Page 902 - Sports
It is quality of cricket rather than sledging that wins matches: Shastri on new Aussie approach
Australian team's tempered on-field approach is a paradigm shift from earlier times but it's the quality of cricket which will decide the fate of the series, said India's head coach Ravi Shastri. Australian cricket teams over the years have played tough cricket with liberal mix of sledging, which former skipper Steve Waugh often termed as "mental disintegration". However things have changed post ball tampering episode that led to suspensions of Steve Smith and David Warner with critics panning "win at all costs" approach. "At the end of the day, it's the cricket that talks. I didn't care if a McGrath or a Warne did say something or didn't say something, they would have still taken wickets," the Indian head coach said during the opening media interaction on Sunday. "It's as simple as that. When you can do what you are good at and do it consistently, it doesn't matter, which side you are playing for. That cricketer will do well and so will the team," said Shastri. Even skipper Virat ...
Djokovic has a 'strong candidate' for England cricket team
Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic has proposed a strong candidate for the England cricket team in the form of his chauffeur, Imran Bashir.Revealing that Bashir has received a Best Batsman of the Year trophy in the local cricket circuit, Djokovic asked the Engalnd cricket team coach, Trevor Bayliss to keep an "eye on Imran.""Imran Bashir (my chauffeur for the #NittoATPFinals) has been part of #TeamDjokovic for 10 years! He is also a famous batsman for his local #cricket ?? team. He received this trophy for best batsman of the year and we need to get it out there!" Djokovic tweeted."#TrevorBayliss @englandcricket, you should keep your eye on Imran. I think he is a strong candidate for your team," he wrote in another tweet.Global governing body of cricket, International Cricket Council (ICC) also joined the fun conversation inviting Djokovic for a net session at the 2019 Cricket World Cup as part of his preparation for the Wimbledon Championship."We know you try to avoid nets as a tennis
No team travels well nowadays, why pick on India, questions Shastri
India are yet to shed their "poor travellers" tag but head coach Ravi Shastri feels that it's unfair to pick on one particular side when most of the nations have fared poorly on away tours. India have lost two away Test series in 2018, against South Africa (1-2) and England (1-4). This was after both tours were seen as best chance for Virat Kohli's men to set the poor overseas record straight. Asked how important it is for India to win the series in Australia, Shastri said:"You have got to learn from your mistakes. When you go overseas and when you look at teams that travel around now, there aren't too many sides (that travel well). "Australia did for some time in the 90's and during the turn of century. South Africa did it for a while and other than these two,in the last five-six years, you tell me which team has travelled well. Why pick on India?" questioned Shastri. Questioned whether he or skipper Kohli has spoken to the team as to why they lost in South Africa and England, ...
ATP Finals: Djokovic eases into final round
World number one Novak Djokovic advanced into the final round of the ongoing ATP Finals tournament after breezing past Kevin Anderson of South Africa in the men's singles event here on Sunday.The 31-year-old defeated Anderson 6-2, 6-2 in the semi-final clash that lasted 77 minutes.Continuing his winning streak in the tournament, the dominant Serbian maintained the pressure on his counterpart right from the first set having continuously counteracting on the attacking shots by the South African player.A perfect blend of attacking and defensive tennis shots from the Serbian unsettled Anderson resulting in a 6-2 win for the former.The second set did not turn out well for the South African either as he was broken by Djokovic in the initial stage. The tale continued to be written in the Serbian players' favour as he succeeded in neutralising the strong serves of Anderson.After recovering from a long time injury, Djokovic is having a dream come back to the court. Since his Wimbledon ...
When you have good team, you have to perform well: Harmanpreet
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said that her team is bound to perform well because of the quality in the side which was proved during their thumping 48-run win against Australia in the final group league encounter of the ICC Women's World T20. India were already in semi-finals after winning their first three matches but didn't let the intensity down against the formidable 'Southern Stars' in an inconsequential last group league encounter. "When you have a good team, you have to perform well," Harmanpreet said at the end of the match on Saturday. After a below-par fielding performance against Pakistan, Indian women were excellent against Australia. "I am very happy with the (performance from the) girls. We worked very hard and today, we fielded well. I am proud of the girls. Hope the sort of partnership I had with Smriti (68 in 7 overs) can keep coming." Opener Smriti Mandhana, who finally converted a start, got 83 off 55 balls and thanked Veda Krishnamurthy for insisting on a DRS when
Howell hangs onto lead at PGA Tour's RSM Classic
Charles Howell kept his bid to end an 11-year PGA Tour title drought on track Saturday, firing a two-under par 68 for a one-stroke third-round lead in the RSM Classic. Howell started the day with a three-shot cushion, and pushed the lead to five with two early birdies. But two back-nine bogeys on the par-70 Seaside course in Sea Island, Georgia, left him little breathing room. His 16-under par total of 196 put him one clear of veteran Jason Gore and rising rookie Cameron Champ, who both carded four-under par 66s. Webb Simpson carded a 63 to share fourth along with Ryan Blaum, who signed for a 65. Howell is a two-time winner on the PGA Tour, but his most recent trip to the winner's circle came at Riviera in 2007. Since then he has notched 53 top-10s and six second-place finishes. It has been even longer since 44-year-old Gore claimed his lone PGA title, in 2005. Since then he has seen his career disrupted by back trouble, but he is making the most this week of a sponsor's exemption and
Portugal qualifies for finals, Italy earn positives in draw
No Cristiano Ronaldo, no problem. Portugal drew with Italy 0-0 on Saturday to pick up the point it needed to qualify for the UEFA Nations League finals and confirm it as host of the first Final Four in June. Ronaldo is taking a break from the national team and wasn't present at San Siro, just as he wasn't in Portugal's first two Nations League matches both of which they won. Poland has already been assured of finishing last in the group and will be relegated to League B and Italy will finish second. However, a year after Italian football's darkest moment, there are positive signs for the Azzurri. Italy dominated and had the better of the chances in front of a packed home crowd in Milan. The Azzurri almost took the lead as early as the fifth minute. Lorenzo Insigne unleashed a scorcher from distance which Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio did well to beat away, and Ciro Immobile fired the rebound over from point-blank range. Leonardo Bonucci's every touch was booed by the San Siro ...
