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GOA, WEDNESDAY, 23 FEBRUARY, 2011
Safety nod for Wankhede stadium AGENCIES MUMBAI, FEB 22
The revamped Wankhede stadium, which recently came under the scanner of the fire department for not following safety norms, received a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Mumbai Fire Brigade on Tuesday to stage World Cup matches. "We have given NOC to the stadium. They have fulfilled all the fire safety norms at the stadium," deputy chief fire officer A N Shinde, who inspected the stadium with his team, said. A team of fire officials conducted an inspection at the stadium this morning to check the fire safety mechanism. This was the fourth inspection conducted by the department.
"We have given them the compliance certificate. They can host matches. The stadium is safe and secure," Shinde said. Last week, the Mumbai Fire Brigade had expressed displeasure over the fire safety system at the newly-renovated stadium, which will host three World Cup matches, including the final on April 2. The department had found irregularities at the stadium, sprinklers at the stands and ventilation problem in the basement. The fire officials had given the lapses in writing to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). Among the mandatory fire apparatus are water hydrants, internal riser system for the stands, no-smok-
ing indicators, fire alarms, extinguishers and others. "The stadium had been issued an Occupation Certificate long back. So there was no question of withholding it. We had to verif y whether the changes made at the stadium are similar with the existing fire safety norms and then issue an NOC," Shinde said. NOC is provided when the structure is adequately ventilated and has all the necessary preventive measures and systems in place, he said. The Mumbai Fire Brigade will also provide fire engines, water tankers and manpower during the three days when the matches will be held at the stadium.
"We will provide fire engines and water tankers on a chargeable basis during all the three matches scheduled to be played at the stadium," Shinde said. On Sunday, World Cup tournament director Ratnakar Shetty had allayed fears about safety norms at the stadium and said security would not be compromised while staging matches at the venue. Apart from the World Cup's summit contest, the Wankhede Stadium, that went into the renovation mode soon after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League on June 1, 2008, will stage two league ties on March 13 (New Zealand v Canada) and March 18 (New Zealand v Sri Lanka).
Kenyan captain in injury scare AFP HAMBANTOTA, FEB 22
Jimmy Kamande was hit on the jaw during Kenya's net practice Tuesday but team officials said the skipper was in no danger of missing his team's second World Cup match against Pakistan. "Kamande is fine and will be available for the match on Wednesday," media manager Arjun Vidyarthi told reporters. "Kamande was hit on the right jaw during a throw-in and that's forced him to miss the press conference." Instead, veteran batsman Steve Tikolo addressed the media after the practice session in Sri Lanka. The 32-year-old Kamande has so far played 82 one-day internationals, scoring 1,030 runs and taking 45 wickets with his off-spin.
India need a second IPL experience could be key: Windies spinner: Kumble Unless there is a dramatic improvement in the overall bowling and fielding, India, says ANIL KUMBLE, might have problems against teams with stronger and more consistent batting line-ups than Bangladesh.
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t's still very early in the tournament, but India need to get their bowling sorted. If they are looking to use Sreesanth up the order, then he has to get them wickets; otherwise, they need to rethink their bowling strategy. He was tr ying too much against Bangladesh and had a very poor game. Perhaps, his thinking was that with 370 on the board he could experiment somewhat. But this is the World Cup; you have to bowl smartly and not give away anything you can avoid giving away. Munaf, actually, and Zak were very good examples of how a faster bowler needed to bowl -- you have to bowl wicket-towicket and make it so it's just not easy to score runs. If you frustrate the batsmen and put them under pressure, in this situation, they'll make mistakes. I'm not sure what India's bowling strategy was and how bad
Nehra's sore back is, but they have to seriously look at getting a second spinner into the eleven. Bangladesh is a decent team at home; young and enthusiastic, but they were not seriously expected to stretch India, which they didn't, thanks to the runs on board courtesy Sehwag and Kohli. But unless there is a dramatic improvement in the overall bowling and fielding, India might have bigger problems against teams with stronger and more consistent batting line-ups. Meanwhile, the other two games we got to see over the weekend went along expected lines, with New Zealand creating a few records against a Kenya looking out of their depth, and Sri Lanka, waltzing to victory against hapless Canada. I've said this on air too, but I do believe that we should really look at giving only the two best associate teams an opportunity to play in something like the
World Cup -- so 12 instead of 14 teams. One-Day cricket isn't like the T20s, where it's not just about skill and it's much shorter, so Associate teams can compete much better. At the same time, Associates also need to play some top-flight competition regularly, not just once in four years, to help them get quality experience and the confidence that comes with that experience. For that, the ICC needs to look at a sensible programme that uses two things: 'A' teams of top-level countries and geographical proximity. I'll explain this. Most top countries, like India, Australia, England, Sri Lanka and South Africa, also have very strong second elevens, the A teams. Both benefit from this arrangement: Associates get quality opposition and A team players get the opportunity to turn out for their country in international competition.
