Ankur shoots double trap gold at Shotgun World Cup

Acapulco (Mexico), March 23 (IANS) Improving upon his silver medal at the New Delhi World Cup, shooter Ankur Mittal avenged his loss to Australian James Willet when he shot his way to the gold in mens

BY-PAKHI SHRIVASTAVA 

Marksman Ankur Mittal has delivered India's nine-member contingent its first medal at the International Shooting Sport Federation World Cup (Shot Gun) in Acapulco, Mexico by shooting gold in the men's double trap on Wednesday.

Mittal, who won silver at last month's ISSF World Cup in New Delhi, beat the gold medalist at that event, Australian James Willet, on day three of the competition.

Mittal had a strong day, ending second in qualification with a score of 138 out of a possible 150. Against China's Ying Qui he prevailed 6-5 in the shoot-off to decide second and third spots after both had finished their qualifying rounds on the same score. In the ensuing six-man 80-targets final round, Mittal missed a total of five targets, including just two in his last 40 to equal the world record and finish on top with a score of 75.

Willet managed 73 to claim silver, while Ying took the bronze with 52, before being eliminated after 60 targets.

QUNITINO DE KOCK DOUBTFUL FOR THIRD TEST,IPL 

South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock is a doubt for this week’s third and final Test against New Zealand

BY-PAKHI SHRIVASTAVA

 Misfortune and Delhi Daredevils have gone hand in hand in the last couple of seasons of the Indian Premier League. After news came in that JP Duminy will miss this season of the cash-rich league due to personal reasons, South Africa wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock is all but ruled out of this season with a finger injury.

South Africa team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee has already cautioned the wicket-keeper that if he does play in the IPL, he could miss the Champions Trophy in June.

"We will make a late call on his availability for the match on Friday after he undergoes a fitness test with protective strapping to see if he will be able to bat or keep wicket," Moosajee said in Cricket South Africa statement.

India's Joshna Chinappa progresses to second round of British Squash Open

Joshna defeated former world No 1 Rachael Grinham 11-6, 8-11, 11-6, 12-10

BY-PAKHI SHRIVASTAVA

India’s Joshna Chinappa entered round two of the prestigious British Squash Open even as compatriots Dipika Pallikal and Saurav Ghosal, PTI reported.

Joshna overcame a stiff challenge from former world No 1 Rachael Grinham of Australia. The Indian prevailed 11-6, 8-11, 11-6, 12-10. She next faces Raneem El Welily, the current world number three from Egypt.

Compatriot Dipika lost to world No 5 Laura Massaro of England 11-4, 11-5, 11-13, 11-1, while Ghosal failed to cross the qualification phase, losing in the final round to Alan Clyne Scotland in straight games 11-7, 11-4, 11-4.

CoA seeks directions from Supreme Court
The CoA has also taken due care to avert attempts of any possible sabotage of any of the forthcoming matches

BY-PAKHI SHRIVASTAVA 

The Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) has sought directions from the apex court for ensuring smooth conduct of the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the tenth edition of the Indian Premier League, with regard to financial demands raised by all the staging associations.

In the status report, the CoA has requested the court to “issue appropriate directions to ensure the smooth conduct of the fourth Test between India and Australia by the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) as well as the smooth conduct of IPL matches by the State / Member Associations specified

 

Fairytale farewell for Podolski as Germany set record

Lukas Podolski will collect his last Germany cap on Wednesday against England

BY-PAKHI SHRIVASTAVA 

Lukas Podolski admitted his Germany farewell could not have been scripted better after netting a superb winner in the 1-0 friendly win over England. It was only fitting that the Galatasaray forw"The way it finished was like in a movie," said Podolski, who smashed home the winning goal in the 69th minute, and then came off to thunderous applause with six minutes left.

"I am proud of the last 13 years," beamed Podolski, who will join Japan's Vissel Kobe next season. "It was a great game, a great result and a great way to say goodbye."ard should claim his 49th goal on his 130th, and final, international appearance in Wednesday's emotional farewell.

