Darren Sammy commended his teammates for holding on to their nerves under pressure situations while chasing South Africa’s 122 for eight. (Source: PTI)

West Indies captain Darren Sammy said their main objective coming into Friday’s match against South Africa was to qualify for the semifinals and he was delighted to have accomplished the task in Nagpur.
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In-form West Indies continued their unbeaten run and defeated South Africa by three wickets to seal their spot in the semifinals of the ICC World Twenty20.

With three wins out of as many games, West Indies thus became the second team after New Zealand to enter the semi- finals of the marque event.

“Yes I was smiling because of the position the game was, but there were butterflies in there. We came here to win this match and qualify, and we’ve done that, so we’re really happy,’ a delighted Sammy said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Sammy commended his teammates for holding on to their nerves under pressure situations while chasing South Africa;s 122 for eight.

READ: Who said what about West Indies’ win

“Today we were under pressure chasing a low total, and every decision we took out there they (players) responded. But I really want to commend my team on (how my team coped with the pressure),” he said.

South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis said they were not at their best today and played a catch-up game in the entire match on Friday.

“It felt like the whole game we were half a step behind West Indies and we were trying to catch up the whole time,” he said.

“10 runs maybe more from the batters – 135 deck. But a great fight by the boys. This game makes us all very old, very quickly! West Indies were just a little bit better than us today.”

Man-of-the-match Marlon Samuels, who scored a run-a-ball 44 for West Indies, said it was difficult to play shots on the pitch and credited South African bowlers for putting up a fight.

“Sometimes you have to bat according to situation. The pitch was a bit on the slow side, but credit to South Africa. They bowled in good areas,” he said.

West Indies sealed a close win over South Africa on Friday to progress into the next stage. (Source: AP)

In-form West Indies continued their unbeaten run and defeated South Africa by three wickets to seal their spot in the semifinals of the ICC World Twenty20 on Friday.

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With three wins out of as many games, West Indies thus became the second team after New Zealand to enter the semi- finals of the marque event. South Africa are virtually out of the tournament and their fate now hinges o the result of Saturday’s Super 10 Group 1 match against England and Sri Lanka at New Delhi.

If England win on Saturday, Eoi Morgan’s men will secure their place in the semifinals as the second team from Group 1 and the match between South Africa and Sri Lanka will be a mere formality.

Electing to bowl, West Indies first restricted South Africa to 122 for eight and then chased down the target with two balls to spare with three wickets in hand.

READ: Who said what about West Indies’ win

Chasing 123 for win, West Indies were dealt a severe blow in the fifth ball of their innings when dangerous Chris Gayle was cleaned up by a late in-swigning delivery from Kagiso Rabada. Johnson Charles (32) took the offensive to the opposition, hitting Chris Morris for two boundaries to pick up 11 runs of the fourth over.

Known for their fielding prowess, South Africa stayed on in the contest, courtesy a brilliant effort from Rilee Rossouw whose’s direct throw on to the stumps caught Andre Fletcher (11) short of the crease.

Charles carried on his good work in the company of Marlon Samuels (44) before the former went for a huge swipe only to give a skier to South Africa captain Faf du Plessis at cover.

But Rabada’s next over eased the pressure for West Indies as he went for three boundaries — one by Dwyane Bravo and two by Samuels.

Bravo, however, departed in the last delivery of the next over handing a simple catch to Wiese at backward point off Aaron Phangiso while going for a wild slash outside off-stump.

With West Indies needing a manageable 24 off 24 balls, it took a superb 17th over from leg-spinner Imran Tahir (2/13) to bring South Africa back into the match. After dropping a difficult chance from Samuels off his own bowling, Tahir came back strongly and picked up two wickets in consecutive balls to the delight of the Proteas. Tahir first dismissed Russell as the batsman went for a huge slog across the line only to find Miller at deep midwicket and then castled West Indies skipper Daren Sammy with a first ball googly.

Needing 20 off the last two overs, Samuels struck Wiese for two boundaries to bring down the equation to 10 off eight before a rash shot from the right-hander found AB de Villers at long-on.

With West Indies requiring nine off the last over, Carlos Brathwaite (10 not out) clobbered a length delivery from Rabada over the midwicket boundary to bring down the equations to three off four balls, which they accumulated with consummate ease.

Earlier, it was struggle for South Africa from the word go as they lost wickets at regular intervals and failed to put on a substantial partnership to get to a wining total.

