Thursday, 26 March 2015

New Zealand bad boy Ryder in trouble again

The talented but polarising 30-year-old has been suspended from the final round of New Zealand's domestic competition after admitting a charge of serious dissent while playing for Otago against Northern Districts last weekend.

Media reports said Ryder unleashed a torrent of abuse after being caught behind and it was believed there was damage to a changing room following his tirade.

"Ryder did not dispute a charge of serious dissent, including the use of offensive language," New Zealand cricket said in a statement following a disciplinary hearing on Thursday.

"He was subsequently suspended, subject to appeal, from playing in the 10th round of the Plunket Shield."

Ryder, often a match-winner for New Zealand on the field has had numerous off-field issues involving alcohol.

He has not played for the Black Caps since February last year when he went on a late-night drinking session in Auckland before the start of a Test series against India.

 

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Omar Abdullah wishes team India 'best of luck'

"I wish the team (India) best of luck for today's game against Australia," Omar Abdullah told reporters here on Thursday.   
Omar said that team India had a good start in the match and he expressed hope that Indian team would win the match.   
"Team India had a very good start in the game today, they have taken one wicket, I am hopeful they will win this match," he said.

Omar said that team India would continue its winning streak by winning today's match, "Team India has so far won all its matches in the tournament and I am hopeful that they continue to win all the games," he said.

When asked who he feels would be the favorite player for the day he said, "This is a team game and all are favorite as the game will be won by the team effort."

 

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Wednesday, 25 March 2015

Black Cap Elliott's honeymoon pledge to sister

Elliott was originally scheduled to attend sister Kate's wedding on Saturday but now has a date with destiny after propelling New Zealand into their first ever final with a six off the penultimate ball in Tuesday's semifinal against South Africa.

Kate Elliott said she realised the significance of the date when she booked her wedding venue 12 months ago but felt the chances were remote of her brother making the New Zealand team, let along playing in the final.

"(The booking) was on the Saturday before the final of the World Cup, I had to ask him, 'What are the chances?'," she told Fairfax New Zealand.

"At that time he wasn't in the squad, and he said that he didn't think he would be called up. I booked it and he gave me his blessing."

She said he was now unable to make the big day but had promised her and fiance Dean Plews a honeymoon to the destination of their choice if New Zealand win the World Cup.

"We will hold him to that," she said. "I told him before he left, 'go and win it now, not because of the honeymoon, but just go smash it'," she said.

 

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Formidable India to take on mighty Australia in ICC World Cup semifinals today

One of international cricket's fiercest rivalries will resume after six weeks when Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men will get down to business against Michael Clarke's team which will be supremely competitive with some high-quality performers in their ranks.

While the Ashes rivalry has history attached with it and India-Pakistan contests their own political flavour, the India versus Australia rivalry has been equally intriguing in recent years where an inch won't be given without a bullish fight.

Expect a few battles inside the main battle. It could be between Ravichandran Ashwin's carrom ball against Glenn Maxwell's pyrotechnics.

David Warner's savage attack against Mohammed Shami's probing length or Michael Clarke's years of experience against Ravindra Jadeja's restrictive lines also has ingredients of a blockbuster. Not to forget Mitchell Starc's guile against Virat Kohli's flair.

 

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ICC World Cup Semifinal Australia vs India: A statistical comparison

Captain: Michael Clarke
Coach: Darren Lehmann
Squad: Clarke, Aaron Finch, David Warner, Shane Watson, George Bailey, Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Brad Haddin, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.

Results so far at 2015 World Cup: (Matches 7, Won 5, Lost 1, 1 abandoned)

Beat England by 111 runs (Opener Aaron Finch's 135 and a 5-33 from paceman Mitchell Marsh gave the co-hosts an easy win)

Match abandoned against Bangladesh (Match called of due to heavy rain in Brisbane)

Lost to New Zealand by one wicket (Mitchell Starc's 6-28 could not compensate for a batting collapse)

Beat Afghanistan by 275 runs (David Warner top-scored with 178 in an Australia's run-feast)

Beat Sri Lanka by 64 runs (Glenn Maxwell smashed 102 in 53 balls to outshine Kumar Sangakkara's ton)

Beat Scotland by seven wickets (Starc led Scotland's rout and Australia chased down target in 15.2 overs)

Beat Pakistan by six wickets (Hazlewood's 4-35 restricts Pakistan to 213 and Australia chases down target after a few hiccups)

 

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Australia and India to continue war of words

The two teams have made no secret of their mutual dislike, and waste little time reminding each other during games.

In cricket, it's known as sledging, in American sports, it's called trash-talking. Either way, when Australia and India meet on the cricket field, verbal altercations are expected.

For the game's traditionalists, sledging is a blight on the modern version of the so-called 'gentleman's game', a sport synonymous with the virtues of fair play.

But for the Australian and Indian players, it's an accepted part of the game and neither team has any intentions of toning it down in Thursday's World Cup semi-final at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

"There is going to be sledging, there is going to be banter," the Australian captain Michael Clarke told a news conference on Wednesday.

"It's really important for us to focus on what's important, and that is playing our best cricket. It's not what you say, it's what you do."

The Australians have often been accused by their rivals of taking things too far and the International Cricket Council has warned both teams to be on their best behaviour after a string of incidents during their recent test and one-day warm-up series.

The Australian opening batsman David Warner was fined twice before the World Cup had even begun for his part in two separate on-field rows and risks suspension if he gets embroiled in another row.

 

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This Is The Perfect Time To Beat Australia Says Virat

कोहली को लगता है वर्ल्ड कप सेमीफाइनल ऑस्ट्रेलिया को हराने का राइट टाइम है
कोहली ने कहा, ‘हमारे पास ऑस्ट्रेलिया को हराने के लिए इससे बेहतर समय नहीं हो सकता है. हमने ऑस्ट्रेलिया में जिस तरह का प्रदर्शन किया उसके साथ न्याय करने का मौका है. तब हम अनुकूल परिणाम हासिल नहीं कर पाए थे.’ भारतीय टीम ऑस्ट्रेलिया से टेस्ट सीरीज में 0-2 से हार गई थी और इसके बाद वह त्रिकोणीय सीरीज का एक मैच भी नहीं जीत पाई थी. विश्व कप में हालांकि वह अपने सातों मैच जीतकर सेमीफाइनल में पहुंची है. ग्लेन मैक्सवेल ने इससे पहले कहा था कि भारतीयों को याद होना चाहिए कि उन्होंने अब तक लंबे दौरे में ऑस्ट्रेलिया को नहीं हराया.

कोहली ने बताया कि विश्व कप से पहले टीम ने खुद को कैसे टूर्नामेंट के लिए तैयार किया. उन्होंने कहा, ‘टीम के रूप में हमें लगा कि हमें बेहतर प्रदर्शन करने और गलतियों में सुधार करने की जरूरत है. हमारे पास वास्तव में ज्यादा समय नहीं था क्योंकि हम विश्व कप में यह सोचकर नहीं जा सकते थे कि टूर्नामेंट के दौरान इसमें सुधार कर लेंगे. इसलिए हम तुरंत काम पर जुट गए. हमने उन चीजों को लिखा जिनमें सुधार की जरूरत थी.’ उन्होंने गेंदबाजों के प्रदर्शन के बारे में कहा, ‘गेंदबाजों ने जिस तरह से प्रदर्शन किया तथा आत्मविश्वास और आक्रामकता दिखाई उसे देखना शानदार रहा. यदि आप को दुनिया की चोटी की टीमों को हराना है तो गेंदबाजों को अच्छा प्रदर्शन करना होगा और उन्होंने विश्व कप में जैसा खेल दिखाया है वह काबिलेतारीफ है. यदि वे आगे भी ऐसा ही प्रदर्शन जारी रखेंगे तो हमारी जीत का सिलसिला भी जारी रह सकेगा.’

