Well Wishers

CHRISTCHURCH, Feb 29 (Agenci es ): Seamer Kyle Jamieson took five for 45 as New Zealand dismissed India for 242 after tea on day one of the second and final test on Saturday before consolidating their advantage by reaching the close of play on 63 without loss.

Playing only his second test after making his debut in the 10-wicket victory in Wellington last week, the tall right-armer wreaked havoc in India’s lower order as the tourists lost their last five wickets for 45 runs after the second break.

Jamieson, enjoying some of the luck that had evaded him earlier in the day, claimed four of those wickets after starting with Cheteshwar Pujara, who had threatened to guide the tourists to a more than competitive total.

Pujara, picking his shots with the care of a player who knew how important his innings would be, ground out a 25th test half century and enjoyed a partnership of 81 with Hanuma Vihari that had India looking comfortable at 194-4 just before tea.

Vihari gloved behind for 55 to bring up the break, however, and Pujara was gone for 54 two overs after the resumption when he abandoned his circumspection and skied an attempted hook that wicketkeeper BJ Watling took with ease.

Jamieson then removed Rishabh Pant, Umesh Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja in short order and left Trent Boult to mop up the final wicket by bowling Mohammed Shami for 12. “It’s a pretty special feeling,” Jamieson said after carrying the ball off the field.

“I think as a bowling unit we did so well and I was lucky to grab a few. At one stage I thought they were probably going to get a few more, (the wicket) wasn’t doing quite as much as it did in Wellington, so to keep them to 240 is pretty good.” The day started poorly for the tourists when New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and sent his five-pronged seam attack out to bowl on a green track.

Opener Prithvi Shaw provided the first bright moments of the day for the Indian supporters with a quickfire half century in the rain-delayed first session that presented a stark contrast to what was to come from Pujara.

Jamieson dismissed the 20-year-old caught behind for 54, though, and his opening partner Mayank Agarwal (7) was also sent back before the first break. Skipper Virat Kohli’s batting woes continued as he was trapped plumb in front by Tim Southee for three from the first ball he faced after lunch to take his tally to a paltry 24 from his three innings in the series. New Zealand openers Tom Latham, who was unbeaten on 27, and Tom Blundell (29 not out) successfully negotiated 23 overs until stumps and will resume on Sunday looking to cut deep into India’s 179- run lead. Brief Scores: India 242 all out (Hanuma Vihari 55, Prithvi Shaw 54; Kyle Jamieson 5/45); New Zealand 63/0 (Tom Latham 27*, Tom Blundell 29*) New Zealand players celebrate after taking a wicket on Day 1 of the second Test match against India in Christchurch on Saturday.

D i ma p ur , F e b 2 9 (NPN ): The Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA) will be conducting a Level-0 cricket coaches course at NCA Stadium, Sovima, Dimapur from March 5 to 7. Therefore, all affiliated district cricket associations have been requested to send two candidates each with a forwarding letter on March 4 at Nagaland Cricket Academy at by 6:00 pm.

The candidates should have played cricket at national level or state or district or club level and should be physically and medically fit, informed NCA. The best five candidates will be send for the forthcoming BCCI Level-1 course for coaches for north east states to be conducted by the National Cricket Academy from March 9 to 13 at NCA Stadium, Dimapur. NCA to conduct course for coaches D i ma p ur , F e b 2 9 (NPN ): The 12th Sümi Hoho Trophy, organised by Sümi Games & Sports Association (SGSA), is scheduled to be held from March 17 to 24.The tournament will be hosted by Sports Association Akuluto VK Area at Akuluto Town. Therefore, the association has informed all its units to co-operate for the success of the event. Sümi Hoho Trophy from March 17 C h ennai , F e b 2 9 (Agenci es ): A terrific performance from Chennaiyin FC saw them take a commanding 4-1 lead after the first leg of their ISL playoff clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Chennai on Sunday.

After a barren first half, Chennaiyin sparkled to life with goals from Lucian Goian (54’), Anirudh Thapa (61’), Eli Sabia (77’) and Lallianzuala Chhangte (79’) saw them take a 4-0 lead before Saviour Gama (85’) pulled a goal back for the Gaurs.

Roared on by a vociferous home crowd, Chennaiyin FC made a positive start to the game, showing plenty of intent. After forcing a couple of early corners, Chennaiyin tested Goa custodian Mohammed Nawaz when he was forced to keep out a header from Lucian Goian from a corner in the fifth minute.

Chennaiyin almost had the lead in the 43rd minute but for the woodwork.

After the restart, Goa had a sniff when Doungel was sent through on goal in the 50th minute. But Laldinliana Renthlei did just enough to shepherd him away from goal.

Four minutes later, Chennaiyin breached the Goan defence after Ahmed Jahouh gave away a freekick 40 yards from goal. Goa custodian Nawaz came off his line to collect Rafael’s delivery but was beaten to it by Goian who headed into an empty net.

Goa were left stunned when Anir udh Thapa streamed forward at pace on a counter-attack. Though the move broke down, Goa failed to clear the ball and Thapa latched on to the loose ball, made space for himself and curled a delightful effort into the top corner.

