Sports

In the girls' doubles pre-quarter final match, Taneesha and Karnika displayed a tough fight against the duo of Chen Fan Shu Tian and Jiang Pei Xi from China.

The Indian pair started off brilliantly in the first game and showed great coordination enroute their 21-17 victory but their opponents mounted a comeback in the last two games to win the tie with a scoreline of 21-17, 13-21, 13-21 in a match that lasted 50 minutes.

In the girls' singles round of 16 match, Rakshitha Sree S was up against China's Huang Lin Ran. The Indian shuttler started well but could not find sustained rhythm throughout the match before eventually losing with a score of 15-21, 13-21.

In the other girls' singles pre-quarter final match, Tara Shah failed to find any momentum and went down 13-21, 8-21 against China's XU Wen Jing in a one-sided affair.

--IANS

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With over 150 entries in the fray has heightened expectations of stirring duels in the event which gets underway at the Madras International Circuit here.

The three-day event with 15 races besides practice and qualifying sessions, brings together the country’s top riders and bike manufacturers to contest in four National championship categories – Pro-Stock 301-400cc, Pro-Stock 165cc, Novice (Stock 165cc) and Girls (Stock 165cc), apart from a support race in the 301-400cc (Novice) class, informed a release by the Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC).

The card also includes the Petronas TVS One-Make Championship comprising three categories, the Open (Apache RR 310), Rookie (RTR 200) and Girls (RTR 200), while Idemitsu Honda India Talent Cup will have a double-header in the NSF 250 class.

At the tight and twisty Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore last month, established stars had to constantly look over their shoulders as a new generation of racers announced its arrival with podium and top-10 finishes. However, the very technical MIC would be a different challenge for young guns when they go up against their experienced peers. In this context, there is much to look forward to in the races this weekend.

Rajiv Sethu (RACR Castrol Power1 Ultimate) and Mathana Kumar (Pacer Yamaha) started the season with a double apiece in the two premium Pro-Stock categories, 310-400cc and 165cc, respectively, in Coimbatore, but both were tested by a pair of Petronas TVS Racing’s new recruits, Sarthak Chavan from Pune and Bengaluru’s Chiranth Vishwanath. Another teenager, Shreyas Hareesh (Rockers Racing) from Bengaluru impressed with two top-10 finishes in the Pro-Stock 165cc category, the release informed.

In contrast, Hyderabad teenager Vignesh Goud (Race’ists Motorcycle Club) also notched a double in the Novice class quite comfortably while the ever-improving Lani Fernandez (RACR Castrol Power1 Ultimate) from Puducherry won the highly competitive Girls’ race.

Both the One-Make Championships also witnessed young riders excel. Chennai’s Kavin Quintal (NSF 250), Alwin Sundar (Petronas TVS Open) and Shreyas Hareesh (Petronas TVS Rookie) dominated their respective categories with a double each while Bengaluru’s Nithila Das impressed while winning the Petronas TVS Girls’ race. It will be no surprise if the quartet extend their winning run at the MIC this weekend.

MMSC president Ajit Thomas said: “The Coimbatore round presented a happy scenario with many young riders making a mark in various categories, and it certainly augurs well for the future. We look forward to the trend continuing in the remaining rounds at the MIC. Once again, we are grateful to our sponsors MRF Tyres, the manufacturers, the growing number of competitors and the Media who all have contributed to the success of the championship.”

--IANS

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In the squads released on Sunday night before the team arrives in Bangladesh on July 6, there are surprisingly no places for wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, right-arm pacers Renuka Singh Thakur and Shikha Pandey, as well as left-arm spinners Radha Yadav and Rajeshwari Gayakwad, with no reason behind their exclusions given in the BCCI statement.

There are also no places for youngsters Shreyanka Patil and Kanika Ahuja, who shone for India A in winning ACC Women’s Emerging Asia Cup in Hong Kong, where Uma was the primary wicketkeeper. Amanjot Kaur, who made her debut in T20Is earlier this year during the tri-series in South Africa, finds a place in both T20I and ODI squads.

For the Bangladesh tour, Uma is the second keeper behind Yastika Bhatia. Pacer Meghana Singh and top-order batter S. Meghana are in T20I squads after being in reserves for the Women’s T20 World Cup, while off-spin all-rounder Sneh Rana is picked only for the ODI squad.

Left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque, the leading wicket-taker amongst Indian bowlers in the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) with 15 scalps, doesn’t find a place in both squads for the tour of Bangladesh.

For the ODIs, right-handed batter Priya Punia and left-arm pacer Monica Patel (also in T20Is) have been included after last playing in the home series against South Africa in March 2021.