ऑस्ट्रेलिया पड़ेगी भारी: ब्रेट ली
वहीं ऑस्ट्रेलिया के दिग्गज बॉलर ब्रेट ली को लगता है कि ऑस्ट्रेलियन टीम इंडियन दल पर भारी पड़ेगी. उन्होंलने दूसरे सेमीफाइनल में भारत के खिलाफ ऑस्ट्रेलिया को जीत का प्रबल दावेदार बताया. ली ने कहा, ‘मुझे पूरा भरोसा है कि गुरुवार को ऑस्ट्रेलिया की टीम विजयी होगी. ऑस्ट्रेलिया के पास एक संतुलित टीम है और यही बात उसे भारत से बेहतर साबित करती है.’ ली ने हालांकि साथ ही भारतीय टीम की भी खराब ऑस्ट्रेलियाई दौरे के बाद विश्व कप में शानदार वापसी की सराहना की और कहा कि यह नहीं भूलना चाहिए कि भारत मौजूदा चैंपियन है. सिडनी की पिच को लेकर ली ने कहा, ‘मुझे लगता है कि यह धीमा विकेट होगा और उछाल भी कम होगी. धीमी गति के गेंदबाज इसमें अहम भूमिका निभा सकते हैं और भारतीय खिलाडिय़ों के लिए फायदेमंद साबित होगा.’

 
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Three Years Old Dolly Shivani Cherukuri Sets National Archery Record

खिलौने खेलने वाले हाथों से 3 साल की डॉली ने बनाया तीरंदाजी का National record
सटीक निशाना अचंभे से कम नहींदिल्‍ली में रहने वाली डॉली शिवानी चेरुकुरी अभी पूरे तीन साल की भी नहीं है. अभी तीन साल होने में पूरे नौ दिन बाकी है, लेकिन डॉली ने खिलौने खेलने वाले हाथों से वो करतब दिखाया कि जो शायद ही कोई कर सके, क्‍योंकि इस उम्र में बच्चे खिलौने भी ठीक से नहीं पकड़ पाते, लेकिन यह बच्ची तीर-कमान से सटीक निशाने लगाती है. इसने कल विजयवाड़ा में हुये तीरंदाजी में वरिष्ठ खेल अधिकारियों की मौजूदगी में पांच मीटर और सात मीटर की दूरी से 36 तीर से 388 अंक हासिल किए. जिससे इसका निशाना सीधे नेशनल रिकॉर्ड पर लग गया. इस मौके पर इंडिया बुक रिकॉर्ड के प्रतिनिधि विश्वजित रे और भारतीय खेल प्राधिकरण के पी रामा कृष्णा ने इस बच्‍ची के नाम की घोषणा की है. उन्‍होंने कहा कि डॉली का इस उम्र में इतना सटीक निशाना लगाना किसी अचंभे से कम नहीं हैं.

सरोगेसी सिस्‍टम से हासिल किया
डॉली के पिता सत्‍यनारायण के मुताबिक डॉली ने शुरू से ही तीर-कमान थाम लिए थे. उसे बचपन से इसका शौक था. जिससे उसका रूझान देखते हुये कार्बन से बने तीर-कमान ला दिए, ताकि वह उन्हें आसानी से इस्तेमाल कर सके. सत्यानारायण तीरंदाजी की एकेडमी चलाते हैं. उन्‍होंने बताया कि अपने बच्‍चों की मौत के के बाद उन्‍होंने सरोगेसी सिस्‍टम से डॉली को हासिल किया. वह कहते हैं कि डॉली को देखकर लगता है कि जैसे वह कोख से ही तीरंदाजी सीख कर आयी है. वहीं डॉली की मां भी अपनी बच्‍ची के इस करतब से काफी खुश हैं. वह कहती है कि मुझे उम्‍मीद है कि मेरी बच्‍ची भविष्‍य में काफी आगे जायेगी.

 

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Match Preview : IND vs AUS अब आमने-सामने टकराएंगे दो विश्‍व विजेता

Match Preview : IND vs AUS अब आमने-सामने टकराएंगे दो विश्‍व विजेता
जीत से कम कुछ भी नहीं
यह सेमीफाइनल मैच जितना ऑस्‍ट्रेलिया के लिए इंपॉर्टेंट है, उतना ही माही आर्मी के लिए. इनके बीच की टक्‍कर इतनी जबर्दस्‍त होने वाली है, जिसका आप अंदाजा नहीं लगा सकते. इसका सबसे बड़ा कारण है, टीमों का पिछला प्रदर्शन. ऑस्‍ट्रेलिया को अभी तक वर्ल्‍ड कप सेमीफाइनल में कभी हार नहीं मिली है, तो वहीं धोनी की कप्‍तानी में टीम इंडिया ICC के किसी भी टूर्नामेंट में सेमीफाइनल से बाहर नहीं हुआ. अब ऐसे में जब दोनों टीमें सिर्फ जीत के लिए खेलती हैं, तो यह मैच खेल से बढ़कर कंपटीशन नजर आने लगता है. दोनों टीमें अपने इस अजेय रिकॉर्ड को बरकरार रखना चाहेंगी. इंडिया के पास इस वर्ल्‍ड कप में थोड़ी एडवांटेज है क्‍योंकि भारतीय शेर इस टूर्नामेंट में अभी तक कोई मैच नहीं हारे हैं जबकि ऑस्‍ट्रेलिया को 1 मैच में हार का सामना करना पड़ा. फिलहाल माइकल क्‍लॉर्क और महेंद्र सिंह धोनी अपनी-अपनी ताकत के साथ मैदान पर उतरने के लिए बेताब हैं. वर्ल्‍ड कप रिकॉर्ड पर नजर डालें तो इन दोनों के बीच 10 मैच हुए हैं, जिसमें कि 7 बार कंगारुओं ने जीत दर्ज की वहीं इंडिया के खाते में 3 जीत आईं. टीम इंडिया की मौजूदा फॉर्म को देखते हुए यह मैच उनके फेवर में जा सकता है, लेकिन माही आर्मी को पिछली सीरीज की गलतियों को दोहराना नहीं होगा. वर्ल्‍ड कप शुरु होने से पहले इंडिया ने ऑस्‍ट्रेलिया का दौरा किया था, जहां उसे करारी शिकस्‍त का सामना करना पड़ा. ऐसे में भारतीय शेरों को अच्‍छा प्रदर्शन करके पुराना हिसाब भी चुकता करना होगा.