St Sebastian pip St Mathew HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, FEB 22
Johan Gracias netted a brace which also included the winner to settle a roller coaster game as St Sebastian Sports Club, Santa Cruz edged out St Mathew Sports Club of Azossim 4-3 in GFA’s Second Division at Dr Remigio Pinto ground, Taleigao on Tuesday. The match was 3-3 at the lemon break. It was the final match for both teams and St Sebastian collected ten points from eight matches, while St Mathew are relegated after finishing second from bottom with three points from eight games. St Mathew got the perfect start as they raced into the lead
after just 53 seconds, when Salvador Gracias managed to outmuscle the defender and shoot past the St Sebastian custodian. Ten minutes later, St Sebastian was back on level terms when the ball was cut back for Benoy Barretto to rifle into the top corner. Johan Gracias gave St Sebastian the lead in the 21st as his shot beat the goalkeeper at the near post. It took St Mathew just three minutes to find the equaliser when Sidney Gonsalves shot straight at the goalkeeper with a fierce drive which could not be kept out. St Mathew took the lead for the second time in the match
as Dylan D’Cunha punted home in the 28th minute. Two minutes before the interval, St Sebastian drew level again, as Francis Sapeco steered the ball over the line after the rival goalkeeper was beaten by a dipping shot from a distance. The pace of the game dropped in the second half as both teams were tired, but it was St Sebastian who proved to have the extra burst of energy. In the 65th, Johan latched on to a long clearance down the field and saw his shot hit the post on its way into the back of the net. St Mathew was beaten, but worked hard as a team and will surely come back stronger next season.
West Indies cricketers warm-up during a training session in New Delhi on Tuesday. South Africa takes on the West Indies on February 24. AFP NEW DELHI, FEB 22
West Indies are determined to prove their World Cup doubters wrong, with vice-captain Dwayne Bravo saying the experience of playing in the Indian Premier League could be crucial. Bravo said exposure to the IPL Twenty20 competition had helped a number of squad members become accustomed to sub-continental conditions, especially the slow nature of pitches they will face in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. "We have got five to six players in our current World Cup squad who took part in the Indian Premier League and are
Dr Santosh Patkar, principal, SV’s Sridora Caculo College of Commerce and Management Studies, Khorlim, Mapusa addressing the media on international conference on physical education and sports sciences from February 25-27 at NIO Centre, D Paula and pre-conference workshops on stress management at SAG hall, Campal on February 23 and Fitness and Aerobics on February 24 at Don Bosco College, Panjim being organised in association with SAG, NAPESS, Don Bosco College alongwith Narendra Kamat and Jayesh Churi as part of Saraswat Education Society’s centenary celebrations. In all, 500 outstation delegates are expected to participate. Photo: Rozario Estibeiro
Vasco Club bow out HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, FEB 22
Ten-man Vasco Sports Club bowed out after losing 1-2 to JCB Chattisgarh in the semi-finals of 6th Oil India challenge Gold Cup in Assam on Tuesday. The match was goalless at half time.
Nerul in semis
MAPUSA (HSR) -- Nerul SC entered the semi-finals of Aldona Cup soccer defeating Milagres SC 2-1 at Quitula ground on Tuesday. The match was 1-1 at the interval. Abdul Kadder opened the scoring in the 5th for Nerul. Fifteen minutes later, Alvito Fernandes equalised. Siddarth Shirodkar shot home from close.
Koko was shown his second red card in the space of two weeks. Vasco’s other Nigerian import Julius Akipele managed to pull back a consolation goal for Vasco late in the game.
AGENCIES KOTLA, FEB 22
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of-the-match, Tasufeef who hogged the limelight scored an unbeaten 33 runs and helped his team to pile up at 14 for 3 in 17.4 overs. For Vijay, Gopal Chavan took two wickets for 19 runs. Later, Iqbal XI beat Shantadurga Cricket Club by 45 runs. A centur y by Salman Khan helped Iqbal XI achieve the target. He was well supported by J Yeshwant (32). In reply, Shantadurga scored 150 for 9. For Iqbal XI, Salman Ahamad was the most successful bowler claiming three wickets from 37 runs. Salman Ahemed was adjudged man-of-the-match.
Sangolda Lightning move into quarters CALANGUTE (HC) -- Sangolda Lightning scored a solitary goal victory over Saligao Sporting Club to move into the quarterfinals of 1st All-Goa inter-village football tournament for Laxmi and Subha memorial trophy or-
ganised by Nerul Sports Club at Nerul ground on Tuesday. There was no score in the first half. Sangolda scored the all-important goal in the 63rd minute through Agnelo Quadros.
