Mumbai Indians crush Delhi Daredevils by 39 runs

STAFF WRITER 19:21 HRS IST

Mumbai, Apr 13 (PTI) Mumbai Indians beat Delhi Daredevils by 39 runs in their Indian Premier League match here today.

Brief Scores:

Mumbai Indians: 183 for four in 20 overs (Kieron Pollard 45 not out, Saurabh Tiwary 38, Sachin Tendulkar 30; Pradeep Sangwan 2/35).

Delhi Dardedevils: 144 for 7 in 20 overs. (A McDonald 33 not out, D Warner 31; A Murtaza 2/18, D Fernando 2/32).

Afridi files an appeal with PCB

Pakistan Twenty20 skipper Shahid Afridi filed an appeal with the Pakistan Cricket Board against the three million rupees fine imposed on him last month for his ball tampering antics in Australia earlier this year.

"Yes we have got an appeal from Shahid today and we will be sending all appeals filed by the players to the governing board and then appellate tribunal for further action," PCB's legal advisor Tafazzul Rizvi said.

Before Afridi, Rana Naved and the Akmal brothers, Kamran and Umar, had filed appeals against their punishments with the board.

Former captain, Younus Khan was also expected to finally submit an appeal with the board through his lawyer later today against the indefinite ban imposed on him.

The board, acting on the recommendations of its inquiry committee that probed into the team's poor performances during the Australian tour, had banned Younus, Muhammad Yousuf, Shoaib Malik and Rana Naved besides imposing heavy fines on Afridi and the Akmal brothers for violating the code of conduct on that tour.

"We have a proper process for these appeals to be heard by the appellate board which has already been formed. The appellate board will decide whether to uphold the appeals of the players or reject them or recommend changes to the punishments," Rizvi said.

Afridi was fined and put on six month's probation by the board for his ball tampering action during the fifth and final one-day international against Australia in Perth in February.

The Pakistani allrounder was immediately handed over atwo-match ban by the ICC match referee.

Afridi, in his appeal, has made the point that the board cannot punish him for an offence for which he has already been banned for two matches by the ICC.
© PTI

IPL governing council to meet in 10 days

With the public showdown between Lalit Modi and minister Shashi Tharoor over the Kochi franchise snowballing into a major controversy, the BCCI has decided to convene a meeting of the IPL Governing Council within 10 days to discuss and take a decision on the episode.

A day after Modi disclosed that Sunanda Pushkar, who is reportedly close to Tharoor, had stakes worth close to Rs 70 crores in the Kochi team, the controversy took a more serious turn today with the minister saying that Modi's tweets were "an extraordinary breach of all propriety" and designed to discredit the franchise.

The BCCI has taken a serious view of the public spat between the IPL commissioner and the Minister of State for External Affairs which may now have ramifications beyond the IPL.

"BCCI president has decided to convene an IPL Governing Council meeting within 10 days to discuss all the issues and take a decision," BCCI spokesman Rajiv Shukla told reporters after a meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi at her residence.

Shukla, who maintained that his meeting with Sonia Gandhi had nothing to do with the Tharoor issue, said, "Whatever allegations have been made from both the sides, all those issues will be deliberated upon at the meeting of the Governing Council.

"I don't want to make a comment or any observation on what one has said against the other. All I am trying to suggest is that all these issues will be discussed in the meeting convened by the BCCI president," he said.

Asked whether he had a discussion with Sonia Gandhi on Tharoor's role in the IPL Kochi team, Shukla said, "I had no discussion with Sonia Gandhi on this issue. It was a regular meeting with the AICC president."

Whether the BCCI took the public spat between Modi and Tharoor seriously, Shukla said, "BCCI president understands the urgency of the issue, that's why he has convened the meeting."

According to a top BCCI source, Lalit Modi's tweets have not gone down well with the top brass of the cricket board as he has often announced important decisions without taking the consent of the governing body.

After receiving a complaint from the Kochi franchise on Modi's indiscretion, BCCI president Shashank Manohar shot off a strongly-worded letter to the IPL commissioner, criticising his decision to make public the ownership details.

"The issue, if any, could have been discussed at the governing council meeting and that action on your part of raising it on Twitter is unbecoming of you as a chairman of the a sub-committee of the board. Your action is in serious breach of the confidentiality clause in the agreement," Manohar wrote.