Harmanpreet Kaur is the captain of both squads, with Smriti Mandhana serving as her deputy. All six matches between India and Bangladesh will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS) in Mirpur. The three T20Is between India and Bangladesh will be held on July 9, 11 and 13, followed by three ODIs on July 16, 19 and 22.

The three ODIs are part of the 2022-25 ICC Women’s ODI Championship cycle, contested between 10 teams to determine qualification for the 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup, to be hosted by India. India last played on the international circuit when they lost to Australia by five runs in the semifinal of the Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa in February.

In the Women’s ODI Championship standings, India sits at the top with 12 points after winning six out of six matches while Bangladesh are in eighth position with three points, having lost two series to New Zealand and Sri Lanka, notably four of their matches being washed out due to rain.

India’s T20I squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Deepti Sharma, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Harleen Deol, Devika Vaidya, Uma Chetry (wk), Amanjot Kaur, S. Meghana, Pooja Vastrakar, Meghna Singh, Anjali Sarvani, Monica Patel, Rashi Kanojiya, Anusha Bareddy, Minnu Mani.

India’s ODI squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Deepti Sharma, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Harleen Deol, Devika Vaidya, Uma Chetry (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Priya Punia, Pooja Vastrakar, Meghna Singh, Anjali Sarvani, Monica Patel, Rashi Kanojiya, Anusha Bareddy, Sneh Rana.

--IANS

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Gaku Nawata scored twice while Yutaka Michiwaki netted the third after Korea Republic were reduced to 10 men in the 44th minute, helping Japan add the title to the three AFC U-16 Championship crowns won previously.

Japan settled quickly and could have opened the scoring in the fifth minute when Nawata advanced down the left before squaring the ball to an unmarked Michiwaki who, however, failed to keep his shot down on the turn from just above the six-yard-box.

Korea Republic responded almost immediately, but Japan keeper Wataru Goto redeemed himself after initially failing to hold on to Kim Myeong-Jun’s shot from above the box by recovering to prevent the forward from placing the ball in the net.

Two minutes later, Japan had another opportunity when Ryunosuke Sato sent a deep ball to Yumeki Yoshinaga who lost his marker down the left flank but then failed to find an unmarked Nawata with Korea Republic keeper Hong Seong-min intercepting the pass, said a report on the AFC website.

The game, however, took a dramatic turn in the 43rd minute when Ko Jong-hyun received his marching orders after picking up a second yellow card for a foul on Michiwaki just outside the box.

Even as the Korean Republic tried to regroup, up stepped Nawata to beautifully strike the free-kick over the wall and past a despairing Seong-min.

Japan raced off the blocks in the second half and kept the Korea Republic on their toes with Sato missing his effort from distance in the 47th minute before Michiwaki and Nawata saw their efforts from inside the box saved by Seong-min.

Korea Republic struggled to hold down the attacking Japanese side and they fell further behind in the 66th minute from a slick passing move which was orchestrated by Sato, who unleashed an unmarked Kohei Mochizuki, who nutmegged Kim Hyun-min before feeding Nawata for a fine finish.

As the Korea Republic pushed forward in an attempt to salvage the final, Japan struck their third deep in added time through Michiwaki (pictured above) as the celebrations erupted.

--IANS

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Spain, having lost their chances of winning the title after a defeat here earlier this week, faced some hard time against the young Germans but eventually emerged the winner.

With any hopes of a top-three spot in the Pro League long gone, Germany took the opportunity to blood a team of up-and-coming players and the youngsters gave a good account of themselves, creating chances while also being particularly impressive in defence.

Leading the way was 20-year-old keeper Joshua Onyekwue Nnaji who did exceptionally well on debut to deny the Spanish on numerous occasions. He was finally beaten in the fourth quarter.

After Joaquin Menini brought the ball into the circle along the baseline, a goalmouth scramble resulted in Alvaro Iglesias popping it in to take the lead. The Germans responded almost immediately with Leon Lindemann floating the ball through for Florian Sperling to fire in the equaliser with a sensational strike.

A reworked penalty corner routine culminated in Rafael Vilallonga finding the back of the net for Spain with just under three minutes left in the match. With the Red Sticks now taking control of proceedings, another goal followed soon after, Enrique Gonzalez on the end of a lovely team effort to seal the 3-1 victory.

with this win, Spain moved to the fifth spot with 24 points from 14 games, with two more matches remaining for them.

--IANS

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In the morning, after electing to bowl first, Sri Lanka maintained their clean slate of not conceding a single total in excess of 200 in the ongoing tournament. Off-spinner Theekshana shone with 4-25 while left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka took 3-15 in his fiery opening spell as Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 165.