कंगारु नहीं मानते हार
ऑस्ट्रेलियन टीम की मौजूदा फार्म को देखते हुए यह मैच बराबरी का हो सकता है. वैसे आस्‍ट्रेलिया ने ग्रुप स्‍टेज में न्‍यूजीलैंड के अगेंस्‍ट बहुत ही खराब बैटिंग की थी लेकिन अन्‍य टीमों के खिलाफ शानदार प्रदर्शन किया था. अफगानिस्‍तान के खिलाफ वार्नर ने तूफानी पारी खेलकर विरोधियों में हलचल मचा दी. वहीं स्‍टीव स्मिथ और शेन वॉटसन भी अच्‍छी बैटिंग करने में माहिर हैं. इसके अलावा निचले क्रम में मैक्‍सवेल की धुंआंधर पारी किसी भी बॉलर्स की धज्जियां उधेड़ सकती है. कंगारू टीम की बल्लेबाजी पहले से भी ज्यादा मजबूत हो गई है. जहां तक पेस अटैक की बात है तो ऑस्ट्रेलिया अपने कमजोर प्रतिद्वंद्वी पर किसी तरह का रहम दिखाने में मूड नहीं लगता है. वहीं मिशेल स्टार्क, जोश हेजलवुड और मिशेल जॉनसन मैच जीतने में जी-जान लगा देंगे. ऑस्‍ट्रेलिया के पास एक मजबूत बैटिंग और रफ्तार से भरा बॉलिंग अटैक है, जिसके चलते वह किसी भी समय मैच का रुख बदल सकते हैं. हालांकि कंगारु अपने होम ग्राउंड्स का भी फायदा उठाने की कोशिश करेंगे.

माही मैजिक में फंस जाते हैं बड़े-बड़े
इंडिया के पास इस मैच को जीतकर फाइनल में इंट्री करने का टारगेट होगा. भारतीय शेरों को किसी भी तरह की कमी नहीं रखनी होगी. बै‍टिंग, बॉलिंग और फील्डिंग तीनों क्षेत्रों में मौकों को भुनाते हुए उम्‍दा प्रदर्शन करना होगा. वर्ल्‍ड कप शुरु होने से पहले इंडियन टीम को ऑस्‍ट्रेलिया दौरे पर करारी शिकस्‍त झेलनी पड़ी थी, लेकिन क्रिकेट का सबसे बड़ा टूर्नामेंट शुरु होते ही इंडियन प्‍लेयर्स अपनी फॉर्म में लौट आए. इंडिया ने इस वर्ल्‍ड कप में लगातार 7 मैच जीत लिए हैं. ऐसे में इस समय इंडियन टीम बहुत ही मजबूत स्थिति में है. शिखर धवन हों या फिर विराट कोहली, दोनों ही बैट्समैनों अकेले दम पर मैच जीताने की काबिलियत रखते हैं. हालांकि इस टूर्नामेंट में इंडियन बैटिंग काफी लाजवाब रही है. मध्‍यक्रम में सुरेश रैना और कैप्‍टन धोनी जिम्‍मेदारी निभाते हुए मैच विनिंग पारी खेल सकते हैं. इसके अलावा बॉलिंग में भी आर. अश्विन, मोहम्‍मद शमी और भुवनेश्‍वर कुमार ने शानदार बॉलिंग का प्रदर्शन किया है. वैसे यह मैच एकतरफा तो नहीं कहा जा सकता लेकिन इंडिया किसी भी कीमत पर अपने विजयरथ को रोकना नहीं चाहेगी. इंडिया के पास धोनी के रूप में एक ऐसा कैप्‍टन है, जो ICC टूर्नामेंट में होने वाले बड़े मैचों का प्रेशर आसानी से झेल सकता है. वहीं धोनी का मैजिक किसी भी विरोधी को चकरघिन्‍नी की तरह घुमा सकता है.

 

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20 20 Format For Chess Unveiled By Indian Grand Master

अब शतरंज में भी खेले जाएंगे T20 मैच
Sports News - अब शुरु होगा शतरंज का T20
क्रिकेट के शॉर्टर फॉर्मेट T20 की अपार सफलता के बाद अब शतरंज के शॉर्टर फॉर्मेट को भी लांच किया गया है. जानने वाली बात यह है कि इस गेम के शॉर्टर फॉर्मेट को एक भारतीय शतरंज खिलाड़ी ग्रैंड मास्टर दिब्येंदु बरुआ ने डिजाइन किया है. बरुआ के डिजाइन किए गए फॉर्मेट में पारंपरिक शतरंज की अपेक्षा काफी कम समय लगेगा. इस फॉर्मेट में 64 खानों की बिसात की जगह 100 खानों की बिसात होगी. इसके साथ ही डायनमो नामक एक नया मोहरा एड किया गया है.

दोनों तरफ होंगे 20-20 मोहरे
शतरंज के इस फॉर्मेट में दोनों ओर 20-20 मोहरे होंगे. इसी वजह से इसे 20-20 शतरंज का नाम दिया गया है. अगर नियमों की बात करें तो चैस के इस संस्‍करण में आपको कई जाने-पहचाने नियम देखने को मिलेंगे. लेकिन कुछ नियमों में फेरबदल लाया गया है. मसलन अब प्‍यादों को पहली चाल में दो कदम जगह तीन कदम चलना होगा.

टॉप प्‍लेयर्स ने किया लांच
इस नए फॉर्मेट को ग्रैंड मास्टर दीप सेनगुप्ता, सूर्य शेखर गांगुली, सप्तर्षि रॉय चौधरी जैसे टॉप चैस प्‍लेयर्स के सामने लांच किया. नए फॉर्मेट के बारे में बरुआ कहते हैं, 'इस फॉर्मेट में हमें डायनमों के रूप में एक नया मोहरा मिलेगा और हमने दो प्यादों को भी बढ़ा दिया है जिससे दोनों तरफ 20-20 मोहरे हो जाते हैं. वैसे तो शतरंज के कई रूप हैं, लेकिन यह अपनी तरह का अनोखा प्रारूप है. डायनमो के पास घोड़े और ऊंट दोनों मोहरों की विशेषता होगी और इस तरह डायनमों के सात अंक होंगे, जो इसे बिसात पर तीसरा सबसे शक्तिशाली मोहरा बनाता है'

जल्‍द पॉपुलर होगा यह फॉर्मेट
नए फॉर्मेट की पॉपुलेरिटी पर बरुआ ने कहा, 'हमारे पास इस खेल को अपनाने के लिए उत्साही खिलाड़ी हैं. हम कुछ समय में इसकी आधिकारिक अनुमति लेने के लिए आवेदन करेंगे. इस फॉर्मेट को खिलाड़ियों के अनुकूल बनाने के लिए काफी रिसर्च करनी होगी.

 

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Icc Cricket World Cup 2015 New Zealand Vs South Africa 1st Semi Final Match Live

Match report: NZL vs RSA न्‍यूजीलैंड ने रचा इतिहास, 40 साल में पहली बार पहुंचा फाइनल में
मैकुलम और इलियट ने संभाला मैच
साउथ अफ्रीका द्वारा मिले बड़े लक्ष्‍य का पीछा करने उतरी कीवी टीम की शुरुआत धुंआधार रही. टीम के कैप्‍टन और ओपनर बल्‍लेबाज ब्रेंडन मैकुलम ने 26 गेंदो में 59 रन की पारी खेलकर टीम को अच्‍छी शुरुआत दिलाई. मैकुलम ने अपनी इस तूफानी पारी में 8 चौके और 4 छक्‍के लगाए. हालांकि मोर्कल ने उन्‍हें स्‍टेन के हाथों कैच कराकर चलता किया. इसके बाद बैटिंग करने क्रीज पर उतरे विलियमसन (6) कुछ कमाल नहीं कर सके और मोर्कल का शिकार बने. बाद में रॉस टेलर (30) और कोरे एंडरसन (58) ने टीम को संभाले रखा. हालांकि इस बीच ग्रांट इलियट (84) एक छोर संभाले रहे और टीम को जीत की मंजिल तक पहुंचाया. साउथ अफ्रीका की तरफ से मोर्कल ने 3 विकेट लिए, जबकि स्‍टेन और डुमिनि को 1-1 विकेट हासिल हुआ.