"Till date, you have made public statements about a lot of issues which were not even discussed in the meetings of the governing council when it is the governing council which has the authority to take decisions with regard to each and every issue related to IPL," Manohar said.

Modi on his part responded to Manohar's letter by saying his revelations on Twitter were "in no way a breach of confidentiality". He said the Kochi franchise "had a lot to hide" and as such have lied about who are the actual owners of the shares.

Although the BCCI has not fixed a date for its next governing council meeting, a source said judging by the gravity of the situation, the meeting could be convened as early as possible.

"The BCCI has a Working Committee meeting on April 24 and the Finance Committee meeting is scheduled on April 23. Since most of the officials will be there, the governing council meeting could be slated for 23rd," the source said.

Modi had on Sunday disclosed the names of the free equity holders in the little known Rendezvous Sports World (RSW) which coughed up approximately Rs 1533 crore to bag the Kochi franchise, a move which put Tharoor in a spot of bother as Sunanda figured in the list.

Miffed by the disclosure, RSW threatened to send a legal notice to Modi and accused the IPL Commissioner of breaking the confidentiality terms.

Modi hinted there was pressure on him not to reveal the details of who all owns Rendezvous.

"I was told not to get into who owns Rendezvous, specially Sunanda Pushkar. Why?" said Modi.

Tharoor had all along denied having a stake in the Kochi franchise, saying he played merely a facilitator's role.

In a lengthy rejoinder, Tharoor denied calling Modi and requesting him not to disclose details of the RSW stakeholders.

Cricbuz

Dhoni, Ganguly in a crucial face-off today

Dhoni, Ganguly in a crucial face-off today

Chennai, April 12: Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders will clash in a make-or-break Indian Premier League match here tomorrow, the outcome of which will decide if they can still be in race for a semifinal spot.

Both the teams need to win all the three remaining games if they are to stand any chance of qualifying for the last-four stage and the team that ends on the wrong side of the result would be out of contention.

They are on equal points having won five of their 11 matches but the hosts are at the fifth place in the points table, ahead of Kolkata Knight Riders due to their better net run-rate.

The hosts have a psychological edge as they have beaten Knight Riders in the away encounter but that defeat at home would push Kolkata even more for the win.

Both the teams are coming into the clash after defeats in their last encounters and an exasperated Sourav Ganguly even went to the extent of saying that his side played “rubbish” on Saturday against Royal Challengers Bangalore and did not deserve to be in semifinals.

Somdev touches career-best ranking

Somdev touches career-best ranking

New Delhi, April 12: India’s Somdev Devvarman continues to prosper on the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour and has risen to a career-high ranking of 110 on its charts here on Monday. Somdev, who came close to knocking out former World No.1 Lleyton Hewitt of Australia in the second round of the US men's Clay Court Championship, has improved upon his previous best of 116 last week. Somdev, who shot into prominence at the university of Virginia, winning back-to-back US collegiate singles titles in 2007-8, was largely instrumental in taking India into the Davis Cup World Group this year, though they lost to Russia in the first round. US-based Indian Prakash Amritraj climbed two places to 198. In the men’s doubles ranking, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi remain unchanged at sixth and seventh position. (IANS)

Maoist attack feared in Tripura, security beefed up

AGARTALA, April 12: Security has been beefed up in Tripura following an alert issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in the wake of the Maoist attack at Dantewada in Chhattisgarh last week. Official sources here today said all the security forces in Tripura had been put on high alert while being asked to conduct search and frisking in city areas and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) was instructed to take the lead role in the counter-insurgency campaign. ‘’We have already intensified counter-insurgency operation with the announcement of election to Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) to be held on May 3 and MHA directives after the Chhattisgarh incident have asked us to be on alert,’’ police said.

They said Assam Rifles and CRPF personnel posted in Tripura were on an all-out offensive against militant groups which are a threat to the state’s peace and harmony. ‘’Though we do not apprehend much trouble this time during the ADC polls, but reports indicate that some groups are trying to sneak into the state from across the border. We are taking all necessary steps to ensure free and fair elections,’’ said a police official, adding the BSF had already been alerted to step up vigil along the border. (Agencies)

Pathan takes three wickets as Punjab beat Daredevils

Pathan takes three wickets as Punjab beat Daredevils

New Delhi, April 11: Irfan Pathan returned with a three-wicket haul as Kings XI Punjab put up clinical all-round performance to register a seven-wicket comprehensive victory over Delhi Daredevils in their Indian Premier League match here today.