Chasing a modest 166, Nissanka led the way by hitting 14 fours in his unbeaten 101 off 102 balls and got some support from Dimuth Karunaratne (30) and Kusal Mendis (25 not out) to get Sri Lanka over the line with nine wickets in hand and 101 balls to spare.

Apart from the win consolidating their place at the top of the Super Six table, Sri Lanka, the 1996 World Cup winner, have ensured that they'll remain among the top two sides at the end of the stage, thus sealing their qualification for the ODI World Cup to be played in India from October 5 to November 19.

For the last remaining spot in the ODI World Cup, Zimbabwe must win their Super Six match against Scotland at the same venue on Tuesday to seal their qualification for the 10-team mega event. For Sunday’s game, there were arrangements made for fan parks in the capital city of Harare to enjoy the action.

But the crowds at the stadium in Bulawayo and fan parks in Harare were quietened as Zimbabwe lost their top-order in the first 10 overs. Madushanka wreaked havoc by having Joylord Gumbie nick to second slip, Wesley Madhevere miscuing pull to mid-off and skipper Craig Ervine nicking one behind the stumps in the seventh over.

Sri Lanka could have got the in-form Sean Williams off Madushanka's bowling in the ninth over as Matheesha Pathirana shelled a straightforward chance at fine leg. Williams and Sikandar Raza soaked in the pressure and upped the scoring rate in their crucial 68-run partnership.

Raza, in particular, went for a number of exquisite strokes after a conservative start. But Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka gave Sri Lanka an opening as Raza hooked to the long leg in the 20th over. Ryan Burl and Williams unleashed a series of brutal hits in the upcoming overs.

Veteran Williams also brought up his fifty in this period of play, his fifth fifty-plus score in the competition. But Williams ran out of luck in the 23rd over, when he was cleaned up by Theekshana for 56. Though Zimbabwe were able to keep Wanindu Hasaranga at bay, they had no answers to questions posed by turn and accuracy from Theekshana.

The off-spinner also accounted for Burl in the 25th over to put Sri Lanka on top. Sri Lanka bowlers didn't let go of the pressure on Zimbabwe and continued to pick wickets, with Pathirana taking out the last three wickets as the hosts’ tailenders could only add 35 runs from the mid-innings mark.

In reply, Sri Lanka faced little difficulties in their chase. The only real chance for Zimbabwe in defending a small total was a Karunaratne flick off Richard Ngarava toward mid-wicket, which was shelled by Ervine.

Nissanka looked in a particularly aggressive mood and hit eight fours on the way to reaching fifty, punishing any loose deliveries. The duo helped Sri Lanka reach the 100-run mark in the 19th over. Zimbabwe fans had something to cheer about with Karunaratne's wicket taken by Ngarava.

But it was a case of too little and too late, as Sri Lanka overhauled the Zimbabwe total in the 34th over, as Nissanka brought up his second ODI hundred by walloping a full toss from Wellington Masakadza over mid-wicket for four.

Brief scores:

Zimbabwe 165 in 32.2 overs (Sean Williams 56, Sikandar Raza 31; Maheesh Theekshana 4-25, Dilshan Madushanka 3-15) lost to Sri Lanka 169/1 in 33.1 overs (Pathum Nissanka 101 not out, Dimuth Karunaratne 30; Richard Ngarava 1-35) by nine wickets

--IANS

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On Day 4 of the second Test at Lord's, England opener Ben Duckett had a fortunate escape when he struck a short-pitched delivery towards fine leg. Mitchell Starc, who was fielding at the fine leg, managed to reach to the ball and seemingly caught it but he pressed the ball into the turf while sliding.

Consequently, the third umpire, Marais Erasmus, made the decision to declare it not out.

In his column for the Daily Mail, Broad gave his take on the incident that caused significant debate and stated that it was correct to rule it as not out as the ball should not make contact with the ground as per the rules.

"Ultimately, from my understanding of the rule, the ball isn't allowed to hit the ground. We've all played cricket where a catch is attempted with your hands facing upwards and your elbow hits the ground and the ball pops out.

But you catch the ball and turn your hands and grind the ball on the ground, the ball can’t pop out of your hand. If that was a legal way of catching, we’d all be doing it," Broad wrote.

The 37-year-old also reflected on the blow he received to his neck while batting on the second day from Green's bowling and revealed his disappointment at having to spend two hours in the hospital.

"I was a bit frustrated that I spent Friday evening on a two-hour hospital visit after being struck by a Cameron Green delivery. Unfortunately, it caught me under the grill and struck me in the neck, going up into my jaw. It was sore," Broad wrote.