Female cricketers offered motza pay rise

Cricket Australia  put forward a landmark five-year offer to the Australian Cricketers

BY-PAKHI SHRIVASTAVA

Cricket Australia has offered its female players a massive pay rise as part of a package that is set to spark the most bitter stand off with cricketers since the collective bargaining agreement was first introduced.

The offer landed the day after the Ranchi Test ended and with the Test side one win away from a historic result.

Cricket Australia is trying to move away from the revenue share model which has underpinned all player payments since the first Memo of Understanding was introduced in the 1980s.

Rohit, Parthiv to lead Blue and Red in Deodhar Trophy

Rohit sharma and parthiv patel will lead the teams 

BY-PAKHI SHRIVASTAVA

Rohit Sharma and Parthiv Patel will lead India Blue and India Red respectively in the three-team 50-over Deodhar Trophy, which will be played at the Dr YS Rajasekhar Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam from March 25 to 29. Tamil Nadu, who beat bengal  by 37 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy final in Delhi on Monday (March 20), are the third team.

The national selectors have also included Shikhar Dhawan in Parthiv’s team. It will be an important series for Dhawan to re-establish his stature since last playing for India in the second One-Day International against England in Cuttack in January. Dhawan’s last significant knock came nine matches before when he made his second consecutive half-century for North Zone in the inter-zonal Syed Mushtaq Ali Twenty20 tournament.

Federer wins his fifth title at Indian Wells

The fairytale just keeps on going for the 35-year-old

BY-PAKHI SHRIVASTAVA

It was an all-Swiss encounter as Federer met Stan Wawrinka in Sunday's final. Federer having been sidelined for almost six months last year has made an incredible return to the game, winning his second title in the space of eight weeks.

On his way to the final he defeated Robert Stephane, Steve Johnson, he had a walkover against Nick Kyrgios and he beat Jack Sock in the semis. He also defeated Rafael Nadal in the fourth round, only dropping five games in the process.

"I've lost some tough ones against you, but when you played the final in Australia, I was your biggest fan," a choked up Wawrinka told Federer at the trophy ceremony. "So congratulations on your comeback and congratulations on today."

Virat Kohli rues soft ball, denies underbowling Ashwin

 Kohli made a soft excuse for a draw in third test 

BY-PAKHI SHRIVASTAVA 

 

India captain Virat Kohli said his spinners could have been more effective in the drawn third test against Australia but for the softness of the ball used in the contest.Having reduced Australia to 63-4 in the final morning after taking a 152-run first inning lead, India looked in a great position to register their second successive victory in the four-test series. But a wicketless afternoon session scuppered their hopes.Peter Handscomb and Shaun Marsh collaborated for almost four hours to frustrate the hosts with a dour fifth wicket stand of 124 runs.

Kohli reckoned it could have been different had the balls used in the match retained their hardness."I think the hardness of the ball was a big factor," the 28-year-old told reporters at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association Stadium.

"When the ball was new last night, it spun well off the rough. Even this morning, it was spinning well. But in the middle session, the ball was not hard, so could not generate that kind of pace from the wicket."

After Kohli took the new ball, Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Marsh for 53, while spin partner Ravichandran Ashwin sent back Glenn Maxwell but Australia had reached safety by then.

Kohli hints at Shami's inclusion in last Test

I have not spoken to the selectors but all kinds of possibilites are there apporaching the next test,said Virat Kohli  about Mohammad  Shami 

BY-PAKHI SHRIVASTAVA 

India captain Virat Kohli on Monday hinted that possibility of including fit-again Mohammed Shami who got four wickets for Bengal in the Vijay Hazare Trophy final against Tamil Nadu on Monday.

Shami bowled with a lot of fire on a placid Kotla pitch. The right-arm pacer scalped 4 for 26.

"We sent him to play, wanted to give him match practice. I've not spoken to selectors but all kinds of possibility are there approaching the next Test," Kohli said.

Pakistan government bars five cricketers from leaving the country

This is a right call by the PCB if spot-fixing has to be stopped

BY-PAKHI SHRIVASTAVA

n the wake of the Pakistan Super League spot-fixing controversy, the Pakistan government has barred five cricketers involved in the incident from leaving the country, reported The Hindu.

After suspending five cricketers from playing cricket, the PCB is investigating a few more.  