Pathan’s three for 24 and Piyush Chawla (2/16) helped Punjab shot out Delhi Daredevils for a lowly 111 at the slow and turning track of Ferozshah Kotla after home team captain Gautam Gambhir won the toss and elected to bat.

The Kings XI then returned to overhaul the target with eight balls to spare, courtesy Mahela Jayawardene (38), Kumar Sangakkara (33) and Yuvraj Singh’s unbeaten 21 off 25 balls.

Drogba keeps Chelsea on course

Drogba keeps Chelsea on course

LONDON, April 11: Didier Drogba sent holders Chelsea on their way to a 3-0 win over top flight rivals Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday.

The Ivory Coast striker broke the deadlock in the 68th minute before Florent Malouda and Frank Lampard completed the win with two late goals as Premier League leaders Chelsea remained on course for a domestic ‘Double’. Chelsea will now return to Wembley on May 15 where they will face the winners of Sunday’s second semi-final between fellow Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth. This was no routine victory but once Drogba had turned home John Terry’s shot on goal following a mistake by Villa defender Richard Dunne, the outcome was never in doubt. Malouda added a second in the 89th minute, connecting with Michael Ballack’s right wing cross and Lampard completed the scoring in added time by capping a fine run with a composed finish.

For Villa, defeat meant a second Wembley disappointment this season after their League Cup final defeat at the hands of Manchester United in February. Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti had warned his side they would face a very different Villa team to the one that capitulated so meekly at Stamford Bridge two weeks ago.

Kolkata beat Delhi by 14 runs

Kolkata beat Delhi by 14 runs

Kolkata, April 7: A spirited Knight Riders overcame Sehwag’s exploits to beat Daredevils by 14 runs. Earlier, Kolkata Knight Riders posted 181/3 against Delhi Daredevils in their Indian Premier League game at the Eden Gardens here on Wednesday. Skipper Sourav Ganguly scored a 46-ball 56 (8x4, 1x6) and added 94 for the opening wicket with Chris Gayle, who got 40 off 21 balls (5x4, 2x6). Angelo Mathews 46 not out (28 balls, 3x6) and Manoj Tiwary 26 not out (18 balls, 1x4, 1x6) played some scintillating shots towards the end as they stitched together an unfinished fourth wicket stand of 70 to set the visitors an asking rate of 9.1 runs per over.

Brief Score: Kolkata: 181 for 3 in 20 overs

Delhi: 167 for 8 in 20 overs

(IANS)

AATA releases new ranking list

AATA releases new ranking list

By our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI, April 7: The All Assam Tennis Association (AATA) has released the new ranking list of the state players. Aloke Kumar Tripathy ranked number one in the mens section. The other players who ranked top in different categories are Parikshit Somani (Boys U-12), Priyana Kalita (Girls U-12), Tanvir Aman (Boys U-14), Amrita Nath (Girls U-14), Madhurya Dutta (Boys U-16), Manaswinee Hazarika (Girls U-16), Alok Kumar Tripathi (Boys U-18) and Marisha Dutta ( Girls U-18).

Jumbo is mascot for 2011 World Cup

Jumbo is mascot for 2011 World Cup

MUMBAI, April 5: “Appu”, the elephant was the mascot of the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi and almost two decades down the line, the pachyderm has been chosen to perform the same role at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 to be jointly hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The CWC mascot was unveiled at a function in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on April 2 and the World Cup organisers on Monday announced that cricket fans based in the host nations would be able to participate in a contest to name the mascot. The details pertaining to the consumer contest (address on which to send entries and deadline) will be intimated in due course, said Tournament Director Professor Ratnakar Shetty. (PTI)

Rajasthan Royals win

Rajasthan Royals win

Nagpur, April 5: Shane Warne once again produced a magical display as he picked up four Deccan batsmen to nail a thriller on Monday in Nagpur. Rajasthan Royals emerged victorious by two runs in the IPL match. Rohit Sharma was the highest scorer with 74 but that was overshadowed by the magic of Warne. Warne not only performed brilliantly with the ball but also managed his fielders nicely to succesfully defend the total score of 159.

Earlier, Shane Watson cracked a scintillating 36-ball 58 but Rajasthan Royals suffered a middle-order batting collapse and failed to put up a big score in the board.