Flawless Djokovic sets up ATP Finals title clash with Zverev
Novak Djokovic produced a masterclass on Saturday to crush Kevin Anderson and set up a title decider at the ATP Finals against Alexander Zverev, who ousted Roger Federer after a bizarre incident involving a ball boy. World number one Djokovic comfortably saw off the fourth seed 6-2, 6-2, never looking remotely troubled as he targets a record-equalling sixth end-of-season title at London's O2 Arena. Earlier, 21-year-old Zverev beat Federer 7-5, 7-6 (7/5), denying the Swiss veteran a tilt at a 100th title and earning a chance to avenge his round-robin defeat at the hands of the Serb earlier in the tournament. "I'm very pleased I'm able to play at a high level consistently week after week for the last six months," said Djokovic. "I played very well in the group stage against Sascha (Zverev) but I don't think he was close to his best... It is the last match of the year for both of us so let the better player win." Anderson came into the evening contest knowing his serve had to be firing ..
Jordan beat India in international friendly
Jordan defeated a depleted Indian side 2-1 in a hard fought encounter which was the first ever international friendly football match between the two countries.
India lose 1-2 to Jordan in international friendly
India went down 1-2 to Jordan in an international football friendly here Saturday, an improved second-half performance failing to salvage a draw for the visitors. This was a climbdown for Stephen Constantine's men weeks after holding World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi's higher-ranked china to a goalless stalemate. The 97th ranked India, though, were without their talismanic striker Sunil Chhetri, who was ruled out of the game due to an injury. The journey to the Jordan capital from New Delhi was also far from smooth for the Indian players, many of whom were left stranded at Kuwait City airport as flash floods in this part of the world disturbed the flight schedule. Goalkeeper cum captain Amer Shafi put Jordan ahead with a free goal in the 25th minute. Thanks to the howler from India custodian Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who failed to read the bounce of his counterpart's shot from the other end of the pitch, Jordan led 1-0 at the break. Ehsan Haddad consolidated Jordan's position and ...
Scoreboard of the group B match between India and Australia in the ICC Women's World T20 ...
Scoreboard of the group B match between India and Australia in the ICC Women's World T20 here on Saturday. India Women Innings: Taniya Bhatia c Lanning b Gardner 2 Smriti Mandhana c E Perry b Schutt 83 Jemimah Rodrigues c Villani b Delissa Kimmince 6 Harmanpreet Kaur c R Haynes b Delissa Kimmince 43 Veda Krishnamurthy c Tayla Vlaeminck b Gardner 3 Dayalan Hemalatha b E Perry 1 Deepti Sharma b E Perry 8 Arundhati Reddy c Bolton b E Perry 6 Radha Yadav batting 1 Extras: (W-14) 14 Total: (For 8 wkts, 20 Overs) 167 Fall of Wickets: 5-1, 49-2, 117-3, 131-4, 136-5, 154-6, 166-7, 167-8 Bowler: Tayla Vlaeminck 2-0-9-0, Ashleigh Gardner 3-0-25-2, Megan Schutt 4-0-30-1, Sophie Molineux 4-0-45-0, Delissa Kimmince 4-0-42-2, Ellyse Perry 3-0-16-3. Australia Women Innings: 119 Beth Mooney b Deepti Sharma 19 Elyse Villani c Veda Krishnamurthy b Deepti Sharma 6 Ashleigh Gardner c Veda Krishnamurthy b Poonam Yadav 20 Meg Lanning c Veda Krishnamurthy b Radha Yadav 10 Rachael Haynes st Taniya Bhatia b
Women's World T20: India continue winning run, beat Australia
India continued their winning momentum as they outclassed Australia by 48 runs in Group B match of the ICC Women's World T20 here on Saturday.