Despite having some many big hitting batsmen in their ranks, the Proteas could only hit eight boundaries and two sixes in their entire 20 overs.

Left-handed opener Quinton de Kock top-scored for South Africa with a 46-ball 47, while Wiese made a valuable 28 lower down the order.

Sent into bat, South Africa were in dire-straits, losing their first five wickets inside the 50-run mark. Hashim Amla became victim of a terrible mix up in the third delivery of the match, while skipper Faf du Plessis (9) was brilliantly holed out by Suleiman Benn at mid-off off Andre Russell in the last ball of the second over, soon after the right hander clobbered Russell over mid-off two deliveries earlier.

Rossouw was the next to depart for a duck, cutting a Gayle delivery straight to Russell at point as South Africa slumped to 20 for three in three overs.

Much was expected of De Villiers (10) but he too perished in the eight over after being completely foxed by a slower delivery from Bravo.

While going for an outrageous flick through midwicket, De Villiers got a thick inside edge straight onto his stumps, much to the disappointment of the capacity crowd.

If that was not enough, Gayle went through another dangerman David Miller’s defence to see South Africa in a spot of bother at 47 for five.

De Kock and Wiese then held the innings together with a crucial 40-run stand for the sixth wicket to take South Africa forward.

But just when it seemed things were starting to look bright for South Africa, De Kock, on whom South Africa depended much to get to a fighting total, perished after doing all the hard work. He was bowled by Russell as the left-hander went for an injudicious sweep to a full ball bowled around his legs.

In search of big shots, Wiese then skied a slower delivery from Bravo to West Indies skipper Sammy at mid-off. For West Indies, Gayle (2/17), Bravo (2/200 and Russell (2/28) picked up two wickets apiece.

West Indies defeated South Africa by 3 wickets in a low-scoring clash. (Source: Reuters)

West Indies make it three out of three in the Super 10 stage of the ICC World T20 as they defeated South Africa by 3 wickets in a low-scoring clash. South Africa batted first and posted 122/8 in 20 overs. In reply, Kagiso Rabada gave what could have been a brilliant start to Proteas team by dismissing Chris Gayle in the first over. Wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals but it was Marlon Samuels who held his nerve and scored 44 runs. He was later sent back in the hut by Chris Morris. The match went into the last over where West Indies required 9 runs. Carlos Brathwaite smashed Rabada for a six and later hit the winning runs for his team. West Indies have registered a berth in the semi-final. Here’s what everyone has to say about West Indies’ victory.

Sammy hasn’t bowled a single ball..hasn’t put bat to ball even once. His team is in the SF and that’s the only thing that matters. #WT20 #WI

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) 25 March 2016

 

Another entertaining game despite a low total. Congratulations #WI. #SAvsWI #WT20 #AKLive

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) 25 March 2016

 

Most heartening feature o modern Crkt is shaking o hands by winners/losers n good visible spirit..!!Let’s take a bow..!!

— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) 25 March 2016

 

What is it with this @ICC #WT20 … Low scoring thrillers Every night#SAvWI #WI awesome 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

— R SRIDHAR (@coach_rsridhar) 25 March 2016

 

Most of us had India, South Africa and Australia making the semi-final before the tournament began. Looks like only one of them can!

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) 25 March 2016

 

Pakistan lost to Australia by 21 runs in a must win game of ICC World T20 contest. (Source: AP)

Coach Waqar Younis on Friday hoped that the early exit of Pakistan from the World T20 would help all stakeholders to take corrective measures and arrest the team’s steady slide.

“Of course, it is disappointing (to be out of the tournament). Last match (against New Zealand) was more disappointing than this one. Of course, we made bowling mistakes today, conceded a lot in the last 5-6 overs. We gave runs after taking wickets. We could have stopped them at 165-170 but the bowlers bowled off the plan,” said Waqar, after the team’s 21 run loss to Australia, who posted 193/4 in 20 overs.

He was expectedly asked about the reason for decline in Pakistan cricket and one of the reasons he feels is national team not getting an opportunity to play home series in the country post terrorist attackin 2009.

“Whatever we say now will sound like an excuse. There has been no cricket in Pakistan in the last six-seven years and the consequences of that are starting to show. If you look at it deeply, we had match winners like Muhammad Hafeez, who could bowl earlier and Saeed Ajmal.

“There is a bit of decline. it is very important to address it. We need to see where the infrastructure and domestic cricket is headed,” said the former captain.