प्‍लेसिस और डिविलियर्स ने संभाली पारी
टॉस जीतकर बल्लेबाजी करने उतरी साउथ अफ्रीका की टीम को हाशिम अमला के रूप में पहला झटका लगा. बोल्ट ने तीसरे ओवर की चौथी गेंद पर हाशिम अमला को बोल्ड कर दिया. अमला ने 14 गेंदों का सामना करते हुए 2 चौकों की मदद से 10 रन बनाए. अमला जब आउट हुए तब स्कोर बोर्ड पर साउथ अफ्रीका का स्कोर 21 रन टंगा हुआ था. इसके बाद 7 ओवर की पांचवीं गेंद पर बोल्ट ने 31 रन के स्कोर पर दक्षिण अफ्रीका को एक और झटका देते हुए डी कॉक को आउट कर दिया. कॉक ने 17 गेंदों का सामना करते हुए दो चौकों की मदद से 14 रन बनाए. इसके बाद प्‍लेसिस (82) और डिविलियर्स (65) ने बड़ी पाटर्नरशिप करते हुए टीम को मजबूती प्रदान की. वहीं अंतिम ओवरों में मिलर ने 18 गेंदों में 49 ने धुंआंधार पारी खेलकर टीम का स्‍कोर 250 के पार पहुंचाया. हालांकि वह अपनी हॉफ सेंचुरी से चूक गए. न्यूजीलैंड की तरफ से बोल्‍ट को 2 और एंडरसन को 3 विकेट हासिल हुए.

South Africa : हाशिम अमला, क्विंटन डी कॉक (विकेटकीपर), फॉफ डु प्लेसिस, एबी. डिविलियर्स (कप्तान), जेपी डुमिनी, डेविड मिलर, रिली रोसोउ, वर्नोन फिलांडर, मोर्ने मोर्कल, डेल स्टेन, इमरान ताहिर.

New Zealand : मार्टिन गुप्टिल, ब्रेंडन मैक्कुलम (कप्तान), केन विलियमसन, रोस टेलर, ग्रांट इलियट, कोरी एंडरसन, ल्यूक रोंची (विकेटकीपर), डेनियल विटोरी, मैट हेनरी, टिम साउदी, ट्रेंट बोल्ट.

 
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Tuesday, 24 March 2015

Australia coach tips high-scoring semi-final with India

"I think the Sydney pitch will be very similar to the one we used in the game against Sri Lanka more than a fortnight ago when almost 700 runs were scored, so I think this will be another high-scoring affair," Lehmann wrote in a column on Cricket Australia's website (cricket.com.au) on Tuesday.

Australia won the March 8 pool game against Sri Lanka convincingly, setting a mammoth 376-9 for their opponents to chase before bowling them out in a 64-run victory.

Sri Lanka returned to the venue for the quarter-final against South Africa a week ago and were trounced by nine wickets after their batsmen were skittled for 133.

The SCG has traditionally offered something for spinners, but paceman Josh Hazlewood said the pitch served up for Australia's match against Sri Lanka had offered little variation either way.

Australia will hope for a green tinge on the SCG wicket to give their pacemen as much help as possible against India's formidable batting lineup.

India have drawn big crowds of blue-clad fans at every venue and can expect prominent support at the SCG.

Lehmann called on local fans to come out in force and be in full voice to ensure Australia's players felt the support.

"Hopefully the SCG is packed with gold as all the Australian venues have been throughout our campaign, and we get a huge lift by seeing so many fans getting behind us.

"But from what I've seen at other games in this World Cup, I suspect there will be a very loud and proud Indian turn-out at Thursday's game so I urge you all to bring your flags, wave them hard and often and provide some really visible and vocal home town support.

 

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World Cup 2015: New Zealand, South Africa bid to cast off semi-final shackles

Both teams will hope to banish some unwanted baggage from the global showpiece that has dogged them for years.
             
The Proteas have long worn the tag of cricket's ultimate chokers for repeated failures in the tournament's knock-out rounds.
             
Their breakthrough quarter-final win over Sri Lanka, a first win in a knock-out match at the World Cup, will quickly be forgotten if defeated in Auckland.

Like their opponents, New Zealand have never been further than the penultimate hurdle and want to prove themselves  heavyweights, rather than merely the team that punches above its weight.The game will be New Zealand's seventh appearance in the semi-finals at the World Cup, and third in succession, while it is South Africa's fourth since their re-integration into global sporting competition following the end of the apartheid era.

 

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Monday, 23 March 2015

New Zealand, South Africa clash as history final at stake

Both the teams are chasing history for as neither hosts New Zealand nor the Proteas have ever reached the World Cup final.
   
The Kiwis have fallen at the semifinal stage six times in the past while South Africa have made three exits from the same stage.
   
New Zealand were a dominant side in the pool stage and the way they annihilated the West Indies in the quarterfinal, thanks to the batting pyrotechnics of Martin Guptill, the hosts are bubbling with new-found energy.

They have looked unstoppable with seven straight wins with every match throwing up a new hero, the latest being Guptill, who smashed his way to history books with a scintillating 237 not out against the Caribbeans.

New Zealand have treated the rival attacks with utter disdain so far but in the Proteas, they face the might of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, who when in form can devastate any batting line-up in the world.

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said past failures won't matter much since the two sides are playing gloriously. "I don't think there's any baggage with anyone. It's a one-off game and we are all desperate to be at the big party and I'm sure we'll both turn up. Two sides are playing good cricket and it's going to be a heck of a show," he said.
   
The only worrying factor for New Zealand is that they have lost paceman Adam Milne to a heel injury, making way for young fast bowler Matt Henry in the squad.
   
It is the last match that New Zealand will host in this edition and they would love to sign off on home turf on a winning note but the opponents they are facing now are equally potent and more dangerous than any other team.
   
The pressure of expectations will be there from the home fans but skipper Brendon McCullum said they would not think about it much.

 

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James Faulkner confident Australia can finish off India

Faulkner hasn't done that so far in the World Cup. Injured just before the tournament started, he missed Australia's first three matches and has been slowly working his way back to full fitness.
             
So far, it hasn't mattered. The Australians have made it through to the semi-finals without too much fuss, but the hard work has only just begun.
             
Australia's next opponent is India, the defending world champions. It is a match too close to call and Faulkner could be the key.
             
Despite his lack of time at the crease, the 24-year-old is confident he can pick up where he left off and start scoring runs again.
             
"I've spent a fair bit of time in the nets now, I feel like I'm ready to go," he told a news conference at the Sydney Cricket ground on Monday.
             
"As a batting group, we're playing quite nicely at the moment," he added.
             
But Faulkner's most important role may not be with the bat but with the ball. One of the three left-arm fast bowlers in the Australian team, he played a pivotal role in Australia's pool win over Sri Lanka at the SCG.
             
He bagged three wickets, including the vital scalp of Kumar Sangakkara, and knows bowling could prove decisive on a pitch that has produced high scores all summer.
             
"I'm expecting a lot of runs," he said, adding, "If you look at the past, between India and Australia, whether we played them over there or in Australia, you've seen a lot of runs and I think that will happen come game day."
             
The Australians and Indians have been playing each other all summer, with the World Cup following on from their four-match test series and the subsequent tri-nation limited-overs tournament also involving England.
             
The Australians have dominated so far but Faulkner said the prospect of making a World Cup final would leave both teams a little jittery.
            
 "I think everyone's going to be nervous in their own little way and it's up to them how they want to deal with it," Faulkner said.
             