“The PCB’s investigation will continue with regard to any questionable activity by any player and player support personnel as it carries on with its mission of eliminating the menace of corruption from cricket.” the board said.

SWEDEN'S SANTIAGO NIEVA TO BE INDIA'S NEW BOXING COACH 

Nieva’s arrival will fill the foreign coach’s position that had been lying vacant after Fernandes left the scene 

BY-PAKHI SHRIVASTAVA 

The International Boxing Association’s coaches commission vice-chairman Santiago Nieva will be India’s new foreign coach for men boxers, filling a position left vacant by Cuban B I Fernandez in 2014.

“Mr Nieva has been recommended by AIBA to us and he comes with good experience. I am confident of good results,” Boxing Federation of India (BFI) President President Ajay Singh told PTI.

Nieva, an AIBA three star coach, was attached with the Swedish men’s team until last year. He quit the position after the Rio Olympics.

The Sweden-based Nieva, who even represented Argentina during his competitive days, is being brought on board till the World Championships this year after which the federation will take a call on the extension of his contract.

The World Championships are scheduled from August 25 to September 3 in Hamburg, Germany.

ALL- SWISS SHOWDOWN

Federer ,wawrinka to battle it out for Indian Well Masters Title

BY-PAKHI SHRIVASTAVA 

Roger Federer captured a record-tying fifth BNP Paribas Open title on Sunday, defeating close friend Stan Wawrinka 6-4, 7-5 on a sunny afternoon in Indian Wells. Federer extended his overall lead in their FedEx ATP Head2Head rivalry by a 20-3 margin.

Federer clinched his 90th tour-level crown and 25th in ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments. He also tied Novak Djokovic for the most titles in the California desert with five. Wawrinka, meanwhile, was looking to lift his second title at the Masters 1000 level following his win over Federer in Monte-Carlo three years ago.

There are no secrets in this final, as the Swiss compatriots do battle on a glistening Sunday afternoon in the Coachella Valley. Having never lost to Wawrinka in 14 hard-court encounters, Federer knew exactly what was required of him to lift the trophy. Looking to remain aggressive and attack his countryman's second serve from inside the baseline, Federer was on the front foot from the start.

The 35 year old had faced just one break point the entire tournament entering the final and had been just as ruthless on return, converting 11 of 17 opportunities. The trend would continue on Sunday. With the set closing in on the business end, Federer pounced on his opponent's serve, rifling an inside-out forehand winner at 5-4, 30/15. He would steal the opener two points later after a pulsating extended rally resulted in a Wawrinka unforced error. Federer claimed all six net points in the first set behind an aggressive, attacking formula. His bid to become the oldest ATP World Tour Masters 1000 champion moved to within one set.

The 35-year-old's first championship point came with Wawrinka serving at 6-5 and he would secure the title with a volley winner after one hour and 20 minutes. Federer becomes the oldest player to lift a trophy at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 level, continuing his hot start to the 2017 season.

BANGLADESH SECURE FIRST WIN AGAINST SRI LANKA IN 100TH TEST 

The touring side chased down their target of 191 in the final session to level the two-match series at 1-1

BY-PAKHI SHRIVASTAVA

 

angladesh secured their maiden Test win against Sri Lanka with a four-wicket victory on the final day of the second Test at the P Sara Oval on Sunday.

Playing their 100th test, the touring side chased down their target of 191 in the final session to level the two-match series at 1-1.Captain Mushfiqur Rahim was unbeaten on 22 while Mehedi Hasan was not out on two after hitting the winning run

Earlier in the morning session, Sri Lanka resumed their second innings on 268-8, a lead of 139 runs, and added another 51 valuable runs in the morning session to set Bangladesh a target of 191, thanks mostly to Dilruwan Perera and Suranga Lakmal, who put on 80 runs for the ninth wicket.

Earlier in the morning session, Sri Lanka resumed their second innings on 268-8, a lead of 139 runs, and added another 51 valuable runs in the morning session to set Bangladesh a target of 191, thanks mostly to Dilruwan Perera and Suranga Lakmal, who put on 80 runs for the ninth wicket.