Waqar, who had slammed his team after the New Zealand loss, hopes the selectors do the needful going ahead. Asked to compare Pakistan with other teams in the competition, he said:

“I think the difference in the team is clear. We are not the best of fielding side. I think the selectors need think deep about it. When you pick someone you have to look at the fielding aspect also. We need to bring in youngsters. These tournaments bring the required changes and hopefully it does the same for Pakistan cricket.”

He did not reveal much when asked about his future with the team.

“As far as my future is concerned, I will go back home and meet the PCB chairman and other officials and then we will see,” he said.

On captain Shahid Afridi’s retirement plans, Waqar said: “What I have heard is going to go back and do a press conference in Pakistan and decide what his future plans are.”

He also scotched rift rumours in the team.

“There is no truth in that. I am amazed that these rumours are being spread. We are not playing good cricket. Lets put it to that.”

He ended by talking about the virtual quarterfinal between India and Australia here on Sunday.

“They both are very fine sides. Not just recently, they have been playing tough cricket against each other for a while. I think it will be a good game,” Waqar added.

Vitaly Mutko said on Friday that 27 of the country’s athletes have tested positive for meldonium. (Source: Reuters)

Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said on Friday that 27 of the country’s athletes have tested positive for meldonium since the endurance-boosting drug was banned on January 1.

“Twenty-seven have tested positive for meldonium and there are some 127 cases in the world,” Mutko told R-Sport news agency. “But these figures can change.”

Meldonium was propelled into the headlines earlier this month after Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova announced she had tested positive for the drug at the Australian Open in January.

Since then, a string of high-profile Russian athletes, including Olympic swimmer Yulia Efimova, admitted the drug had been detected in their systems.

READ: Maria Sharapova posts letter to fans to clear the air

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said Thursday it had recorded 123 meldonium cases since the ban came into force.

The identities of all of the athletes who have tested positive for the drug have not been disclosed.

Russia’s scandal-ridden athletics federation suspended in November after a WADA independent commission found evidence of state-sponsored doping in Russian track and field announced four meldonium cases among its athletes earlier this week.

READ: Things to know about drug meldonium

Moscow has pledged to undertake sweeping reforms to revamp its anti-doping programme in time for its track and field stars to compete at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in August.

Russian sports authorities are now scrambling to clean house before a council meeting of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) in May, which will likely decide whether Russian athletes will be allowed to compete in Rio.

Gary Cahill will lead out England for the second time as he also captained the national side in October’s 2-0 win over Estonia (Source: Reuters)

Defender Gary Cahill has been named captain for England’s friendly international against Germany on Saturday as regular skipper Wayne Rooney has been ruled out with injury, the FA said on Friday.

Manchester United striker Rooney, England’s record goalscorer, has been sidelined since Feb. 13 with a knee ligament injury and faces a race against time to get fit for the European Championship which begins in France on June 10.

Cahill, 30, will lead out England for the second time as he also captained the national side in October’s 2-0 win over Estonia in the final qualifier for Euro 2016.

Keeper Joe Hart and winger Raheem Sterling will also miss Saturday’s match in Berlin through injury.
England host the Netherlands at Wembley on Tuesday as they continue their preparations for the European Championship.

Barcelona says the memorial will be open from Saturday to Tuesday at Camp Nou. (Source: AP)

Barcelona will hold a memorial for Johan Cruyff for fans to pay their respects to the former player and coach.

Barcelona says the memorial will be open from Saturday to Tuesday at Camp Nou.

The president of Catalonia’s regional government will attend the opening of the memorial.

Many of Barcelona’s first-team players are away playing with their national selections this weekend.

READ: Johan Cruyff’s family grateful for tributes

They will attend the memorial on Tuesday.

The Spanish club has also declared a period of mourning until April 2.

Cruyff died on Thursday of lung cancer.

Barcelona calls the Dutchman a “legend” for his highly successful stints as player and coach.

Mario Gomez will start Saturday’s friendly against England. (Source: AP)

Germany striker Mario Gomez will start Saturday’s friendly against England, coach Joachim Loew said on Friday, after finding a new lease of life following his move to Besiktas.

The 30-year-old, once one of the most prolific scorers in the Bundesliga, was plagued by injuries and lack of form during two seasons with Fiorentina, causing him to lose his place in the national team.

He missed the 2014 World Cup and has made only four appearances since Euro 2012, all in friendlies, as his career slid downhill.

However, a move on loan from Fiorentina to Besiktas has done him the world of good and he is this season’s top-scorer in the Turkish league with 19 goals.