"I think you could see a lot of nerves were on show a couple of nights ago (during the quarter-finals) and I think that's good. Both teams are exposed and I think if you don't have nerves, you have issues," he said.
             
Faulkner said he was confident Australia would control their emotions under any circumstances, even when chasing down a huge target.

 

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Sachin Tendulkar's farewell Test jersey fetches Rs 6 lakhs

Shiv Raj Singh, son of the host of the second edition of the Jodhpur One World Retreat, the erstwhile ruler of Jodhpur Gaj Singh II, bid for this jersey last night.

Tendulkar had retired from international cricket after playing his 200th Test against West Indies at Mumbai in November, 2013.

Besides Tendulkars jersey, a painting by Paresh Maity fetched Rs. 7.5 lac.

Among others, the auction list included hospitality offers like Royal Salute Scottish Serenade (Scotland), Escape to Cape Town (at La Quartier Francaise), a day on the set of Downtown Abbey (Yorkshire, UK), the great Pheasant Shoot (Yorkshire, UK), Royal Rendezvous (at Ahichhatragarh Fort, Nagaur), Holland & Holland's Closed Door Dinner (at Mayfair Gunroom in UK).

The proceeds from the charity event will go to the Indian Head Injury Foundation, set by Singh for spreading awareness and mustering resources for people suffering from head and brain injury, in a follow up of a fatal head injury sustained by Shiv Raj Singh in 2005.

The glitterati included personalities like Pawan and Rahul Munjal (Hero Group), Shivender Singh (Fortis Hospital), K P Singh (DLF Group) and many other along with Gaj Singh himself and his daughter Shiv Ranjani, who bid generously for the auction.

Close to Rs. 80 lacs were raised in the auction.

 

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Saturday, 21 March 2015

India know the conditions quite well, says Clarke

Clarke, whose team defeated Pakistan by six wickets at the Adelaide yesterday to make the semis, conceded that playing India in a semi-final would be a challenge.
   
"They are obviously playing a lot better than they were throughout the start of the (Australian) summer. I said leading into the World Cup that I thought India were going to be an extremely tough team to beat.
   
"They are a very good team and because they have spent so much time in Australia, they know the conditions quite well. The game on Thursday is going to certainly be a challenge.
   
"We definitely have to be at our best to beat them. We look forward to that challenge," Clarke said.
   
India have been on a roll winning seven straight matches, in a dramatic turnaround following their winless Test and ODI tour Down Under prior to the mega-event.
   
"Thursday becomes our World Cup final. We look forward to it."
   
Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq has backed India to win the game due to lack of a "quality" spin option in the Australian line-up but Clarke thought otherwise ahead of the game at SCG, traditionally a spin-friendly wicket.
   
"I don't think a ball spun in our game against Sri Lanka. It will all depend on what type of wicket gets prepared. If there is a bit of grass on it, that will certainly help our fast bowlers.
   
"If it does spin, we've got spinning options in our squad, so I'm sure the selectors will assess that once we get to the SCG and work out what they think is the best 11," he said.

 

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ICC World Cup Quarterfinal: New Zealand smell victory against West Indies

 
West Indies innings
2nd over - Johnson Charles is bowled by Trent Boult for three. WI: 4-1

3rd over - Tim Southee has a massive appeal for a catch off Chris Gayle turned down. The review upholds the on-field decision. WI: 5-1

5th over - Lendl Simmons drives Southee down the ground for his side's first boundary before Gayle hammers a flat six in front of square and then hits another four. WI: 21-1

6th over - Simmons slashes Boult over cover point for a six and then is caught on the next ball at second slip by Martin Guptill for 12. WI: 30-2

7th over - Gayle hits left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori for three successive sixes to bring up team 50. WI: 51-2
9th over - Southee replaces Vettori and is hit for three fours and a six by Marlon Samuels as he brings up the 50-run partnership. WI: 80-2

10th over - Samuels is brilliantly caught for 27 by Vettori on the third man boundary as the former captain jumps in the air and hauls in a one-handed catch. Boult then traps Denesh Ramdin lbw for a duck. WI: 80-4
New Zealand innings:

1st over - Martin Guptill on-drives the first ball from Jerome Taylor to the fence, then is dropped by Marlon Samuels at square leg two balls later. NZ: 5-0

3rd over - Guptill hits Taylor straight down the ground for successive boundaries. NZ: 16-0

4th over - Brendon McCullum whips a Jason Holder delivery off his legs for his first boundary, then hits the next ball for six, which is caught one-handed by a fan in the crowd. NZ: 27-0

5th over - Holder runs about 30 metres from mid-off towards the extra cover area and takes a miscued shot from McCullum to dismiss the New Zealand captain for 12. NZ: 31-1

7th over - Kane Williamson hits three boundaries off Taylor, one down the ground that was close to being a return catch, one to mid-wicket and the final one to third man. NZ: 46-1

9th over - Guptill cuts left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn's first delivery behind point to bring up the 50. NZ: 57-1

10th over - Williamson punches a short Holder delivery through a packed off-side field for a boundary. NZ: 63-1

 

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Meet Misbah: No century in 13-yr long career with 162 matches, 5122 runs and captaincy in 82 games

An unflappable middle-order mainstay, Misbah has 42 ODI half-centuries to his credit but doesn't have a single 50-over ton under his belt. He has accumulated 5,122 runs -- the most runs by any player in ODIs without a ton.
     
Misbah, who holds a MBA degree in Human Resource Management, began with some high points in 2008 as he was elevated to the post of Vice – Captain of the Pakistan team.

Due to the batting-collapses that Pakistan suffered during England tour 2010 and spot-fixing controversy, Misbah was recalled for the subsequent tour against South Africa in the UAE to lead as a captain of the team for Test series. After resignation of Shahid Afridi as test captain and suspended captain Salman Butt due to spot-fixing scandal, Misbah was preferred over Younus Khan, Mohammad Yousuf and Kamran Akmal as the skipper.

Misbah's captaincy came under serious scrutiny after Pakistan lost the ODI series against South Africa in the UAE. However, the PCB backed him and declared him to be the captain until the 2015 World Cup.

Former captain Muhammad Yousuf had said that Misbah was pulling down the team with his defensive approach and passive captaincy. He had also said that Misbah shouldn’t be part of the 2015 World Cup squad.

 

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Australia expecting a very different India in semi-final

Co-hosts Australia reached the last four with a six-wicket victory over Pakistan at Adelaide Oval on Friday to set up the meeting with the reigning champions at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) next Thursday.

India have won all seven matches on their way to the semi-finals and, with a bowling attack unrecognisable from the rabble who contested the test series, will be surging with confidence.

"I think they're obviously playing a lot better than they were throughout the start of the summer," Clarke told reporters in Adelaide.

"I said that leading into the World Cup, that I thought India were going to be an extremely tough team to beat obviously because they're a very good team but (also) because they've spent so much time in Australia they know the conditions quite well.

"The game on Thursday is going to certainly be a challenge, and we're definitely going to have to be at our best to beat them."

Australia lost their only pool match against their co-hosts in New Zealand and their familiarity with home conditions is a considerable advantage in their quest for a fifth world title.

India have been Down Under since November, though, and have been improving gradually under the guidance of skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

"I think MS Dhoni deserves a lot of credit the way he's been able to turn things around as the leader, as the captain," Clarke added.

"They're playing some really good cricket, there's no doubt about it. We look forward to that challenge. We've got some time now to recover and make sure we're fresh and then obviously train and prepare.

 

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We will have to bat better against India, says Clarke

India and Australia will fight it out for a place in the title clash on March 26 in Sydney.
   
