Today’s Fixtures Afghanistan vs West Indies at Nagpur (4:30 PST) India vs Australia at Mohali (19:00 PST) India Women vs WI Women at Mohali (15:00 PST) Eng Wn vs Pak Women at Chennai (19:00 PST)
New Zealand beat Bangladesh, Australia take on India top World T20 Group-2 with one eye on trophy
Messi ‘would be proud’ to meet Obama BUENOS AIRES—Lionel Messi insists he would be proud to meet the family of US president Barack Obama should the opportunity arise. During a visit to Buenos Aires, Obama revealed that his daughters had asked him to arrange a meeting with the Barcelona star but that he had been unable to orchestrate it. Messi revealed his surprise when asked for his views on Obama’s frustration and said he would be happily spend time with the president’s family. Obviously, I was surprised that he said that, but on the contrary, for me it would be completely the opposite,” Messi told TyC Sports. “For me it would be a source of great pride to be able to meet him and his daughters, but obviously I know it would be complicated.—AFP
Nadal warns rule changes needed to sustain interest MIAMI—Rafael Nadal issued a warning to tennis leaders that the sport faces future troubles if equipment evolution makes speed and power dominant over skill and tactics. On the eve of his opening match at the ATP and WTA Miami Open, the 14-time Grand Slam singles champion said rule changes are needed to allow for taller and stronger players using modern racquet technology to make quick work of points and matches. “The sport in general needs to improve in all aspects,” Nadal said. “The players today are taller than before. The racquets hit the ball harder than before. Same time, it’s true that nothing changed in our sport in terms of rules, how high is the net, everything. —AP
Usmanov insists Wenger must not be sacked PARIS—Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov believes it is essential the Premier League club retain long-serving manager Arsene Wenger. The 66-year-old will celebrate 20 years in charge at Arsenal this September but has come under increasing pressure from a section of the club’s fan base over recent weeks. Arsenal last won the Premier League title in 2003-04 and watching this season’s bid going awry to hand surprise leaders Leicester City the initiative has been hard to take for some of the Emirates Stadium faithful. In an interview with Russian stateowned television channel Russia-24, he said: “Arsenal’s results are stable.—AFP
New Zealand wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi reacts as Bangladesh’s Mahmudullah is bowled during their match at the ICC World Twenty20 cricket tournament in Kolkata on Saturday. He was one of a number of the Black K OLKATA —New Zealand bowled Zealand’s quartet of slow bowlers and their Bangladesh out for a record low of 70 as top score came from tailender Shuvagata Caps’ top order who promised to post a they cruised to a 75-run victory at the Hom who made 16. Only two others big score but were out just as they had finWorld Twenty20 Saturday, maintaining reached double figures. After 11 overs they ished building their platform. Colin Munro had made 45 for six and then had to sweat had been warming up for his first substantheir perfect record at the tournament. Allrounder Grant Elliott took three it out in the dressing-room after a flood- tial knock of the tournament. But three wickets for 12 runs in his four overs while light failure brought a halt to procedings balls after lofting Al-Amin Hossain into the stands, he had his middle stump reIsh Sodhi chipped in with three for 21 as for more than 10 minutes. After the resumption, they continued moved by the same bowler. Bangladesh’s quest for a consolation win to find the Black Caps’ bowlers pretty The veteran Ross Taylor also contribended in tatters. The Black Caps, who had already much unplayable and their innings only uted 28 off 24 balls before being caught qualified for the tournament’s semi-finals, featured one six, a late blow from Rahman. by Mohammad Mithun off Hossain. No had earlier made 145 for eight at Eden The total was the lowest for Bangladesh other batsman got into double figures and Gardens with Mustafizur Rahman taking in any T20 international, with the record Rahman bowled both Mitchell Santner and McCullum in his final over although his five for 22. But what had appeared to be a previously standing at 78. It heaps more misery on a Bangladeshi last ball was hammered for six by Mitchell modest total soon proved to be too much for the Tigers who lost their leading bats- team who failed to win any of their games McClenaghan. The victory ensures New Zealand top man Tamim Iqbal in the second over, run at the tournament and suffered an agonising one-run defeat against India on their pool and they are now likely to play out for just three. Bangladesh were all at sea against New Wednesday. But it means that New Zealand one of England, Sri Lanka or South Africa go into the last four in good heart, with in the first semi-final in New Delhi on skipper Kane Williamson beginning to find March 30. The second semi-final is in form after scoring a brisk 42 off 32 balls Mumbai on March 31 while the final is at at the top of the order. Williamson was the Eden Gardens on April 3.