a final. I'm just happy to be here, playing the final again," Srikanth said. "I was trailing in the decided and I am happy to pull it off. I'm happy to come back in the second. It was about keeping the shuttle in. The crowd kept me going." Srikanth used his flat tosses and deep lifts to engage his rival into rallies but Huang was also up to ..
Complaint to Ombudsman: Ganguly as 'advisor' during KKR game at Eden will be Conflict of Interest
The BCCI Ombudsman DK Jain has received two complains that Sourav Ganguly will be "conflicted" if he performs his role as Delhi Capitals' advisor in an upcoming IPL encounter against KKR at the Eden Gardens on April 12. Two West Bengal based cricket fans, Ranjit Seal and Bhaswati Shantua in separate communications to Justice (Retd) D K Jain has questioned Ganguly's role as an advisor of Delhi Capitals when he is still the president of Cricket Association of Bengal. While Ganguly at the time of accepting the offer had made it clear that he has sought permission from the Committee of Administrators (CoA) and there is no "Conflict of Interest", both the fans have posed similar question to Jain, who is also the Ethics Officer of the board. "I would also like to draw your kind attention that on 12th April, 2019 (inadvertently quoted 12th May, 2019 in my earlier e-mail), Kolkata Knight Riders(KKR) vs- Delhi Capital Match will be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. KKR is the local franchisee ..
Punjab opt to field against Mumbai in IPL
Kings XI Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin won the toss and opted to field against Mumbai Indians in an Indian Premier League (IPL) clash at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium here on Saturday.
Akhil lands spot in Aston Martin racing driver academy
Young Indian racer Akhil Rabindra has been selected by the Aston Martin Racing (AMR) Young Driver Racing Academy for training and assessment, which presents him a chance to earn a reserve driver role with the team in 2020. The 22-year-old Indian is the only Asian amongst 23 elite young drivers picked from across the world. The drivers were selected by a group of judges that included three-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Darren Turner (GB), FIA World Endurance Championship drivers Jonny Adam (GB) and Maxime Martin (BEL) as well as Aston Martin Racing team principal Paul Howarth. The best performer of the year will earn a reserve driver role in 2020 with the factory Aston Martin Racing team. Akhil was also chosen from Asia Pacific region for the prestigious FIA Institute Young Drivers Excellence Academy in 2014 and then in 2017 when he was the only Indian to be selected by the McLaren GT Driver Academy. "Being the only Indian and Asian in this group of elite drivers gives me a rush of ...
Sachin Tendulkar meets Sharad Pawar
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar Saturday called on NCP chief Sharad Pawar at his residence 'Silver Oak' here. NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said it was a "courtesy call" and the two did not discuss politics during the meeting that lasted for around half an hour. A party source said Pawar had backed Tendulkar recently when he was trolled by BJP supporters for stating, after the Pulwama attack, that India should play Pakistan in the World Cup, and "today's meeting was just a courtesy call against that backdrop." Amid demand that India should not play Pakistan even during the coming World Cup after the Pulwama incident, Tendulkar had said he would hate to gift two points to Pakistan by not playing. As he came under fire, Pawar defended Tendulkar, a former Rajya Sabha member, saying those attacking the master batsman should keep it in mind that he started his career by beating Pakistan.
To develop football, local talent need to be given chance: I-League CEO
I-League CEO Sunando Dhar on Friday stressed that "local talents need to be given a chance so that football is developed from the roots"."Not only does the club benefit from their (local talents) services in the long run but football, in general, grows as these local players become stars and inculcate a passion towards football," Dhar said.Players like Real Kashmir's Bilal Khan or Chennai City FC's Gaurav Bora were absolutely unknown names prior to the kick-off of the I-League 2018-19. Bora even went on to score two goals in Chennai City's win over Minerva Punjab FC to land his team their maiden title, an effort which prompted head coach Derrick Pereira to hand him his maiden U-23 national team call-up."Chennai City FC, Real Kashmir and Minerva Punjab FC have all given rise to local talent and they are reaping the benefits. Teams need to take responsibility of developing talents in their own region and promoting football," he said.Moreover, the I-League CEO said the "club licensing ...