Auxilium, Loyola, Infant Jesus, Assagao up HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, FEB 22
Auxilium High School, Caranzalem, Loyola High School, Infant Jesus high school and Assagao Union booked their place in the semi-finals of Mahindra Youth Football Challenge U-14 school football tournament at Tilak Maidan, Vasco, on Tuesday. Auxilium, Caranzalem got the
better of Don Bosco HS, Panjim 4-1 on penalties. Karan Shirodker, Prajat Mandal, Anish Gauns and Jesus Rodrigues converted for Auxilium while Dyane Britto scored for Don Bosco. Loyola HS, Margao scored a solitary goal victory over Regina Mundi HS, Vasco. The winner was netted by Rufflen Fernandes. Infant Jesus HS scored a com-
"We know each ground in India is different and each venue is going to be different. But the track will support spinners and slow bowlers in the middle," said the 27-year-old all-rounder. Bravo said South Africa were a strong team and the outcome of the match could hinge on getting away to a good start. "South Africa is a tough, well-balanced and professional team. It's the team which I look up to and love to play against. A lot of my good performances have come against South Africa. Our guys are looking forward to the match," he said. "A lot will depend on the kind of start
we get. It's important to preserve wickets for the middle overs." He said South Africa did not have the strongest of records in the World Cup but they could not be taken lightly. With two players - wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh and batsman Adrian Barath -- ruled out due to injuries, the Caribbean side will look to the experienced members of the squad for inspiration. "Youngsters can fill the shoes of other players. They have got the big stage set for themselves. We have got some excited young players who are eager to perform. They just can't wait for Thursday to come," said Bravo.
Security blanket for Kotla match
Babu Bros advance MARGAO (HC) -- Babu Brothers Sports Association, Balli and Iqbal XI moved into the quarter-finals of 2nd Babu Brothers T20 cricket tournament organised by Babu Brothers Sports Association at SAG sports complex, Fatorda on Tuesday. Babu Brothers beat Vijay Cricket Club by 7-wickets. Bating first, Vijay were bundled out for 123 in 20 overs. A fine century by Damodar Lotlikar and Aditya Angle’s 47 runs laid the foundation for Vijay but that was not enough for Vijay to fashion their victory. For Babu Brothers, Kevin D’Costa and Tauseef Jammadar claimed three wickets each. Man-
still associated with it," said Bravo, according to the Press Trust of India. "They know the sub-continental conditions, so that exposure will come into play here in India," Bravo said after a practice session at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium in New Delhi ahead of Thursday's clash with South Africa. "The South Africans have also got players like captain Graeme Smith and JP Duminy who have featured in the IPL so they also know about it (conditions)." Players in the West Indies squad who have experience of playing in the moneyspinning IPL include Bravo and Kieron Pollard, Chris Gayle and Shivnarine Chanderpaul.
fortable 2-0 victor y over Manovikas HS. Dylan Lourenco and Sneeden Rodrigues scored for the winners. Assagao Union got the better of Holy Cross Convent, Siolim 32 on penalties after a goalless draw. Tushar Mishra, Alton Nazareth and Pawan Dhargalkar scored for the winners while Sherwin Britto and Suheel Shirodker found the mark for the losers.
The Ferozeshah Kotla Stadium here, which will host four World Cup matches, has been turned into a virtual fortress with Delhi police personnel, gun-totting commandos and private security guards leaving nothing to chance ahead of Thursday's South Africa-West Indies clash. International cricket has returned to Kotla following a oneyear ban imposed by the ICC after the India-Sri Lanka tie was abandoned in December 2009
due to unplayable pitch, and the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) officials are leaving no stone unturned to make the event a memorable one for the Delhittes. The media is being frisked at multiple points before entering the venue. Metal detectors, DDCA officials and armed security guards are dotting the entryexit points. Barring accredited ICC and DDCA officials, no one is allowed to enter the field inside the Kotla, where pitch
I’m missing ‘Sachin’, says dog-loving coach AFP NEW DELHI, FEB 22
South Africa bowling coach Vincent Barnes admitted on Tuesday he's missing Sachin - his dog Sachin that is, not the Indian batting superstar in whose honour he's named. "Sachin is not here, I am missing him already," Barnes told the Midday
newspaper. "Obviously I couldn't bring him along, what with all the travelling but there are enough people back home to take care of him." Barnes named his dog after Sachin Tendulkar, his favourite batsman. "He's a superman and is capable of anything."
curator Radhe Shyam could be seen working tirelessly in the middle of the lush green ground. The central government's disaster management force has also been deployed in and around the stadium while Delhi police senior officials could be seen briefing hundreds of volunteers ahead of cricket's biggest extravaganza. Guards hired from city's private security agencies were also seen conducting a mock drill. “We have made tight security
arrangements and has put in place all the safety measures to avoid any untoward incident”. The disaster management team is also here, we have got large number of volunteers whom we are briefing on daily basis. We have also heavily guarded the entry-exit points so that only accredited people can get access," said a Delhi police officer. "We are expecting a large turnout for the matches and we are ready for the event," he added.