"They are in good form. M S Dhoni is leading them well. We look forward to another really tough contest. We'll have to bat a lot better, specially the top-4," Clarke said when asked about his thoughts on the semifinal, following their six wicket win over Pakistan here.

While answering how will they mentally prepare for the semifinal, Clarke said, "It's no different to another game playing for Australia. I have spoken about not putting the World Cup on a pedestal, so preparation as always. Every time you play for Australia, you want do your best."

The Australian captain said it was "a really close game in the end".
   
"The bowlers did a fantastic job, our fielding was excellent, but Wahab came out and really put us under pressure, one of the fastest spells I've seen in a long time," he said.

Clarke praised Shane Watson (64 not out) and Steven Smith (65) for successfully seeing off a crisis situation when they looked in a spot of bother, having lost three wickets with not many runs on the board.

 

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India can beat Australia if bowlers continue impressive form: Laxman

Laxman said Australia's batting line-up has not been in the best of form so far and Indian bowlers can put pressure on them in the semifinal clash in Sydney.
   
"Today against Pakistan, the Australian batsmen were under severe pressure. Except for Steven Smith, all the Aussie batsmen were out of sorts. They (the Aussie batsmen) have not handled the pressure, especially from Wahab Riaz, properly. It is encouraging sign for India," Laxman said.
   
"If Indian bowlers, especially the seamers, bowl the way they have been doing, they can put pressure on the Australian batsmen. It will be a good contest but I think India can beat the Australians in the semifinal," he said.

Asked about the Rohit Sharma 'no-ball' controversy during India's 109-run thrashing of Bangladesh in the quarterfinal match at the MCG here, which has led to protests in Bangladesh, Laxman said that the matter has been blown out of proportion.
   
He also termed ICC President and former Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Mustafa Kamal's outbursts against the umpiring decision during the India-Bangladesh match as unfortunate.
   
"There is no doubt that Bangladesh were unlucky to have the 'no-ball' decision gone against them. Their emotional reaction was understandable. But to say that the umpires gave the decision in favour of India intentionally to ensure that India win the match was wrong," he said.


 

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Fans take out mock funeral after Pakistan's World Cup loss

In the protests shown on some channels from the city of Multan, it clearly appeared some of the cricket fans wanted their minutes of fame on television.
   
Footages of around 50 people taking out a mock funeral of Pakistan cricket with cricket bats and balls and later burning them and two angry protesters smashing a television set were beamed after the match.
   
But generally the reaction to Pakistan's defeat was not too negative and cricket fans took to the social networking sites to appreciate the fighting spirit of the team while defending a small total and also appreciated the contributions of Misbah in particular and Afridi in their one-day careers.

The reactions were subdued because perhaps even before the match most cricket fans and pundits had given Australia a better chance of winning the knockout match.
   
"I loved the bowling of Wahab Riaz, bad luck we dropped those two important catches and the batting was a total disappointment but atleast we gave Australia a fright," cricket analyst Aaliya Rasheed said.
   
Fans were up early to catch the live action from Adelaide with special screenings at many places and parks despite Friday being a working day.

 

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Match Report : NZL vs WI, न्‍यूजीलैंड ने दिया 394 रन का लक्ष्‍य, वेस्‍टइंडीज को लगे दो शुरुआती झटके

Match Report : NZL vs WI, न्‍यूजीलैंड ने दिया 394 रन का लक्ष्‍य, वेस्‍टइंडीज को लगे दो शुरुआती झटके
गुप्टिल की धमाकेदार इनिंग
इससे पहले टॉस जीतकर पहले बल्लेबाजी करने उतरी न्यूजीलैंड टीम की शुरुआत ज्यादा अच्छी नहीं रही थी और महज 27 रन पर टीम के कप्तान मैक्कुलम (12) रन बनाकर टेलर का शिकार बने. टेलर ने उन्हें होल्डर के हाथों कैच करवाया. इसके बाद दूसरा विकेट विलियम्सन (33) के तौर पर गिरा. उस वक्त टीम का स्कोर 89 रन था. तीसरे विकेट के लिए गुप्टिल और टेलर ने सौ रनों से ज्यादा की साझेदारी कर टीम को मजबूत स्थिति में ला दिया. दोनों बल्लेबाज बेहतरीन बल्लेबाज कर ही रहे थे कि टेलर (42) रन पर रन आउट हो गए. टेलर के बाद बल्लेबाजी करने आए कोरी एंडरसन (15) ने तेज खेलने की कोशिश की मगर वो कामयाब नहीं हो पाए और उन्हें रसेल ने गेल के हाथों कैच आउट करवा दिया. एलियट भी तेज खेलने की कोशिश करते हुए टेलर का शिकार हुए. रोंची भी महज 9 रन बनाकर पवेलियन लौट गए. टेलर ने उन्हें बेल के हाथों कैच करवाया. हालांकि ओपनर गुप्टिल (237) अंत तक टिके रहे और टीम को विशाल स्‍कोर तक पहुंचाया. वेस्टइंडीज की तरफ से टेलर ने तीन और रसेल ने दो विकेट लिए जबकि एक बल्लेबाज रन आउट हुआ.

टीमें इस तरह हैं:
न्यूजीलैंड- ब्रेंडन मॅक्कुलम, मार्टिन गुप्टिल, केन विलियम्सन, रॉस टेलर, ग्रांट इलियट, कोरी एंडरसन, ल्यूक रोंची, डेनियल वेटोरी, टिम साउदी, ट्रेंट बोल्ट और एडम मिल्ने.

वेस्टइंडीज- क्रिस गेल, जॉनसन चार्ल्स, मार्लोन सैम्युअल्स, जोनाथन कार्टर, लेंड्ल सिमंस, दिनेश रामदीन, डैरेन सैमी, आंद्रे रसेल, जेसन होल्डर, जेरोम टेलर, सुलेमान बेन

 

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Friday, 20 March 2015

ICC World Cup quarterfinal: Australia bowl out Pakistan for 213 runs

Pakistan innings:

1st over: Australia paceman Mitchell Starc opens the bowling and finds some early swing. PAK: 1-0.
2nd over: Sarfraz Ahmed tickles four leg byes off seamer Josh Hazlewood. PAK: 6-0.

3rd over: Sarfraz pulls Starc to the fence for four but is out for 10 the next delivery, edging a quicker ball to Shane Watson who takes a fine low catch diving to his right in the slips. Haris Sohail comes to the crease and hits a four off the first ball. PAK: 24-1.

6th over: Hazlewood strikes to remove opener Ahmed Shehzad, also caught well in the slips by Michael Clarke for five. Two balls later Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq survives when the ball brushes the stump after clipping his thigh pad, but the bails stay intact. PAK: 26-2.

7th over: Starc grabs a maiden, generating express pace and bounce off the Adelaide Oval wicket. PAK: 26-2.

9th over: Paceman Mitchell Johnson introduced into the attack and extracts a false shot from Misbah, but the inside edge goes for four. PAK: 36-2.

10th over: Hazlewood sends a ball cannoning into Misbah's pads prompting a half-hearted appeal for lbw. Just one run from the over. PAK: 37-2.

12th over: Sohail cracks two fours off Hazlewood to try break the shackles from Australia's pace bowlers. PAK: 49-2.

14th over: Part-time spinner Glenn Maxwell introduced into the attack. Misbah hammers a six over deep midwicket. PAK: 61-2.

16th over: Maxwell beats Misbah's outside edge in a tidy over, conceding only one run: PAK: 65-2.
18th over: Misbah hits another six off Maxwell over midwicket. PAK: 77-2.