Murali has advised me to stick to my stock ball: Shahbaz Nadeem
Shahbaz Nadeem's USP has been his accuracy which frustrates batsmen and Sunrisers Hyderabad spin bowling mentor Muttiah Muralitharan wants the Jharkhand left-arm spinner to stick to his core skills. An India A regular and one of the most successful bowlers in first-class cricket, Nadeem has had sporadic success at the IPL level, mostly during his time at the erstwhile Delhi Daredevils, where he was used as a restrictive option. "Training under Murali has been great. I have picked up a couple of things under his guidance. I am implementing that in my bowling. He has asked me to stick to my stock ball (spinning away from right-handers) not to vary much from it," Nadeem told PTI during an interview. Whether its Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav for India, Yasir Shah for Pakistan, Adil Rashid for England or Adam Zampa for Australia, wrist spinners have become the preferred choice in the shorter formats of the game everywhere. But Nadeem thinks differently. For him, it is consistency that
KXIP win toss, put MI in to bat
Kings XI Punjab captain Ravichandran Ashwin won the toss and elected to bowl against Mumbai Indians in an Indian Premier League match here on Saturday. KXIP have made one change, bringing in Murugan Ashwin in place of Varun Chakravarthy. Mumbai Indians have fielded an unchanged side. Teams: Mumbai Indians: Quinton de Kock (wk), Rohit Sharma (C), Suryakumar Yadav, Yuvraj Singh, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Mayank Markande, Mitchell McClenaghan, Lasith Malinga, Jasprit Bumrah. Kings XI Punjab: Lokesh Rahul (wk), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Sarfaraz Khan, David Miller, Mandeep Singh, Hardus Viljoen, Ravichandran Ashwin (c), Murugan Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Andrew Tye.
I want to win a trophy with Argentina: Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi has reiterated his commitment to Argentina's national team and hit out at "lies" about him in his homeland. The 31-year-old ended an eight-month self-imposed exile from international football against Venezuela last week, but could not prevent a 3-1 defeat in Madrid. He then missed the Albiceleste's 1-0 win over Morocco on Tuesday because of a groin complaint.
Teams need to take more responsibility of developing local talent: I-League CEO
I-League CEO Sunando Dhar feels the club licensing criteria should prompt the teams to invest more in grassroots and develop talent in their own region. "The All India Football Federation had introduced Club Licensing in 2012 where one of the main focus was on to develop home grown talent," Dhar stated on the side-lines of FICCI's GOAL Summit 2019. "The club licensing programme has been one of the best things to have happened to Indian football. It has done wonders by professionalising the setup in a unique way. It prompted the clubs to invest in grassroots and develop talent in their own region," he explained. "We have introduced the home grown rule for the same reason in the Hero I-League as it would drastically increase the talent pool available. We have touched 15 states through the leagues that are running, be it even the youth leagues, now the next objective is to touch each and every state." Dhar also stressed that "local talents need to be given a chance so that football is ...
Love the positivity in this DC dressing room: Mishra
Having missed the first game against Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals spinner Amit Mishra came back strongly in the second game against Chennai Super Kings as he finished with figures of 2/35 from his four overs at the Ferozeshah Kotla here. But for Mishra, it is not just about bowling as the team also looks forward to vital inputs from the senior campaigner.
Team wins are above individual feats: Glenn Maxwell
Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell stated that he values team wins over individual feats despite falling two short of a century during the fourth ODI against Pakistan.Maxwell's knock of 98 off 82 helped Australia secure a six-run win and take a 4-0 lead in the five-match series against Pakistan. The 134-run partnership stitched by Maxwell and wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey took Australia from 140/7 to post 277/4 on Friday."I am not going to look back on my career when I am done and think about all the hundreds I have missed. I am going to think about the wins we had," ICC quoted Maxwell, as saying."It would have been nice to get a hundred, but I was really happy with the way I played today. To put that partnership on with (Alex) Carey, to get us to a total we thought we could defend - I was really proud of the way I went about it. The hundred does not really matter too much to me," he added.Maxwell, who has been sent to bat between number three and seven over the year, is still ...
Ronaldo doubtful for Ajax clash, says Allegri
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has said that Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo may not recover from a minor injury he suffered and is doubtful for their clash with Ajax.