“We have observed Mario in Turkey and he clearly has a lot more self-confidence,” Loew told a news conference.

“We have seen him in training, he has won back trust in himself and that shows in his body language.

“He is always dangerous around the goal, he always worries the opposition and I plan to start with him tomorrow. He has also earned his chance in training in the last three days.”

Loew said he had also had a “long talk” with Mario Goetze, scorer of the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final against Argentina, who has made only eight Bundesliga appearances for Bayern Munich this season.

“We spoke about his general situation with Bayern Munich,” said Loew, adding that Goetze would start Tuesday’s friendly at home to Italy.

“He’s got a bit of catching up to do physically. He needs match practice. We can help him a bit with the national team.”

The world champions, who have been drawn with Poland, Northern Ireland and Ukraine in Group C at Euro 2016, are due to announce their squad on May 17, although they have several injury worries.

Captain Bastian Schweinsteiger will miss the two friendlies after partly tearing ligaments in his right knee while central defenders Jerome Boateng and Benedikt Hoewedes are also sidelined.

James Faulkner returned with impressive figures of 5/27 from his quota of four overs against Pakistan. (Source: PTI)

Man of the Match James Faulkner on Friday said the secret of success for a bowler in the slam bang Twenty20 format lies in having good variation, execution of which can make life difficult for batsmen.

Faulkner picked up five wickets to run through Pakistan batting line-up and ensure a comfortable win for Australia in a crucial ICC World T20 game in Mohali.

“It’s pretty basic for all bowlers these days in T20 cricket. These days you got to have variation, change of pace, good yorkers and bouncer and if you can execute that you can make it hard for the batsman,” Faulkner said at the post-match press conference.

He said the Aussies had to win Friday’s game to stay in contention. “At the end of day, we were trying to win, we got the desired result,” he said.

Getting partnerships in the middle is always important, he said in reply to another question and heaped praise on skipper Steve Smith (61) and Shane Watson (44) for bailing the side out from 57 for three at one stage.

“I thought Steve batted exceptionally well today, but that’s not surprised me, I have seen him play T20 cricket, obviously over here in particular with the IPL, he does it all the time, it was a class act today,” he said about the skipper’s innings.

About the role played by bowlers, Faulkner said that as a group they bowled well.

“We knew they were going to come hard against us, it’s about holding our nerve,” he said.

Faulkner also praised retiring player Shane Watson, saying his game was pure class.

Faulkner also recalled his association with Watson in the team, saying “we have spend a lot of time with Shane”.

“He is very supporting with my cricket, and very supportive to young players, in general. He made you feel welcome in the group. He has been great for my cricket.”

About the match against India on Sunday, Faulkner said, “We got a massive game coming up against India, whoever wins that goes through. We will switch off from today’s game and focus on the upcoming game.”

“We have to make progress, if we didn’t make progress, we are out of the tournament. So, it was on our shoulders to turn the ship around and start winning. We have won two in a row, we need to win another three to win the World Cup.”

He said that India is “a very good team” and Australia will have to play well to beat them.

About his on-field rivalry with India’s star batsman Virat Kohli, Faulkner said, “there is nothing going on there, it’s just friendly banter.”

Asked if Australia would you like to have same kind of wicket against India, Faulkner replied, “I am not the curator, I am not sure what he is going to come up with. At the end of the day, it is same for both teams, we have to adapt, whatever it is, whether it has got pace, whether it is slow, we will soon find out.”

Viswanathan Anand yet again suffered a defeat against Hikaru Nakamura of United States. (Source: AP)

Former world champion Viswanathan Anand yet again suffered a defeat against Hikaru Nakamura of United States in the 12th round and needs a Herculean effort to stage a comeback in the Candidates Chess tournament now underway in Moscow.

Nakamura has been Anand’s nemesis for some time and another meeting between the two again brought out the best in the American who has otherwise had a forgettable Candidates.

For the first 11 games, Nakamura had just scored a single victory, seven draws and three losses.

The victory against Anand made his record slightly better but the American has no chance whatsoever of winning the Candidates.

With just two rounds remaining in his biggest challenge of the year, Anand has a tall task on hand.

In all probability, the Indian will have to win both his last two games to be in with a chance to challenge Magnus Carlsen of Norway in the next world championship match later this year.

It won’t be an easy task as Anand has to meet the seemingly impregnable Anish Giri of Holland and Peter Svidler of Russia.

While he plays white against Giri, the black against Peter Svidler in the final round will still be tricky if Anand wins the next one.