—AFP second New Zealand wicket to fall to Rahman, who finKOLKATA—A floodlight failure brought ished with figures of New Zealand innings: Bangladesh innings: a halt to the match between New Zealand five for 22. The Nicholls b Mustafizur Rahman ..... 7 Tamim Iqbal run out (Munro) ...... 3 opener Henry Williamson b Mustafizur Rahman 42 Mohammad Mithun b McClenaghan11 and Bangladesh at cricket’s World Munro b Al-Amin Hossain .......... 35 Sabbir Rahman b McCullum ....... 12 Nicholls, who was Twenty20 Saturday as the Black Caps Taylor c Mohammad Mithun ... b Al- Shakib Al Hasan b Santner ............ 2 closed in on victory at Kolkata’s Eden brought in to give Amin Hossain .............................. 28 Soumya Sarkar st †Ronchi b Sodhi 6 Martin Guptill a rest, Anderson b Mashrafe Mortaza ...... 0 Mahmudullah b Sodhi ................... 5 Gardens. b Mustafizur Rahman ......... 9 Mushfiqur Rahim b Elliott ............ 0 Umpires Michael Gough and Johan was the first to go, Elliott Ronchi not out ............................... 9 Shuvagata Hom not out ............... 16 Cloete led the teams off the field with bowled by Rahman Santner b Mustafizur Rahman ....... 3 Mashrafe Mortaza lbw b Elliott .... 3 off a slower cutter McCullum b Mustafizur Rahman .. 0 Mustafizur Rahman b Elliott ........ 6 Bangladesh precariously placed at 45 for not out .................... 6 Al-Amin Hossain b Sodhi ............. 0 six after 11 overs as they chased a con- with the score on 25. McClenaghan Wiliamson had Extras (b 4, lb 1, w 1) ................. 6 Extras: (lb 5, w 1) ........................ 6 solation victory in the tourna-ment. Total: (8 wickets) ...................... 145 Total: (all out) ............................ 70 New Zealand had earlier made 145 looked in good nick Fall of wickets:1-25, 2-57, 3-99, 4- Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-29, 3-31, 4-38, in an innings that in100, 5-122, 6-127, 7-139, 8-139 5-43, 6-44, 7-48, 8-59, 9-65, 10-70 for eight in their 20 overs. It was not im........................ O-M-R-W Bowling ........................... O-M-R-W mediately clear when the match would cluded five bound- Bowling: Mashrafe Mortaza .............. 3-0-21-1 McCullum ............................ 2-0-6-1 be able to resume. New Zealand have al- aries and a six before Shuvagata Hom .................. 3-0-16-0 Anderson .............................. 2-0-7-0 he was also sent back Shakib Al Hasan ................ 4-0-33-0 Santner ............................... 3-0-16-1 ready qualifed for the semi-finals while Rahman ........... 4-0-22-5 McClenaghan ....................... 1-0-3-1 Bangladesh have no chance of progress- to the Eden Gardens’ Mustafizur dugout at the end of Al-Amin Hossain ............... 4-0-27-2 Elliott .................................. 4-0-12-3 ing further.—AFP Mahmudullah ..................... 2-0-21-0 Sodhi ............................... 3.4-0-21-3 Rahman’s first spell.
Blackout halts NZ, BD T20 tie
M OHALI —Australia will look to dump hosts India out of the World T20 on Sunday in a do-or-die clash between cricket’s two biggest teams. A narrow win by India over Bangladesh, followed by Australia’s 21-run triumph against Pakistan, has effectively reduced Sunday’s group encounter into a knockout, with the winner making it to the semi-finals. “We’ve got a massive game coming up against India, whoever wins that goes through,” said Australian paceman James Faulkner after Friday’s win against Pakistan. “It was on our shoulders to turn the ship around and start winning. We have won two in a row, now we need to win another three to win the World Cup,” said the bowler, who picked a five-wicket haul against Pakistan, the first Australian to do so in T20 cricket. Australia are the reigning 50-over world champions and the number one Test side, but have failed to win the World T20 in five previous attempts. If they do manage to win the trophy this time around, it would be a fitting tribute to all-rounder Shane Watson, who is set to quit international cricket at the end of the tournament. Watson was part of Australia’s World Cup triumphs in 2007 and 2015 and also starred during the team’s winning campaigns in the Champions Trophy finals of 2006 and 2009. The Aussies have won two games in this T20 edition while going down to New Zealand, who have already qualified for the semis with three wins from as many matches. India were also handed a thrashing by the Black Caps, who are sitting on top of
Group 2 and clearly one of the better-looking sides in the tournament. The home side bounced back to defeat arch-rivals Pakistan before pulling off a nerve-wracking one-run win against Bangladesh.