Watson blasted three fours and as many sixes to stand amidst the ruins, even as Michael Lumb (15), Naman Ojha (1), Yusuf pathan (5), Abhishek Jhunjhunwala (11) and Abhishek Raut (0) were dismissed cheaply after skipper Shane Warne elected to bat first.

Watson played a dashing knock to anchor the Rajasthan innings but their batting capitulated as they lost first half of their side for 130 in 15.2 overs, before losing the last five wickets for just 29 runs.

Jayawardene ton powers Kings XI to 8-wkt win

Jayawardene ton powers Kings XI to 8-wkt win

Kolkata, April 4: Mahela Jayawardene cracked an unbeaten 59-ball 110 to power Kings XI Punjab to a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in a high-scoring Indian Premier League match here tonight.

Chasing a stiff 201 for a win, Kings XI were never under pressure with Jayawardene playing a blistering innings which had 14 boundaries and three sixes in it as the visitors romped home with 10 balls to spare.

Jayawardene’s unbeaten century, the fourth in IPL III, overshadowed a 42-ball 88 from Kolkata Knight Riders’ opener Chris Gayle after the home side opted to bat first at the Eden Gardens.

The Sri Lankan, who was sent out to open with Manvinder Bisla, was though dropped when on 51.

Yuvraj’s Singh’s cameo of 16-ball 36, which was laced with two fours and three sixes, gave the final push in the run chase of Kings XI who notched up 204 for two in 18.2 overs. Captain Kumar Sangakkara chipped in with a 22-ball 38.

Sutil fifth

Sutil fifth

Sepang, April 4: Force India’s point-scoring spree continued unabated as Adrian Sutil drove a flawless race, keeping 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton at bay, for a fifth place finish to earn 10 invaluable points from today’s Malaysian Grand Prix.

Teammate Vitantonio Liuzzi, who scored points in both the previous races this season, was less fortunate as the Italian retired on lap 12 with a suspected throttle problem.

Indian Formula One driver Karun Chandhok finished the race 15th, ahead of Hispania teammate Bruno Senna. After failing to score point in the first two races this year, Sutil started the race fourth on the grid and drove a faultless race to open his account.

Force India chairman Vijay Mallya said ideally both the cars should have scored points but he had no complaints. “Three races and three times in the points, I am absolutely delighted,” Mallya said.

“Adrian had a strong race, keeping a cool head under pressure when a charging Lewis Hamilton was right on his tail.

Mumbai win by 63 runs against Deccan

Mumbai win by 63 runs against Deccan

Mumbai, April 3: Ambati Rayudu cracked an unbeaten 29-ball 55 as table-toppers Mumbai Indians put up a sterling all-round performance to virtually seal a semifinal berth beating holders Deccan Chargers by 63 runs in their Indian Premier League match here today.

Opting to bat, Mumbai Indians piled up a challenging 178 for five, thanks to Rayudu and youngster Saurabh Tiwary who made a 44 off 35 balls at the floodlit Brabourne Stadium.

The hosts then skittled out the Adam Gilchrist-led side for 115 in 18.2 overs, with left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan (2/10), Harbhajan Singh (2/16), Kieron Pollard (2/26) and Ryan McLaren (2/28) claiming two wickets apiece.

It was fourth straight defeat for the visiting team whose semifinal hopes receded further after this loss — their fifth in eight matches. The hosts, on the other hand, is almost through to the last-four with 14 points from eight games.

My family and I know the truth: Sania Mirza

My family and I know the truth: Sania Mirza

New Delhi, April 3: Her prospective groom is facing allegations of marrying and dumping a woman, but Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza backed Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik on the matter, saying that she and her family have known the truth all along.

Although she did not mention Shoaib directly, Sania’s latest twitter feed clearly supported her husband-to-be, who has been accused of cheating a Hyderabadi girl Ayesha Siddiqui after a telephonic nikah.

“Me and my family know what the truth is, we’ve known it all along and we have confidence in god’s justice,” Sania said.

The 24-year-old has been flayed by the Shiv Sena and some other right wing parties for deciding to marry the Pakistani all-rounder.

Getting ready for the “biggest day” of her life, Sania said she never thought she would have to deal with so many things apart from the regular pre-wedding jitters.

“Too much going on, never in my life thought that I’d had to worry bout anything Of this sort, rather than my mehendi!” she said.