While the other games of the 12th round were still in progress, it looked as though Russian Sergey Karjakin was winning against Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria while Giri had the better position against another Russian Peter Svidler.

Overnight leader along with Anand, Caruana Fabiano was evenly poised against Levon Aronian of Armenia.

Nakamura got everything right at the start.

Surprising Anand in another English opening in which the Indian lost to Caruana in 10th round, Nakamura was in control early as Anand was caught off-guard.

In the post-match conference, Nakamura revealed that black’s 11th move was a mistake when Anand saved his Bishop from a pawn onslaught.

Getting in to a difficult situation by move 11 is not what Anand is used to and it was already difficult to find the most resourceful defences.

As it happened in the game, Anand lost in just 26 moves.

Results round 12: Hikaru Nakamura (Usa, 5.5) beat V Anand (Ind, 6.5); Sergey Karjakin (Rus, 6) playing Veselin Topalov (Bul, 4); Peter Svidler (Rus, 5.5) playing Anish Giri (Ned, 5.5) Fabiano Caruana (Usa, 6.5) playing Levon Aronian (Arm, 5.5).

Australia and India will square off in a virtual quarterfinal in Mohali on Sunday. (Source: PTI)

Pakistan lost to Australia by 21 runs earlier on Friday as things became much clearer in Group 2 of the ICC World Twenty20 Super 10’s stage. In Steve Smith, Shane Watson and James Faulkner dominated match at Mohali, Pakistan fell short and crashed out of the tournament – once again in the group stages.

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The result means the three-way battle for passage into the semifinals has now been reduced to two two teams. As things stand, New Zealand are top with three wins in three matches and six points. The Kiwis are already assured of a place in the next round irrespective of how they fare against Bangladesh.

As things stand in Group 2 after Australia’s 21-run win over Pakistan in Mohali.

In second spot are Australia with four points from three matches – two wins and a loss. Their net run rate stands at +0.440. Third in the five team list are India who also have four points after three games but are worse off in terms of net run rate at -0.546.

At the bottom of the pyramid are Bangladesh who have lost all their three matches and will be playing for pride up next against New Zealand.

READ: Pakistan crash out of World Twenty20

With India taking on Australia on Sunday, it would become crystal clear over who goes ahead depending on who wins. Thus making it a virtual quarterfinal with all to play for and no confusion of net run rate to worry about it.

THE SCENARIOS

IF INDIA WINS: If India win, they will have six points from four games as against the four points for Australia. MS Dhoni’s men then progress into the semis.

IF AUSTRALIA WINS: If Steve Smith’s men win the crucial match, they would have six points as against India’s four and go forward.

IF IT RAINS: It is cloudy and overcast in Mohali tonight. Were that trend to continue along with some showers, things will get murky and dampen India’s chances. In case of a washout and an abandoned match, both teams will get one points. Australia will move on to five points from allotted games and so will India. But then it would come down to net run rate and this would go in Australia’s favour.

Johan Cruyff’s family said they will hold a private funeral for the three-times European footballer of the year and a public memorial will also be arranged. (Source: AP)

Johan Cruyff’s family have expressed their gratitude for the heartfelt tributes they have received following the death of the former Netherlands forward on Thursday.

Cruyff, one of the greatest ever footballers who played for Ajax Amsterdam and Barcelona and a visionary coach, died from cancer at the age of 68.

“It has touched us deeply that Johan was such an inspiration to many of you,” his son Jordi said in a statement on Friday.

READ: Netherlands soccer legend Johan Cruyff dies

“On behalf of my mother, sisters and the rest of the family I would like to say thank you for all the love, kind words and memories that have been shared with us, since yesterday but also over the past months,” added the 42-year-old former Barcelona and Manchester United forward.

Cruyff’s family said they will hold a private funeral for the three-times European footballer of the year and a public memorial will also be arranged.

The Netherlands’ friendly international against France on Friday in Amsterdam will be halted for a minute-long silence after 14 minutes in tribute to Cruyff, who wore the number 14 shirt in his playing days.

Virat Kohli has played match-winning knocks against Pakistan and Bangladesh under trying situations . (Source: Reuters)

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi on Friday compared batting maestro Virat Kohli with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, saying he has now become the wall of the Indian cricket team, winning match after match with his bat. (STATS || POINTS TABLE || FIXTURES)

Kohli has been in golden touch in the ongoing World Twenty20, playing match-winning knocks against Pakistan and Bangladesh under trying situations and Afridi was all praise for the Delhi batsman.