But despite the wins, India have not looked really convincing, a fact not lost on off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin, who has been one of the standout bowlers for India, said the team would need to up their game if they are to entertain any hopes of winning the title for a second time. India won the inaugural World T20 in South Africa in 2007. “We have not really batted the way where we would be really pleased with our performance,” said Ashwin. “We are a very, very good batting unit. Once we fire on all cylinders we will be great contenders for the title. As of now, with the way things stand, I don’t think we are contenders.”—AFP
Afridi to stays behind in Dubai NEW D ELHI—Captain Shahid Afridi has de- well but, later on, in the last four overs, we cided to stay back in Dubai as the team heads home following a humiliating exit from the World Twenty20 World Cup. The Pakistan cricket team arrived in Dubai on Saturday evening to where those returning to Karachi and Lahore were the catch their respective connections. Shahid Afridi will stay behind in Dubai for another 48-hours. Australia beat Pakistan by 21 runs in Mohali on Friday eliminating Pakistan from the World Twenty20. Afridi, who had hinted before the game that retirement was imminent, said he has not yet made a final decision to call it quits. “I’m going to go back home and in the next four-five days I will take a decision and whatever is better for the country, I will go with that. I think I will announce this in my country,” the 36-year-old told reporters on Friday. Australia skipper Steven Smith guiding his team to 193-4 with an unbeaten 63 and James Faulkner took five wickets to send Pakistan out. “I think honestly speaking we were not good enough,” Afridi said. “I think we didn´t play good cricket and if you look at the bowlers they´ve really done
gave 40 runs so it´s not good enough if you´re
playing against a world-class team.”—AFP
Gayle is a Big Fish in a Big Schutt, Villani crush Ireland Pond, says Rabada’s father Women’s World T20, Australia vs Ireland
D ELHI —Elyse Villani topscored with 43 from 35 balls to keep Australia Women’s semifinal challenge firmly on track in Delhi, as Ireland’s disappointing campaign came to a close with a seven-wicket defeat, their fourth loss in as many outings. On a slow surface, the same one that was used for England’s men’s match against Afghanistan and will be back in action for their Group 1 showdown with Sri Lanka tonight, boundaries were scarce and dot balls plentiful as Ire-land struggled for headway after being asked to bat first. Thanks to a doughty trio of 20s from their top three, Clare Shillington, Cecelia Joyce and Kim Garth, who top-scored with 27 from 46 balls, they eventually reached 91 for 7 in their 20 overs. However, as a measure of their struggles, that total was their second highest of the competition, behind the 115 for 8 they made against Sri Lanka. The tone for Ireland’s innings was set in the first 11 balls, from which they failed to score a single run, and though Shillington in particular responded impressively with three fours and a solitary six through midwicket in her 22
B IPIN D ANI O BSERVER C ORRESPONDENT
Australia’s Elyse Villani hits a boundary in front of Ireland’s wicketkeeper Mary Waldron during their ICC Twenty20 2016 Cricket World Cup match at the Feroz Shah Kotla Cricket Stadium in New Delhi, on Saturday. from 18 balls, her team-mates struggled to ob- Jess Jonassen to squeeze the life out of the contain the same momentum. test, and she was aided by some exceptional work Megan Schutt returned Australia’s best fig- in the field as well. Two direct-hit run-outs came ures of 3 for 29, but it was Rene Farrell’s accu- on her watch, as Jonassen pinged down the rate medium pacers that really derailed Ireland’s stumps to remove Laura Delany before Villani challenge. With 2 for 11 in her four overs, Farrell did likewise to Mary Waldron from the final ball combined with the spinners Kirsten Beams and of the innings.—Agencies
MUMBAI—On Saturday, not only the members of the South African team were waiting for the result of the England-Sri Lanka match (Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla) but the family members of few players back home in South Africa were keeping a close-track of the match. In order to stand a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals, Sri Lanka will have to beat England and the the South Africa will have to win their final group-1 match against Sri Lanka on Monday. “We are not out of the tournament yet and still hopeful”, Dr. Mpho Rabada, the father of the 20-year-old fast bowler Kasigo Rabada, speaking exclusveily over his mobile from South Africa, said on Saturday morning. In fact, the right-hand bowler Rabada’s family will be in India, if his team progresses. “Me, my wife (Florence) and the other son (Atlegang) will be in India, if Sri Lanka wins. Sri Lanka needs to win themselves to have a chance to progress and that favours us too”, he adds. Interestingly, Dr. Rabada was providing a church service (in his country) on the day of Good Friday when Kasigo took the prize wicket of Chris Gayle in Nagpur. “Chris Gayle is a Big Fish in a very Big Pond and getting him out when the task seems insurmountable is Great Leap Forward in the confidence of the young man”. “The bigger fish, however, is the prize of winning games,Getting the big fish scalps can only be a step in the right direction”.
“Winning games is the ultimate goal and hope that a few things will click and he will be unplayable most often”, Dr. Rabada hoped. “My son must always hope to smile at the end of the day. Win or lose....Keep shooting for the stars”, he further added.
“Somethings are above us and we have to wait and see but most of all accept whatever comes our way”, he signed off.