KP’s maiden half ton takes RCB to 6-wkt win

KP’s maiden half ton takes RCB to 6-wkt win

Mohali, April 2: Kevin Pietersen (66 not out) got three lives before notching up his maiden Indian Premier League half century and helping Royal Challengers Bangalore score a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Kings XI Punjab tonight.

Pietersen, who was dropped thrice while on 36, 47 and 50, played sheet anchor with two crucial partnerships -- 71 off 51 balls for the third wicket with Virat Kohli and 40 from just 15 balls for fourth wicket with Robin Uthappa as RCB romped home with five balls to spare in chase of 182.

Uthappa played a stunning cameo of 22 from just eight balls with two sixes and a four to take the score near finishing line at the PCA Stadium.

Pietersen, who hit seven fours and one six in his 44-ball knock in his second match for RCB, smashed the winning runs, a four off Irfan Pathan, to take his side to 184 for four.

Earlier, Kumar Sangakkara top-scored with a 27-ball 45 as Kings XI Punjab posted a challenging 181 for five after electing to bat.

With the win today, their fifth in eight matches, Royal Challengers are on second spot with 10 points and brightened their chances to qualify for the semifinals.

Sania’s heart beats for Pakistani: Thackeray

Sania’s heart beats for Pakistani: Thackeray

MUMBAI, April 2: Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, on Friday, flayed tennis star Sania Mirza for her decision to marry Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, saying “had Sania’s heart been Indian, it wouldn’t have beaten for a Pakistani.”

“Henceforth, Sania will not remain an Indian. Had her heart been Indian, it wouldn’t have beaten for a Pakistani. If she wished to play for India, she should have chosen an Indian life partner,” 84-year-old Thackeray said in an editorial in party mouthpiece Saamna.

“More than victories on tennis court, Sania became famous for her tight clothes, fashion and love affairs,” Thackeray alleged.

“More than her play, people’s attention was on her mannerisms,” he claimed.

The Shiv Sena supremo alleged that “for Shoaib, India is an enemy, not only in sports arena but also in the battlefield.

“We have heard that Shoaib has many affairs in India and has promised many girls he will marry them,” he said.

Thackeray also expressed surprise over the alacrity with which Sania’s family members were granted Pakistani visas.

“Getting a Pakistani visa is tough even for a singer like Lata Mangeshkar,” he said.

S Africa refuses to tour Pakistan

TAFF WRITER 21:43 HRS IST

Karachi, Apr 1 (PTI) The Pakistan Cricket Board has started preparations of its 'home' series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates after the Proteas refused to tour the trouble-torn country.

South Africa were scheduled to tour Pakistan in October-November for the series of Tests and one-day internationals but conveyed to the PCB they were not inclined to play in Pakistan in the present security situation.

"We have agreed to host the series at neutral venues in the UAE and we are in the process of finalising dates and venues," PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt said.

He said the South Africans had agreed to play in the UAE as they were keen to have the series against Pakistan.

"The series is on but the venues have changed we are now looking at Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah as possible match venues," Butt said.

Lajong again out from danger zone

Lajong again out from danger zone

By our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI, April 1: Shillong Lajong FC once again bailed out themselves from the relegation Zone by a draw in their away match against Air India by 1-1 at Mumbai on Wednesday. With this one point Shillong Lajong FC collected 21 points from their 19 matches and they are now in the 12th position. Mumbai FC and Sporting Clube de Goa are behind them collecting 20 and 11 points respectively. ND Opara put the hosts ahead in the first half, but Lajong were rewarded for their perseverance as Wailadmi Passah equalized late to earn a point from the game.

Ganguly guide KKR to victory

Ganguly guide KKR to victory

Kolkata, April 1: Sourav Ganguly led from the front with a blazing 54-ball 88 as a resurgent Kolkata Knight Riders bulldozed a hapless Deccan Chargers by 24 runs in their return-leg Indian Premier League match here today.

Ganguly blasted nine fours and five sixes and added 78 runs for the fourth wicket with David Hussey to take the Kolkata Knight Riders to a competitive 181 for six at the Eden Gardens here. The home team then returned to restrict the defending champions to 157 for five to zoom to the fifth place, just behind Rajasthan Royals with eight points from eight matches in the points table.

Barring offie Mohnish Parmar, the KKR bolwers put up a disciplined performance with Shane Bond, Angelo Matthews, Murali Kartik, Ajit Agarkar and Chris Gayle taking one wicket each to contribute to their team's win.