--IANS

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Another loss in an ICC tournament has put a question mark on the direction that Indian cricket was happily cruising towards. Presently there are concerns and brickbats are being hurled at the selection of the players and the reason for India’s failure. The Indian Premier League (IPL) naturally has become the easiest target to attack, not for the cricket but for the lack of time that the Indian players were given to recover and get fully acclimatised.

Test cricket, one understands, is an entirely different game from the limited-overs versions. However, a good batter and bowler should be able to adjust to it without much of a problem. Ajinkya Rahane is a good example of a player put in the wilderness in all the formats of the game, who changed and made a forceful and impressive comeback. More than just one's cricketing skills, it is the mental approach that one requires to hone to make the adjustments.

The next big ICC tournament is the One-Day International World Cup 2023 to be played in India in October-November. Why one considers this to be the prized trophy of the world of cricket, one fails to understand. However, it has become the hallmark of a crowned winner and a side winning it is looked at as the reigning World Champion.

The schedule of matches for the WC’23 has just recently been released and one already feels sorry for the Indian team, who will be travelling the maximum across the huge length and breadth of the country to play its matches. The commercial advantage both for the host and the ICC as well as the Associations has ruled over a simple issue -- the comfort level of the Indian players. Travelling for T20 IPL matches cannot be the benchmark for a team that one expects to perform at its best at home after playing a 50 overs night game the day before. Rather than India having to play at every Indian-earmarked centre, the BCCI should have ensured a more easy and comfortable journey for the Indian side.

The fiasco that one mentions that is reigning in the Indian side, starts from the criticism that emanated from the side that played in the World Test Championship. The absence of Ravichandran Ashwin and the lack of winning performances from our senior players became the centre-point for the loss. A change and transformation were the order of the day from the wise men of Indian cricket, as well as the millions of fans and followers. Inducting young blood was the call of the day.

The next cycle of the Test Championship begins with a series against the West Indies. A team that is struggling to even make it to the final Super 10 of the World Cup’23. Fortunately for Ajinkya Rahane, because he performed exceedingly well in the Test Championship, he was selected and also made the Vice-Captain. However, his middle-order colleague, Cheteshwar Pujara, was not so fortunate.

This was the same storyline that had emerged after the 2021 World Test Championship loss. They were both dropped, thereafter, to make room for youngsters. However, they were back on the side through their performance in the domestic circuit. The new crop of players, who played and some who warmed the reserve bench, were not pursued, solely because of the lack of faith that the selectors had in each one of them. One wonders why, the best batter in T20 cricket, Suryakumar Yadav, who has the capability of playing the longer format of the game as well, has been sidelined after playing just one Test match.

The folly that one feels the Indian selectors seem to fall into is classifying players into a certain category without having a solid base to do so. One was astonished to read the comments as to why Sarfaraz Khan, the most prolific run-getter in the Indian domestic prime tournament, the Ranji Trophy, was not considered for a place in the squad to the West Indies. He was identified as one who cannot play quick bowling. His attitude and fitness were another reason for his omission.

The scores that Sarfaraz has made in the last three years in the domestic circuit could not have been achieved without having the skills to play fast bowling or without immense concentration and fitness. A big-built bloke is always looked at as unfit against one who is slim.

Sunil Gavaskar, at one of our fitness camps in the late 70s, when confronted by our trainer as to how slow and unfit he was while taking rounds of the ground, so correctly retorted, 'But not many of the fast movers seem to be able to bat and last the whole day'. Sunil, the master thinker that he is, knew exactly what building speed and stamina in cricket entails. After a net batting session, he would run three runs 3 times after a short gap at a fast pace. When one analyzes it, cricket does not require one to do more than that, speed and short-term endurance and recovery of breath are the successful formula.

The guns are now being aimed at India’s two master batters as well. A side that would play against India without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma would be licking their lips in glee. However, they now have a golden opportunity to keep their detractors silent.

India, tour to play the weak and depressed West Indian side in both Test and limited overs cricket. This is just what the doctor ordered to regain a team's and individual’s confidence. Thereafter, matches against Bangladesh, Ireland, Afghanistan and the Asia Cup are all wonderful to gloat about. There are matches in September against Australia, however, after the strenuous Ashes series, one does not foresee their top bowlers being a part of the side.

India, apart from the World Cup schedule, will also lack playing top-quality opponents. This is the fiasco gripping Indian cricket at present and one wonders whether this is the best preparation to play the important World Cup 2023.