Women's World T20: Mandhana hits 83 to set up India's .. run win over Australia
Opener Smriti Mandhana smashed a career-best 83 before Indian slow bowlers spun their web against Australia to continue their invincible run with a 48-run win in a group B match of the ICC Women's World Cup here on Saturday. Mandhana blasted 9 fours and 3 sixes in her 55-ball innings and shared a 68-run third wicket partnership with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (43 runs off 27) to power India to a competitive 167 for 8 at the Providence Stadium here. The spinners then got into the act with Anuja Patil (3/15) taking three wickets and Poonam Yadav (2/28), Radha Yadav (2/13) and Deepti Sharma (2/24) snapping two each to restrict Australia for 119-9 in 19.4 overs. Alyssa Healy was absent hurt following a collision with Megan Schutt in the Indian innings. India thus notched up their fourth victory in as many match to top group B. They will now take on either England or West Indies in the second semifinals. Both India and Australia were already in the semifinals after winning the first three ...
Indian women beat Australia by 48 runs in WT20
India beat Australia by 48 runs in a group B match of the ICC Women's World T20 here on Saturday. Electing to bat, India posted 167 for 8, riding on Smriti Mandhana's 55-ball 83 and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur's strokeful 43. India then returned to restrict Australia for 119-9 in 19.4 overs to continue their unbeaten run in the tournament. Alyssa Healy was absent hurt following a collision with Megan Schutt in the Indian innings. Brief Score: India: 167 for 8 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 83; Ellyse Perry 3/16). Australia: 119-9 in 19.4 overs (EA Perry 39; AA Patil 3/15).
PKL 6: Bengal Warriors registers narrow 26-22 win vs Puneri Paltan
Bengal Warriors clinched a narrow 26-22 win over Puneri Paltan in an inter-zonal clash of the ongoing Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) here on Saturday.
Prajnesh wins Bengaluru Open ATP Challenger
Fourth seed Prajnesh Gunneswaran brushed aside wild card entrant Saketh Myneni in straight sets to win the $ 150,000 Bengaluru Open ATP Challenger here on Saturday.
Women's WT20: India hand 168-run challenge to Australia
Opener Smriti Mandhana and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur's knock helped India women post 167/8 before suffering a batting collapse against Australia in a league game of the Women's World T20 here on Saturday.
Advani closes in on grand double World Billiards titles
Newly-crowned world billiards and snooker champion Pankaj Advani notched up superb wins over his English counterparts Mike Russell and David Causier to seal a berth in the finals of the IBSF World Billiards Championship here on Saturday. It was a dominating performance by the Indian ace in the quarterfinal against Russell in what was supposed to be a tight contest. Advani consistently maintained the lead till the 200 mark in the first-to-1000 points match. From there, Russell failed to capitalise on openings and simultaneously Advani compiled big breaks to add to the Englishman's misery. A double hundred and another century put paid to Russell's defence of last year's long format title. The semifinal, however, was a much closer tie against Causier. Causier opened the proceedings with a 280 break putting Advani on the back foot. However, his determination to cue for the twin titles saw him respond with a triple century followed by a double century, creating a large gap for his opponent
Mandhana's 83 powers India to 167-8 against Australia in women's World T20
Opener Smriti Mandhana smashed a career-best 83 to power India to a competitive 167 for 8 against Australia in a group B match of the ICC Women's World Cup here on Saturday. Mandhana blasted 9 fours and 3 sixes in her 55-ball 83-run innings to anchor the Indian innings. She also became the second fastest India to compete 1000 runs in T20 internationals after Mithali Raj during her innings. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur too produced a strokeful 27-ball 43 studded with three sixes and as many fours to share a 68-run partnership for the third wicket with Mandhana. India, however, lost a bit of ground in the end following the quick wickets of Veda Krishnamurthy and Dayalan Hemalatha within a space of four balls. Mandhana gave India a good start after her fellow opening batsman Taniya Bhatia (2) was dismissed in the second over, being caught by Meg Lanning at midwicket off Ashleigh Gardner's ball. Mandhana then stepped up and picked up a boundary each in the next two overs to keep the score ...
All three Indians win on Day 3 to maintain clean slate
Hosts India kept its all-win record intact on the third day of the AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships with Pinki Rani, Sonia and Simranjit Kaur notching up victories in their respective bouts to enter the pre-quarterfinals here on Saturday. Sonia, a farmer's daughter from Haryana, secured a unanimous 5-0 win in 57kg category before seasoned campaigner Pinki (51kg) and Simranjit (64kg), who was fighting a bout after the death of her father in July, scored identical 4-1 wins to maintain a clean slate for the host country. On Friday, Sarita Devi (60kg) and Manish Moun (54kg) had won their respctive bouts to enter the pre-quarterfinals. On Sunday, five Indians, including five-time world champion M C Mary Kom, will take the field. The 35-year-old Mary Kom, who got a first round bye, will beginning her campaign against Aigerim Kessenayeva of Kazakhstan in 48kg. Sonia was the first Indian to take the field and the 21-year-old used her "defensive" style to good effect to emerge winner in