In the 77th minute, Valskis played a neat one-two with Rafael to get into the box and square a ball across the face of goal. Eli Sabian, running in from centreback turned it in to make it 3-0. Two minutes later, the stadium exploded when Lallianzuala Chhangte was sent into the box by Rafael after another counter. The winger smashed the ball in past a hapless Nawaz to make it four goals to the good.

However, Goa managed to salvage an away goal in the 85th minute when Saviour Gama made the most of a defensive mix-up to sneak a shot in. Indian Sup er League 2019-20 Pla y-offs Chennaiyin FC beat FC Goa 4-1 Chennaiyin FC players celebrate after scoring a goal against FC Goa.

Nagaland beat Sikkim in U-19 One Day Trophy Dimapur win veterans football tournament

Di ma pur , Feb 29 (NPN ): Nagaland won the Women’s Under 19 One Day Trophy (2019- 20) match against Sikkim by 42 runs at the KSRM College Ground, Kadapa on Saturday.

After winning the toss, Nagaland elected to bat and scored 161 runs losing 8 wickets in 50 overs.

Swati top scored the inning with 60 runs. Sapna scored 29 runs and Talirenla contributed 15 runs to the team’s total.

For Sikkim, Anushka and Sumi Dutta claimed 3 wickets each.

Chasing the target, Sikkim players were bowled out for 119 in 45.5 overs. Sumi Dutta scored 43 runs while Nandika scored 13 runs.

For Nagaland team, Gunjan took 3 wickets while Arpana claimed 2 wickets. Di ma pur , Feb 29 (NPN ): Dimapur emerged as the champions of 10th Nagaland Veteran InterDistrict Football Tournament after defeating Mokokchung by 1-0 in Mon town on Saturday

The lone goal of the match was scored by L. Supong Longchar.

The champion received a cash prize of Rs, 50,000 along with trophy, certificates and medals while the runners-up pocketed Rs 30,000 with trophy, certificates and medals. The losing semi-finalists, Longleng and Wokha received Rs.15,000 each.

E. Eshak Hessum, MLA & Chairman DPDB Mon graced the closing ceremony as the special guest and gave away the prizes. Dima pur , Feb 29 (NPN ): Aphuyemi Football Academy and Vanguard Football Academy will conduct under-9 boys selection trial for Minerva Academy at RSA Ground, Old Town Tseminyu on March 9 from 9:00 am onwards. Interested candidates can contact 7005090414 or 8837465632 for details.

The Naga Rising Star Football Academy will also conduct under-9 boys selection trial for Minerva Academy on March 10 at Neingulie Memorial High School Ground, Khermahal, Dimapur from 9 am. Therefore, interested candidates can contact 9862292294 or 8787883848 for more information. Selected candidates will get 100% scholarship, 10 years contract, free education and free accommodation.

Players coming for the selection trial have been requested to bring their original birth certificate along with Aadhar Card or passport and sports kits. Special guest E. Eshak Hessum along with the players and match officials.

Selection trial for Minerva Academy on March 9 & 10

Tsütuonuomia Inter Peli Sports Meet held

Correspondent

KOHIMA, FEB 29 (NPN ): Tsütuonuomia Inter Peli Sports, organised by the Tsütuonuomia Youth Organisation (TYO) and Tsütuonuomia Khel (T. Khel), was held at T. Khel Zie, Kohima on February 29.

Sungtiba Adu Amer, executive engineer, CAWD, who graced the meet as special guest, lauded T. Khel union for organising such event in an effort to preserve culture and tradition. He also expressed hope that the union would continue to organise such event in the future.

Also speaking at the programme, Ruokuoneituo Phewhuo, president, TYO said that this was the 27th year of T. Khel Inter Peli Sports. It was started in 1993 to preserve and revive the cultural and traditional value of forefathers. There are 18 Peli (peer groups) with more than 100 members in each group. Peli number 9 to 18 (both men and women) competed in different traditional indigenous games such as tug of war, fixed jump, top spinning, volleyball, dodge ball (traditionally ball made of leaves) and war cry.

In the war cry competition, Mhasisetuo Zatsu emerged as the winner while Keneisier Solo and Kekhriesituo Whuorie came in second and third positions respectively.

In the fixed Jump competition, Keviphrii Sekhose came in the first position, Ketoukhriezo Whuorie came second while Thejangulie Suohu and Kekhriesituo Whuorie took the joint third position.

Peli 17 also known as Miavimia Peli won the tug of war (men) followed by Pelicans 15 (Viyachü Peli). Peli 16 (Kevichadze) won the women’s tug of war followed by Peli 18 (Khrie Lozi). Peli 18 won the men’s traditional dodge ball final round followed by Pelicans 16. In the women’s category, Peli 18 emerged as the winner while Unified team bagged the runnersup. In the top spinning competition, Kekhriengulie Whuorie (Peli 15) came first while Kelhounyü Whuorie (Peli 14) and Kikrukhrielie Solo (Peli 13) came in the second and third positions respectively.