(Yajurvindra Singh is a former India cricketer. The views expressed are personal)

--IANS

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For her brilliant performances, double medalist, Aridita Chakraborty who won the silver in the 400m and the bronze in the shot-put event was presented with Rs.4,00,000.

On the other hand, Baishnab Rajpali and Kalpana Jena received Rs. 3,00,00 each for their silver in shot put and cycling respectively. Jyothi Ranjan Ojha, Shibani Priyadarshini and Mamali Nag who featured in the unified volleyball team that brought home a silver was awarded Rs. 50,000. Sachin Barik who impressed on the Futsal team was also recognised for his participation with Rs. 25,000.

"Congratulations to the exceptional athletes from Odisha. Their remarkable achievements at the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2023 have brought immense pride to our state. They serve as an inspiration and a testament to the transformative power of sports. As they strive for even greater heights, the state of Odisha is here to support and empower them with anything they need," Odisha Sports Minister Behera was quoted as saying in a media release.

"The medals earned by these athletes symbolize their unwavering determination, perseverance, and indomitable spirit," he added.

Speaking on her achievement, Aridita Chakraborty said, "I am incredibly proud of my achievements and feel honored to represent both India and Odisha. It’s a special feeling to be recognized for our hard work and dedication. I hope to inspire others and continue making my state and country proud."

Earlier, the athletes were welcomed with a warm reception upon their arrival at the Biju Patnaik International Airport on Wednesday evening by OSD, Sports & Youth Services Department, Shri Sidhartha Sankar Sahu, in presence of officials from Special Olympics Bharat, Odisha Wing.

--IANS

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On a day where the action was chaotic and swung like a pendulum, Australia were bowled out for 416, with premier batter Steve Smith making 110, his 32nd Test hundred. Pacers Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson took three wickets each as Australia lost their last five wickets for 65 runs.

In reply, England’s opening pair of Duckett and Zak Crawley shared a 91-run opening stand, also England’s highest partnership from its openers in an Ashes Test since 2010/11.

But a stunning collapse of three wickets (Duckett, Ollie Pope and Joe Root) for 34 runs in 7.3 overs saw Australia fightback in the match despite losing Nathan Lyon to right calf injury in the 37th over.

But England captain Ben Stokes (17 not out) and Harry Brook (45 not out) ensured England reached stumps unscathed through their unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 56 runs off 94 balls. For day three, Stokes, Brook and Jonny Bairstow hold the key for England to take control of the match.

Australia had resumed on 339/5 after a day one that they had largely dominated, but lost Alex Carey early in proceedings as Stuart Broad got the new ball to seam into the back pad, with Carey given out for 22 on review.

Smith, resuming from 85 not out, made history earlier in the day as he brought up his 32nd Test century, reaching that number in fewer innings than any player in Test history. Australia's tail didn't wag anything like as much as they would have hoped as England made merry with second new ball, with only Pat Cummins (22 not out) reaching double figures out of the final four.

James Anderson finally picked up the wicket he deserved for his toil on day one, drawing Mitchell Starc (6) into an edge through to Bairstow. After Smith's knock came to an end and Australia crossed 400, Robinson finished off the tail as he accounted for both Lyon (7) and Josh Hazlewood (4).

Crawley and Duckett made a solid start to England's reply and saw the hosts' reach lunch without any loss. Post lunch, the duo solidified their stand, till Lyon came over to have Crawley stumped for 48, denying him a chance to score what would have been his 10th Test half-century.

Duckett then shared a 97-run partnership for the second wicket with Pope, able to bat despite his shoulder problem, put on a tidy 42 to leave England in a superb position at team on 188/1 and with Australia a bowler light due to Lyon’s injury.

But the introduction of Cameron Green to the attack and a switch to consistent short-pitched bowling prompted an extraordinary hour of play during the evening session. Pope was first to fall, holing out off Green to backward square.

Soon, Duckett fell into the same trap, departing just two runs short of a century. The frustrated opener was furious with himself for missing out on the milestone, but it didn't stop England taking on the short ball.

Root survived when he was dismissed by a Green no-ball at the start of his stay, but his frenetic 10-run effort came to a close not long after when Smith was adjudged to have cleanly caught a catch off Starc.

It was Stokes who calmed things down and slowed the scoring rate, opting against taking on the short-pitched barrage and finishing the day unbeaten with Brook by his side, setting the stage for a brilliantly poised day three's play.

Brief Scores: England 278/4 in 61 overs (Ben Duckett 98, Zak Crawley 48; Nathan Lyon 1/35) trail Australia 416 in 100.4 overs (Steve Smith 110, Travis Head 77; Josh Tongue 3/98, Ollie Robinson 3/100) by 138 runs.

--IANS

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