“Virat Kohli is becoming like a wall in the Indian team. Earlier, it used to be Sachin Tendulkar who won matches for India and now it is Kohli who is playing that role,” Afridi said after Pakistan lost to Australia by 21 runs to crash out of the World Twenty20 in Mohali.

PHOTOS: Pakistan crash out, deny Shahid Afridi final hurrah!

Talking about Friday’s match, Afridi conceded that Pakistan were simply not good enough against the Australians.

“Honestly, we were not good enough. We had problems in batting. Our bowlers were doing well but in the last four overs, we gave away 40 runs. That is not not good bowling and we cannot do that against a team like Australia,” he said.

ALSO READ: I will take retirement decision in front of my nation, says Shahid Afridi

Australian captain Steve Smith said that his side played the best match of the tournament so far.

“It all came together. We have not played to potential in the (first) two games. Today was quite a clinical performance. I hope we keep on playing like this, playing our best in the next three matches, if we want to win the trophy,” he said.

“I thought (David) Warner was hitting well. He needed to face more balls. Finchy (Aaron Finch) looked good for a start. (Adam) Zampa has bowled beautifully. He reads the batsmen well, and is really smart, which is great for Australia,” he added.

ALSO READ: Australia eliminate Pakistan from ICC World Twenty20 with 21-run win 

Asked about any thoughts regarding the virtual quarterfinal match against India on Sunday, Smith simply said that India are a world class side.

“India are a world class side and will be tough to beat. But we will think about the match later. T20 cricket takes a lot out of the players. Tomorrow will be about resting, we will be back in two days.”

Man of the Match James Faulkner, for his bowling figures of 5/27, said he was lucky to have got the fifer.

ALSO READ: I thank people who came and supported us from Pakistan and Kashmir, says Shahid Afridi 

“I was lucky there at the end. More importantly, we are back on track. We have played well all summer back home. We showed what we can do with the bat,” he said.

“Looking forward to the next game against India, who are a tough opponent at home. We should be up for the challenge.”

Australia rode on Steve Smith and Shane Watson’s aggressive batting to score 194 runs. (Source: AP)

Australia defeat Pakistan by 21 runs to knock them out of ICC World T20. Australia rode on Steve Smith and Shane Watson’s aggressive batting to score 194 runs. In reply, Pakistan opener Sharjeel Khan started off the chase in a pretty decent fashion but was soon dismissed by James Faulkner. Shoaib Malik showed some resistance to the Australian bowling as the batsman scored 20-ball 40 but this wasn’t enough to take his team over the line. Faulkner picked up a five wicket haul in his allotted four overs. Players and pundits have reacted on this encounter between Pakistan and Australia.

PHOTOS: Pakistan crash out, deny Shahid Afridi final hurrah!

Brilliant bowling by @JamesFaulkner44 and Zampa. Good win by Australia. #AUSvPAK #WT20 #AKLive

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) 25 March 2016

 

Australia win sets up for a virtual quarter finals #IndvsAus on Sunday …look forward to an exciting game #WorldT20

— zaheer khan (@ImZaheer) 25 March 2016

 

Pakistan came into WT20 on the back of a poor showing in Asia Cup. They never got going in WT20 too #AUSvPAK

— Mohammad Kaif (@KaifSays) 25 March 2016

 

SUPER 10 GROUP 2
NZl 6 pts (1.28)
Aus 4 pts (0.44)
Ind 4 pts (-0.55)
Pak 2 pts (-0.09)
Ban 0 pts (-1.17)#AusvPak#DimagSay#AUSvPAK#Bing

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) 25 March 2016

 

In the previous match against New Zealand, Shahid Afridi had similarly thanked supporters from Kashmir. (Source: AP)

Unfazed by the criticism he drew for mentioning Kashmir in the previous match, Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi on Friday once again thanked supporters from the valley for turning up to cheer his team in the lost World Twenty20 match against Australia in Mohali. (STATS || POINTS TABLE || FIXTURES)

“I want to thank the people of Kolkata (the venue of a previous World T20 match against India) for supporting us. I thank people who came and supported us from Pakistan and Kashmir. I also want to thank the BCCI for taking good care of us in India,” Afridi said in the post-match presentation after Pakistan’s 21-run loss to Australia drawing a loud applause from the stands.

The defeat knocked Pakistan out of the World T20.