Unified team won the volleyball competition and Peli 18 bagged the runners-up position. Earlier, Visasielie Suohu, chairman, T. Khel Peli Union delivered the welcome address and invocation payer was offered by Kevimese Suohu, pastor, Naga Bazaar Baptist Church. TsütuonuomiaKhel youths and organisers of T. Khel Peli Inter Sports at T.Khel Zie on February 29. (NP)

Women’s T20 WC: India beat SL by 7 wkts

Melbour ne, Feb 29 (IANS): The Indian eves continued their stellar form in the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup as they registered a seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in what was their final group game at the Junction Oval on Saturday.

Radha Yadav and Shafali Verma were the star performers for India, who finished the group stage at the top of the table with eight points from four games.

Having already qualified for the semi-finals, the Indian eves first restricted Sri Lanka to a below par 113/9 with left-arm spinner Radha scalping 4 wickets in her four overs, giving away just 23 runs.

Spin partner Rajeshwari Gayakwad returned with figures of 2/18 while Poonam Yadav, Deepti Sharma and Shikha Pandey all scalped one wicket each.

For Sri Lanka, skipper Chamari Athapaththu was the lone batswoman who could make some significant contribution of 33. Apart from her, Kavisha Dilhari made 25* down the order and helped Sri Lanka cross the 100- run mark. During their chase, it was once again 16-year-old Shafali who starred with the bat. She along with Smriti Mandhana, shared a 34-run opening stand before the left-handed opener was dismissed for 17.

Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who has been struggling for form, promoted herself to No. 3. However, that didn’t make much of a difference as she could score only 15 runs before getting out.

Shafali, however, continued from the other end and kept on scoring boundaries and looked all set to smash her first halfcentury of the ongoing tournament. But, she fell just three runs short as she got run-out and missed out on a well-deserved fifty.

Deepti then completed the formalities alongwith Jemimah Rodrigues as the duo helped India chase down the target with as many as 32 balls to spare. Radha was adjudged the Player of the Match.

India will now take the field when they play in the first semi-final of the tournament on March 5 in Sydney. Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 113/9 (Chamari Athapaththu 33; Radha Yadav 4/23) India 116/3 (Shafali Verma 47; Udeshika Prabodhani 1/13) Indian players celebrate after taking a wicket during their Women’s T20 World Cup match against Sri Lanka on Saturday.

New Delhi , Feb 29 (IANS): The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has said that it is working closely with WHO and monitoring the developments in the outbreak of the coronavirus.

The epidemic, which has caused several disruption in the qualification calendar for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, has now led to murmurs of it being a threat to the Olympics scheduled in July.

IOC Medical and Scientific Director Richard Budgett said in a letter addressed to athletes that they should follow WHO’s advice regarding the disease while travelling. “Athletes’ welfare is a top priority for the IOC, and we are working with National Federations and National Health Associations to ensure that you remain well-informed and updated about the developments related to the spread of coronavirus. Most importantly, you should be safe during this crucial period,” he said.

The 2020 Olympic Games is scheduled to be held in Tokyo from July 24 to August 9. LOS ANGELE S, Feb 29 (Agenci es ): Rafael Nadal applied a steady stream of blistering forehand winners and a heavy dose of precision serves to book his place in the final of ATP Mexico Open with a convincing 6-3, 6-2 win over Grigor Dimitrov.

The two-time tournament winner will be the favourite to declare his 3rd Acapulco title when he faces unseeded Taylor Fritz in final.

It has been 15 decades due to the fact globe No. two Nadal won for the very first time below. He also gained in 2013 and enhanced to 18-2 at this celebration all round.

“I’m quite happy. A great victory versus a person of the finest players in the world and a fantastic friend,” Nadal said soon after his a single-sided victory on Friday night time. “I feel I’ve enhanced my degree through the match, so it is optimistic for me.”

The best seed clinched the victory on his first match level. He fell powering -30 in the final match but rallied to win the subsequent 4 details. On match position, seventh seed Dimitrov strike a backhand that clipped the best of the internet and IOC monitoring coronavirus situation closely Nadal strolls into Acapulco final bounced in. But it hung in the air just extensive ample for Nadal to race ahead and blast a cross-court forehand that the Bulgarian had no chance on.

Nadal continued his dominance of Dimitrov, strengthening to 13-one life time. Nadal has only misplaced 20 games in his to start with four matches this week and is however to drop a established.

The unseeded Fritz defeated fellow American John Isner in the other semiultimate 2-six, seven-five, 6-three.

“He’s actively playing very well. He has a wonderful serve, superb pictures from the baseline. It’s heading to be a tricky one particular,” Nadal said of Fritz. “I know I’m going to have to be at my greatest and I hope to be ready for it.”

This will be the initial meeting among Nadal and 22-calendar year-outdated Fritz. The next established progressed approximately identically to the to start with established, with Dimitrov breaking early for a 2- guide in advance of Nadal stormed back again.

Nadal concluded out the night by likely on a 6-recreation operate. His ultimate forehand winner ended participate in following 1 hour and 41 minutes. Rafael Nadal returns a shot to Grigor Dimitrov during their ATP Mexico Open semi-final match.