PUJARA'S DEFIANT CENTURY GUIDES INDIA TO 360/6

At stumps on the third day of the ongoing third Test, India trailed Australia by 91 runs with four wickets remaining at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) stadium.

BY-PAKHI SHRIVASTAVA 

Cheteshwar Pujara showed tremendous staying power on day four as his double century gave India the upper hand in the third Test against Australia in Ranchi.Pujara faced 525 deliveries in the longest stint ever completed by an Indian batsman, eventually seen off by Nathan Lyon (1-163) for 202 having combined with Wriddhiman Saha (117) for a 199-run stand.The hosts had resumed on 360-6 and ultimately declared on 603-9, with Australia reaching 23-2 - 129 adrift of India's first-innings total - before stumps.Pujara made 130 before the end of play on Saturday and continued his charge with a consistent knock on Sunday, finding the boundary on 21 occasions over the course of the innings.For Pujara, his total represented a second double century against Australia - the most by any Indian batsman, alongside Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman.

MUMBAI LOSES FULL MEMBER STATUS IN BCCI,NORTH EASTERAN STATES INCLUDED

Record Ranji Trophy Champions Mumbai have been deprived of their full member status in BCCI 

BY-PAKHI SHRIVASTAVA

Mumbai: Record Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai have been deprived of their Full Member status in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), while the Committee of Administrators (COA) has granted Full Membership to all northeastern states.With the removal of the Full Member status, Mumbai, Vidarbha, Saurashtra and Baroda have also lost their voting rights as the Supreme Court-appointed COA on Saturday night listed the amended memorandum of rules and regulations that will now govern BCCI.
Only the states, all of 30, have been given Full Member status

BCCI TURNS SCREW ON ICC,WARNS USE OF MPA RIGHT IF REVENUE MODEL ISNT RECONSIDERED 

BCCI sent a letter to ICC Chief Executive Dave Richardson 

BY-PAKHI SHRIVASTAVA 

The BCCI on Sunday sent an 11-page letter to ICC Chief Executive Dave Richardson, categorically rejecting the proposed revenue model and constitutional reforms.

The BCCI has reminded the world body that they have the option of exercising the rights mentioned under the Members' Participation Agreement (MPA). While BCCI's stand was always known, COA member Vikram Limaye in his letter has pointed out that ICC should respect the MPA signed on October 12, 2014.

BCCI's objection also puts the ambitious World Test Championship in a limbo apart from the proposal to review full membership status of countries like Bangladesh.

RANCHI MISSES MS DHONI AS IT BECOMES INDIA'S 26TH TEST AVENEUE
 

Dhoni couldnt attend the test debut of his homeground in Ranchi 

BY- PAKHI SHRIVASTAVA

 

 An image of Mahendra Singh Dhoni playing drums and shaking legs had made a lasting impression here during the opening of the venue, but about four years later when the city becomes India's 26th Test centre, the mood is strikingly sombre

When Ranchi makes its Test debut in India's series-defining third cricket Test against Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in two days time, the most famous son of city will be busy leading his state in the in the domestic one-dayers in Delhi.Having shed his 'whites' to prolong his career in shorter formats of the game in late 2014, the most famous son of the Ranchi is currently in New Delhi as his team play Vidarbha in the quarter finals of Vijay Hazare Trophy on Wednesday."It's all because of Dhoni that we're able to host our first Test match here.

 His rise has put the city in international map. But at the moment, we want him to do well in New Delhi. At the same time, we hope Ranchi becomes lucky for Team India," Dhoni's childhood coach Keshav Banerjee told PTI.

IPL 2017: MITCHELL MARSH TO MISS OUT FOR RISING PUNE SUPERGIANTS 

  MARSH LIKELY TO SKIP THE TENTH EDTION OF IPL CITING A SHOULDER INJURY 

BY-PAKHI SHRIVASTAVA

Australia allrounder Mitchell Marsh is likely to miss the tenth edition of the Indian Premier League. Marsh’s absence will surely be a big blow to his franchise Rising Pune SuperGiants (RPS). Marsh, who was a part of the Australian squad during the second Test against India in Bangalore, before the 25-year old was ruled out of the remaining two-Tests due to an shoulder injury.

or the Rising Pune Supergiants it is a big blow as they were hoping to perform better in the upcoming IPL season after finishing seventh in the league table in the previous edition.Marsh has performed well in the IPL since his debut in 2010 and could have provided the stability in the middle of the batting order. Added to that are his bowling skills which could have been handy for Pune SuperGiants.