READ: Have not decided on retirement, says Shahid Afridi

In the previous match against New Zealand, Afridi had similarly thanked supporters from Kashmir during the toss, a comment that was criticised by BCCI Secretary Anurag Thakur.

Thakur had said that Afridi’s comment was “not politically correct”.

Afridi, who is set to be sacked as Pakistan captain after returning home, triggered quite a furore at the beginning of the tournament itself when he stated that his team is loved more in India than back home.

READ: Shahid Afridi’s statements on Kashmir not politically correct, says Anurag Thakur

That remark was lambasted in Pakistan with former captain Javed Miandad going to the extent of saying that the all-rounder should be ashamed of himself.

Taking a dig at those who criticised him for that statement, Afridi today said, “My comment was meant for educated people.”

It will be curtains for Sri Lanka if they lose on Saturday against England. (Source: AP)

Premier Sri Lankan all-rounder Thisara Perera on Friday said that it would be “impossible” to get a substitute for speed merchant Lasith Malinga but able replacements for Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara may come through in the next 5-6 years.
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“It will take at least 5-6 years for the Sri Lankan team to replace Mahela and Sanga. At least when it comes to the two batting slots. Even Sanga initially needed some time to settle down. So, for a player to settle down, it may take another two to three years,” Thisara told PTI during an interaction at the Ferozshah Kotla on Friday.

But what was more alarming was his assessment of Sri Lankan cricket post Malinga’s imminent international retirement.

“We will never get another guy like Lasith. It is not possible. Also we have off spinners and leg-spinners but there are no quality left-arm spinner like Rangana Herath. We don’t have any,” Thisara lamented.

Asked if there is any batsman who has caught his attention, the allrounder named Roshan Silva.

“It is my observation but there is Roshan Silva who can be a good prospect. He has been playing for Sri Lanka A team.”

He knows that it will be curtains for Sri Lanka if they lose on Saturday.

“We must win tomorrow to stay in competition. We have practised well. I have played 6-7 matches on this ground during IPL and for Lanka. I have idea about conditions. In my opinion, India are favourites to win in home conditions,” said Thisara.

Aritz Aduriz made his only previous appearance for Spain six years ago. (Source: Reuters)

Aritz Aduriz scored his first goal for Spain at the age of 35 to give the European champions a fortuitous 1-1 draw away to Italy in a friendly on Thursday.

Lorenzo Insigne ended Spain’s run of six successive clean sheets when he finished off a counter-attack to give the hosts a deserved lead midway through the second half at the Stadio Friuli.

But Aduriz, who made his only previous appearance for Spain six years ago and was recalled thanks to his prolific form with Athletic Bilbao, replied three minutes later from Spain’s first shot on target.

The result ended Spain’s run of seven successive wins and they would have lost if had it not been for an inspired performance by their goalkeeper David de Gea.

Italy were missing midfielders Claudio Marchisio and Marco Verratti and defenders Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini, while Spain were without forward Diego Costa.

The hosts fielded a 3-4-3 formation and were far livelier than the pedestrian visitors, in particular Antonio Candreva who nearly put them ahead with a long-range shot in the first half which De Gea turned around the post.

Italy took the lead in the 67th minute when substitute Insigne diverted Emanuele Giaccherini’s low cross pass De Gea following a quick break.

They led for only three minutes before Cesc Fabregas floated a free kick into the area, Gianluigi Buffon failed to hold Alvaro Morata’s header and Aduriz fired the rebound into the roof of the net.

Insigne thought he had won the game for Italy with a delightful chip over De Gea but the Spain goalkeeper managed to tip the ball over the bar.

Roger Federer happy that tennis has produced some of the greatest female athletes in the world. (Source: AP)

Roger Federer wasn’t playing tennis when he hurt his knee two months ago. He was playing Dad.

Federer said he was preparing a bath for his twin daughters when he turned and heard a click in his left knee, leading to surgery for the first time in his career Feb. 3.

“It was a very simple movement, probably a movement I’ve done a million times in my life,” Federer said Thursday.

“I didn’t think much of it when it did happen.”

Soon his knee was swollen and required arthroscopic surgery to repair torn cartilage. He’s scheduled to return from his layoff Friday against longtime rival Juan Martin del Potro at the Miami Open.

The 34-year-old Swiss has been a model of durability throughout his career. He’s playing Key Biscayne for the 16th time, although he did skip the tournament last year for scheduling reasons.

Federer made a late decision to enter the event this month, surprised and pleased by his speedy recovery. He was on crutches for 12 days and has trained without restrictions for the past nine days.