19th over: All-rounder Shane Watson introduced into the attack. Sohail sends a top edge flying high but it falls short of third man. PAK: 81-2.

20th over: All-rounder James Faulkner introduced. Concedes two runs. PAK: 83-2.

24th over: Misbah attempts to slog-sweep Maxwell over the rope again but miscues the shot and Aaron Finch trots across to take a comfortable catch at deep midwicket to dismiss the captain for 34. Umar Akmal takes the crease. PAK: 101-3.

25th over: Johnson beats the outside edge from a nervous looking Akmal. Concedes only one run. PAK: 102-3.

 

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Win over favourites NZ would be huge for Windies: Holder

West Indies, who looked unlikely quarter-finalists at the start of the World Cup, lurched into the knockout phase of the tournament on the final day of pool play with a six-wicket victory over United Arab Emirates.

A bitter row between players and administrators late last year forced the cancellation of a series in India and when the squad was named for the World Cup, all-rounders Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard were left out.

Their omission prompted fury from team mates, most notably opening batsman Chris Gayle who labelled the decision 'ridiculous' and as 'victimisation' after the pair had been seen as the chief protagonists in the war with the administrators.

West Indies appointed the 23-year-old Holder as captain for the January series in South Africa, which they lost 4-1, and when they lost their first World Cup match against Ireland in Nelson, the doom and gloom merchants started circling.

Holder, however, said a victory in Saturday's quarter-final at Wellington Regional Stadium would be seen as an important  turn-around for the side.

"Obviously there have been obstacles and obviously there will be difficult times," Holder told reporters at the Basin Reserve on Friday.

"(The quarter-final) is a huge thing for us. People pretty much wrote us off at the beginning of the tournament.

"They didn't expect us to get to the quarter-final stage and now we're here. We're just going out all guns blazing tomorrow and just giving it our all."

 

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Mahendra Singh Dhoni records 100th ODI win as Indian skipper

Dhoni is the first non-Australian captain to achieve the feat -- in his 178th ODI -- as he got past South Africa's Hansie Cronje, who won 99 ODIs for his side. Ricky Ponting, with 165 ODI wins as captain, and Allan Border (107) are the two Australian greats leading the chart in the 50-overs format.
   
Dhoni, who remains the only captain to win all three ICC tournaments - World T20 (2007), World Cup (2011) and Champions Trophy (2013), has also recorded 11 straight wins, including 4 in the last edition, in the showpiece event and is only second to Australia's winning streak of 24 games under Ponting (21) and Steve Waugh (3).

After being appointed captain of a young limited-overs side back in 2007, Dhoni has attained great heights in international cricket, even taking India to the top of Test rankings.
   
The wicketkeeper-batsman has accumulated 8434 runs in 261 ODIs, averaging over 50, since making his ODI debut against Bangladesh in 2004.

 

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Thursday, 19 March 2015

ICC World Cup quarterfinals: Shami hunts Soumya Sarkar, Bangladesh four-down against India

Bangladesh innings:

1st over: Umesh Yadav opens the bowling with a tidy over. 3-0
3rd over: Yadav maintains a disciplined line to pick up a maiden as Bangladesh's openers struggle to throw off the shackles early. 7-0

4th over: Paceman Mohammed Shami eases the pressure with a wayward over and Tamim Iqbal smacks three fours off the bowler. 20-0

6th over: Mohit Sharma is brought into the attack and goes for eight runs, with Tamim hitting him for a four on his third ball

7th over: Yadav has Iqbal caught behind by Dhoni low and the dismissal is confirmed on review after the batsman refers the deccision. Opener Imrul Kayes is run out the next ball by some good work by Ravindra Jadeja after a terrible mix-up with Soumya Sarkar. Mahmudullah comes to the crease. 33-2
10th over: Sarkar tries to spark the Bangladesh innings and pulls an audacious ramp shot off a short ball from Sharma. 44-2.

India Innings:
1st over - Rohit Sharma square drives the first ball of the match, from Mashrafe Mortaza, to the boundary rope for four. India also pick up four leg byes off the fifth delivery. India 8-0.

2nd over - Shikhar Dhawan gets off the mark when he drives the last ball of Taskin Ahmed's first over through extra cover for four. 12-0

3rd over - Rohit picks up his second boundary when he pushes the ball straight past Mortaza to the rope. India off to a confident start. 17-0

4th over - Rohit, looking in good touch early on, notches another four when he swats a short ball from Ahmed through square leg. 26-0

7th over - The predominantly Indian crowd rise to their feet again as Dhawan belts Mortaza for four. 36-0
8th over - Nasir Hossain, who was brought into the attack after Ahmed, gives up his first boundary when Rohit dances down the pitch and lifts him over extra cover. 41-0

10th over - India reach their 50 inside the first 10 overs without loss, possibly laying the foundation for a massive score. Bangladesh have struggled to threaten with their seamers.  51-0

11th over - With fielding restrictions lifted, Bangladesh immediately return to spin. Mahmudullah is given the ball and makes a steady start. 55-0

 

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Wednesday, 18 March 2015

ICC World Cup 2015: Bangladesh look to past glories for inspiration against India

Bangladesh have done well just to make the quarter-finals,  beating England, Scotland and Afghanistan along the way, but few expect them to go any further that suits Bangladesh just fine.

The Tigers are used to living in India's cricketing shadow and are happy to play the role of underdogs against their subcontinent neighbours while they have only managed three wins over India in 28 One Day Internationals it is enough to give the Tigers hope.

Their most famous win came at the 2007 World Cup when Bangladesh beat India by five wickets at Queen's Park Oval at Port of Spain. It was only a pool match but the result meant India failed to make it past the first round.
             
For the Bangladeshi players, 2007 remains a constant source of inspiration, even if it removed the veil of surprise.  "Obviously it will be in our memory," Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan told a news conference on Tuesday.
             
"But it's a new game and we all know it. India are a very good side, they have some world class players. "Obviously it's going to be hard for us. We know that but we're up for the challenge."
          
India avenged their loss to Bangladesh at the 2011 World Cup, which they went on to win, and have been punishing them ever since. Since 2007, Bangladesh have beaten India just once, in 2012.
             
Shakib, currently ranked the world's top all-rounder, said Bangladesh were adopting the same approach they had in 2007 in the hope of producing another major upset.


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Tuesday, 17 March 2015

Match Report: SL vs RSA, संगकारा के आउट होते ही शुरु हुई बारिश

श्रीलंका ने ली पहली बैटिंग
पहले बल्लेबाजी करते हुए श्रीलंका 36 ओवर्स में 127 रन के कुल स्‍कोर पर 9 विकेट खो दिए हैं. श्रीलंकन टीम की ओर से आखिरी विकेट दिग्‍गज श्रीलंकन बल्‍लेबाज कुमार संगकारा का गिरा. संगकारा ने 90 गेंदों पर 34 रन बनाए. टॉस जीतकर बल्लेबाजी करने उतरी श्रीलंकाई टीम की शुरुआत ही बेहद खराब रही. श्रीलंका को पहला झटका कुशल परेरा के रूप में लगा. परेरा दूसरे ही ओवर में तीन रन बनाकर एबॉट की गेंद पर क्वांटन डी कॉक को कैच थमा बैठे. चार रन के स्कोर पर उसके दोनों सलामी बल्लेबाज पवेलियन लौट गए. इसके बाद तिलकरत्ने दिलशान बिना खाता खोले डेल स्टेन की बॉल पर फॉफ डू प्लेसिस को कैच दे बैठे. लहिरू थिरिमाने ने अपनी टीम को शुरुआती नुकसान से उबारते हुए 48 गेंदों में 41 रन बनाए. लेकिन वे भी इमरान ताहिर की गेंद पर आउट हो गए. तीन विकेट गिरने के बाद बल्लेबाजी करने आए महेला जयवर्धने (4) को इमरान ताहिर की गेंद पर अंपायर रिव्यू में जीवनदान मिला. लेकिन 7 गेंद बाद ही इमरान ने जयवर्धने को फैफ डू प्लेसिस के हाथों कैच कराकर श्रीलंका को चौथा झटका दिया. कुमार संगकारा के आउट होते ही बारिश शुरु होने से मैच बाधित है.