Rahul Dravid to skip coaching India U23 at ACC Emerging Trophy

BCCI has decided that it will allow Rahul Dravid to join hisfranchise Delhi Daredevils 

  BY-PAKHI SHRIVASTAVA

India A and U-19 coach Rahul Dravid will not be in charge of the U-23 squad that will be taking part in the Asian Cricket Council’s Emerging Trophy scheduled to be held in Bangladesh from March 25 to April 5. While Dravid has been the coach of all junior national teams but BCCI has decided that it will allow the former India captain to join his franchise Delhi Daredevils, who will start with their IPL camp in capital tentatively on March 28.
According to well-placed sources in the BCCI, in all likelihood the National Cricket Academy coaches, WV Raman or Narendra Hirwani will be in-charge of the team during the 10-day limited overs tournament.There had been talk among top BCCI officials of offering Dravid the position of head coach, but he was reluctant to take up a full-time role since he has a young family and did not prefer a job that required incessant travel.

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BARCELONA STUNNED BY DEPORTIVO DAYS AFTER SPECTACULAR COMEBACK

           BARCELONA LOST THE MATCH AGAINST DEPORTIVO LA CORUNA

BY-PAKHI SHRIVASTAVA

Exactly four days after Barcelona overturned a four-goal deficit in the second leg of its tie against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League Round of 16, the Blaugrana's mission impossible was undermined by a stunning 2-1 loss at Deportivo La Coruna. The result marked the Catalan club's first defeat in La Liga since the first week of October, when Luis Enrique's side fell to Celta Vigo in a game also played in Galicia, Spain.

Since Deportivo appointed Pep Mel as its manager at the end of February, Los Herculinos have tallied eight points from four matches, drawing Atletico Madrid and Real Betis, while defeating Real Sporting de Gijon and Barcelona. Prior to the run of form, the Galician club achieved zero points from what proved to be Gaizka Garitano's last nine contests as its manager.

MADAN LAL WILL HEAD THE COMMITTE TO ENQUIRE ON GAMBHIR FIASCO 

Three-member committee set up to inquire Gambhir-Bhaskar spat

BY- PAKHI SHRIVASTAVA

 A three-member committee has been set up by Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) administrator Justice (Retd) Vikramjit Sen to inquire the reported altercation between Delhi coach Bhaskar Pillai and senior batsman Gautam Gambhir that took place during Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Madan Lal will head the enquiry committe on this case .

The committee, which consists of DDCA chairman Madan Lal, Ambassador Rajendra S. Rathore and Advocate Soni Singh, has been asked to complete the enquiry within two weeks and submit the report with their findings and recommendations.Yesterday,

MOHAMMAD NABI,SHAHZAD  SEAL AFGHANISTAN'S 3-0 WHITEWASH 
AFGHANISTAN WON THE SERIES AGAINST IRELAND 

BY- PAKHI SHRIVASTAVA

Afghanistan 233 for 8 (Nabi 89, Shahzad 72, O'Brien 4-45) beat Ireland 205 (Wilson 59, Stirling 49, Rashid 3-28) by 28 runs .Two of Afghanistan's most destructive batsmen, Mohammad Shahzad and Mohammad Nabi thrashed scintillating fifties to set up Afghanistan's 233 for 8, their highest T20 total. Ireland scrapped and fought their way back but in the end, found themselves short of firepower and the target.

Thompson struck two fours and five sixes in his 43, but was bowled off left-arm spinner Amir Hamza in his bid to keep Ireland's momentum going. A few tidy subsequent overs meant Ireland were always behind the required rate, with the opposition's best bowler still unused.

Brief Score - Afghanistan:233/8(nabi 89,Shahzad 72,O'Brien 4/45);
Ireland :205 (Wilson 59,Stiling 49, Rashid 3/28)