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“Expectations are really low, which is nice for a change just see where I am,” the 17-time Grand Slam champion said. “I’m just really pleased I’m back. I didn’t expect myself to be back here, to be quite honest, after the surgery.”

Federer, who is seeded third, had a first-round bye.

Federer’s layoff came during an eventful stretch for his sport, with Maria Sharapova’s career in jeopardy following a failed a doping test, and renewed debate about equal prize money for men and women. Federer offered his thoughts on each subject and said he was “completely surprised” by Sharapova’s suspension.

Federer said he doesn’t believe tennis has a doping problem but would like to see more consistency in testing.

“I’ve been in Dubai now for 10 years there and been tested once,” he said. “That’s not OK for me. I get tested more in Switzerland because the guy from Switzerland lives in my village. He comes and sees me the day after my surgery, and one week later.”

As for equal prize money, Federer said he’s all for it.

“I’m happy that tennis has produced some of the greatest female athletes in the world,” he said. “Equal prize money is a good thing.”

The first marquee match at Key Biscayne will be on the men’s side, with Federer facing another Grand Slam champion mounting a comeback from an injury. Del Potro returned to the tour in February after an 11-month layoff during which he twice had surgery on his left wrist.

“His injury was much, much greater,” Federer said. “That’s why I’m really pleased for him that he was able to find a way back onto the tour.”

Federer is 15-5 against del Potro, including 5-1 in Grand Slam tournaments. That one loss came in the 2009 U.S. Open final for del Potro’s lone major title.

In a high scoring game in Mohali, Australia came out on top with both batsmen and bowlers playing their part. (Source: AP)

Australia beat Pakistan by 21 runs in their World Twenty20 Super 10 stage match in Mohali on Friday to stay on course for the semi-finals and eliminate their opponents from the tournament.

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Australia skipper Steven Smith struck an unbeaten 63 off 43 to steer Australia to 193-4, before James Faulkner took five wickets, including two off consecutive deliveries in the final over, to help his team seal the win.

Man-of-the-match Faulkner gave away just 27 runs and was helped by another impressive performance by young leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who took two for 32.

Australia, batting first on a green-tinged pitch, lost three wickets in quick succession, with fit-again paceman Wahab Riaz doing the initial damage by bowling in-form Usman Khawaja for 21 and castling David Warner on nine.

Aaron Finch went next, bowled by left-arm spinner Imad Wasim for 15 to leave Australia struggling on 57-3.

Smith, however, steadied the ship aided first by Glenn Maxwell (30 off 24 deliveries) and then by the big-hitting Shane Watson.

Watson struck four fours and three sixes to race to an unbeaten 44 off 21 deliveries as Australia took 66 runs off the last five overs.

Pakistan got off to a poor start, losing Ahmed Shehzad for one, and Faulkner picked up the key wicket of opener Sharjeel Khan who smashed six boundaries en route to a quick-fire 30.

Zampa got into the act by getting Pakistani skipper Shahid Afridi stumped for 14 and bowled Umar Akmal, who was looking dangerous after racking up 32 in 20 balls.

But Faulkner took the plaudits with a match-winning performance, bowling the settled Khalid Latif (46 off 64 balls) before striking again next ball to get Wasim.

He was at it again at the death, dismissing Sarfraz Ahmed and Riaz with his first two deliveries as Pakistan, who needed 30 runs from the last six balls, ran out of steam.

The win took Australia to second place in the five-team group, behind New Zealand, who are already through to the semi-finals and ahead of India in third due to a superior net run rate.

Pakistan are fourth in the table ahead of Bangladesh, with one win and three defeats in four games.

Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis took merely an hour to outplay Lara Arruabarrena of Spain and Raluca Olaru of Romania 6-0 6-4. (Source: AP)

Indian tennis star Sania Mirza and her Swiss partner Martina Hingis clinched a facile opening win in the women’s doubles draw but Rohan Bopanna was knocked out of the men’s doubles event in the Miami Open tennis tournament in Miami.

Top seeds Sania and Hingis took merely an hour to outplay Lara Arruabarrena of Spain and Raluca Olaru of Romania 6-0 6-4.

However, Bopanna and his Romanian partner Florin Mergea bowed out after squandering a position of strength to go down 6-2 4-6 4-10 the Uruguayan-Spanish combination of Pablo Cuevas and Marcel Granollers.

The sixth seeded Indo-Romanian pair slogged for an hour and nine minutes before ending up on the losing side.