टीमें -
दक्षिण अफ्रीका : हाशिम अमला, क्विंटन डी कॉक, फॉफ डू प्लेसिस, रिली रोसो, एबी डी'विलियर्स (कप्तान), डेविड मिलर, जेपी डुमिनी, डेल स्टेन, काइल एबॉट, मोर्ने मॉर्केल, इमरान ताहिर.

श्रीलंका : कुशल परेरा, तिलकरत्ने दिलशान, कुमार संगकारा, महेला जयवर्धने, एंजेलो मैथ्यूज (कप्तान), लाहिरू थिरिमाने, थिसारा परेरा, थरिंडू कौशल, नुवान कुलसेकरा, दुषमंथा चमीरा, लसिथ मलिंगा.

 

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Match Preview : IND vs BGD वर्ल्‍डकप में खतरनाक साबित होते हैं बांग्‍लादेशी, माही को रहना होगा सतर्क

बांग्‍लादेश को हल्‍के में नहीं लेना
क्रिकेट को अनिश्चितताओं का खेल कहा जाता है, इसका उदाहरण हम सभी देख चुके हैं. क्रिकेट का जनक देश इंग्‍लैंड इस टूर्नामेंट से बाहर हो चुका है और उसको बाहर करने वाली बांग्‍लादेश की टीम है. ऐसे में जब इंडिया का मुकाबला बांग्‍लादेश से होना है, तो माही आर्मी को हर क्षेत्र में सतर्क रहना होगा. हालांकि इंडियन टीम भी जबर्दस्‍त फॉर्म में है और टीम का प्रत्‍येक प्‍लेयर अपनी-अपनी जिम्‍मेदारी समझते हुए जीत में हिस्‍सेदार बन रहा है. यह मैच लगभग बराबरी का नजर आता है. बांग्‍लादेश की ओर से महमुद्दुल्‍लाह की शानदार शतकीय पारी इंडिया के लिए चिंता का विषय बन सकती है, लेकिन धोनी को अपने बॉलर्स पर भरोसा रखना होगा. वर्ल्‍ड कप रिकॉर्ड पर नजर डालें, तो बांग्‍लादेश ने भारत को कड़ी चुनौती दी है. अभी तक इन दोनों के बीच 2 मैच हुए हैं जिसमें दोनों ने 1-1 बार जीत दर्ज की. वर्ल्‍ड कप मैचों में बांग्‍लादेश की टीम काफी खतरनाक साबित होती है. ऐसे में कैप्‍टन कूल को अच्‍छी रणनीति के साथ तैयारी करनी होगी. फिलहाल इस मैच में जीत प्रतिशत पर बात करें, तो इंडिया के फेवर में यह 62 परसेंट जाता है जबकि बांग्‍लादेश के पास 34 परसेंट मैच जीतने का चांस बनता है.

सेमीफाइनल में इंट्री करना होगा टारगेट
इंडिया के पास इस मैच को जीतकर सेमीफाइनल में इंट्री करने का टारगेट होगा. भारतीय शेरों को किसी भी तरह की कमी नहीं रखनी होगी. बै‍टिंग, बॉलिंग और फील्डिंग तीनों क्षेत्रों में मौकों को भुनाते हुए उम्‍दा प्रदर्शन करना होगा. वर्ल्‍ड कप शुरु होने से पहले इंडियन टीम को ऑस्‍ट्रेलिया दौरे पर करारी शिकस्‍त झेलनी पड़ी थी, लेकिन क्रिकेट का सबसे बड़ा टूर्नामेंट शुरु होते ही इंडियन प्‍लेयर्स अपनी फॉर्म में लौट आए. इंडिया ने इस वर्ल्‍ड कप में लगातार 6 मैच जीत लिए हैं. ऐसे में इस समय इंडियन टीम बहुत ही मजबूत स्थिति में है. बांग्‍लादेश के लिए इंडिया को हराना किसी बड़े चैलेंज से कम नहीं है. शिखर धवन हों या फिर विराट कोहली, दोनों ही बैट्समैनों अकेले दम पर मैच जीताने की काबिलियत रखते हैं. हालांकि इस टूर्नामेंट में इंडियन बैटिंग काफी लाजवाब रही है. मध्‍यक्रम में सुरेश रैना और कैप्‍टन धोनी जिम्‍मेदारी निभाते हुए मैच विनिंग पारी खेल सकते हैं. इसके अलावा बॉलिंग में भी आर. अश्विन, मोहम्‍मद शमी और भुवनेश्‍वर कुमार ने शानदार बॉलिंग का प्रदर्शन किया है. वैसे यह मैच एकतरफा तो नहीं कहा जा सकता लेकिन इंडिया किसी भी कीमत पर अपने विजयरथ को रोकना नहीं चाहेगी. 

 
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Rangana Herath doubtful for World Cup quarter-final

The 36-year-old Herath needed four stitches in the spinning finger of his left hand after he tried to stop a full-blooded drive from England's Jos Buttler during Sri Lanka's nine-wicket win in Wellington on March 1 and hasn't played since.

Herath's left-arm spin would be a useful addition to Sri Lanka's attack on a Sydney Cricket Ground pitch taking turn.

But Mathews speaking before practice at the SCG on Tuesday, said of Herath: "He's still fifty-fifty. He hasn't had a bowl yet. The physio has to have a look at him once again on Tuesday.

"If he bowls at practice today he'll be in contention for selection. If not, he won't be playing."

Herath's chances of featuring against South Africa appeared slim after he managed just five balls in the nets on Tuesday before consulting the physio.

 
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McIlroy replaces Tiger as face of video game

EA announced Monday that the game, to be released in June, will be called "Rory McIlroy PGA Tour" and feature the 25-year-old from Northern Ireland on its cover.

It will mark the first time since 1998, the year after Woods won his first major crown at the Masters, that Woods has not been featured on the cover. A Woods-EA contract expired in 2013.

"I'm very proud and humbled to see my face and name on EA Sports Rory McIlroy PGA Tour," McIlroy said in a statement.

"This is a great honor and something I couldn't even dream of growing up playing the sport. I really hope people enjoy the game and I'm very glad I can be a part of it."

EA figures to seek a new group of young gamers and golf fans with the switch, using the hashtag NextGenGolf with a Twitter posting announcing McIlroy's new status.

"New name. New cover. Looking good @McIlroyRory!" the video game maker tweeted.

McIlroy will try to complete a career Grand Slam by winning his first Masters title next month at Augusta National. He will also be trying for his third major title in a row after wins at last year's British Open and PGA Championship.

In all, McIlroy has won four majors, his first coming at the 2011 US Open at Congressional and his second coming at the 2012 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island.

Woods, 39, is chasing the record 18 career major titles won by Jack Nicklaus but has not won a major crown since the 2008 US Open.

 

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