November 10, 2023 – https://bhartiyanews24x7.com

10Nov

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‘Mission near impossible’ for Pakistan; England eyes CT spot

Mirage: Only a miracle of the highest order can help Babar & Co. KOLKATA: A ‘dead-rubber’ militates against everything elite sport packages so well -- excitement, anticipation, nervousness, jubilation and energy-sapping exhaustion. But for players who have no hope left, it is an opportunity for one precious final triumph. For coaches who are increasingly smitten by corporate speak, it is about the search for takeaways. And for the paying public, it is a chance to deepen their belief that that there is still bang for their buck. At the Eden Gardens on Saturday when Pakistan takes on England, the expectation is for all of this to come true.Near-zero chancesIn fairness, the contest is not quite a ‘dead-rubber’, but near enough. For Pakistan to enter the World Cup semifinals at New Zea...

10Nov

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Captaincy has not been a burden for me: Babar Azam

Still at it: Though Pakistan needs a massive win over England to make the semifinals, Babar insisted that his team will make a fist of it. When the World Cup fixtures were first released, England-Pakistan at the Eden Gardens had a halo around it. A marquee tie between two world champions and potential semifinalists on the penultimate day of the league stage was a mouth-watering prospect. Come match-day, England is out of contention and Pakistan all but. Friday’s pre-match briefing with Babar Azam was thus mostly about sombre reflection and the future course of action.“I think the South Africa match cost us,” said the Pakistan skipper. “We should have won that [and] because of that we are in this stage. There is one match left. You never know. It’s cricket; we will try to finish on a g...

10Nov

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‘Stubborn’ Temba Bavuma bats on for South Africa despite injury | Cricket News – Times of India

AHMEDABAD: South Africa captain Temba Bavuma was hoping on Friday that his "stubborn" nature will help dull the pain of injury as he plots a path to the World Cup final.Bavuma made 23 as his team completed their group campaign with a five-wicket win over Afghanistan in Ahmedabad."My leg is sore. I don't know the extend of it yet but I'll have to be fine.I am stubborn, it will have to be fine," said the 33-year-old Bavuma.With a semi-final looming against five-time champions Australia next week Bavuma insists he needs to be at the heart of the action as South Africa stand just two wins away from a maiden World Cup triumph."I could have not batted, but I want to be out there for my team," added Bavuma who missed the wins over England and Bangladesh earlier in the tournament through illnes...

10Nov

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PAK vs ENG | ‘Mission near impossible’ for Pakistan; England eyes CT spot

Pakistan players are seen during a practice session ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match against England, in Kolkata on November 10, 2023. | Photo Credit: ANI A ‘dead-rubber’ militates against everything elite sport packages so well — excitement, anticipation, nervousness, jubilation and energy-sapping exhaustion. But for players who have no hope left, it is an opportunity for one precious final triumph. For coaches who are increasingly smitten by corporate speak, it is about the search for takeaways. And for the paying public, it is a chance to deepen their belief that there is still bang for their buck. At the Eden Gardens on Saturday when Pakistan takes on England, the expectation is for all of this to come true. In fairness, the contest is not quite a ‘dead-rubber’, but ne...

10Nov

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World Cup: South Africa win after a few hiccups, as Azmatullah Omarzai personifies Afghanistan’s stubbornness

You didn’t really have to watch to absorb all the action at the Narendra Modi Stadium. All you had to do was close your eyes and listen to the sounds.The hush when the game was seemingly heading nowhere. The celebratory cry from Gerald Coetzee, returning to the XI after being dropped against India, when he landed the cricketing equivalent of a one-two punch, a venomous short ball followed by a scorching full-length delivery for a wicket. The ‘tock’ each time the ball pinged off Azmatullah Omarzai’s sweet spot. The groan when he was left stranded three runs short of a well-deserved century. And the seamless, spontaneous transition into applause, a standing ovation as Omarzai walked off. South Africa won the dead rubber by five and 15 balls to spare, overcoming minor hiccups to chase down...

10Nov

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SA vs AFG: Rassie van der Dussen steers South Africa to victory as Afghanistan exit World Cup – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Rassie van der Dussen played an outstanding innings, scoring an unbeaten 76, to guide South Africa to a comfortable five-wicket victory over Afghanistan in their final World Cup group match on Friday. This win secured South Africa's place in the semi-final, while Afghanistan's hopes for the semi-final were dashed.In pursuit of a target of 245, Van der Dussen skillfully led the Proteas to victory with 15 balls to spare, setting the stage for their upcoming semi-final against Australia next week.AS IT HAPPENED: SA vs AFGAfghanistan, batting first, posted a total of 244 all out, with Azmatullah Omarzai contributing an unbeaten 97. However, they needed an improbable 438-run win to stay in contention for the semi-finals.New Zealand appears poised to face hosts India in the other s...

10Nov

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IOC to decide on Afghanistan’s participation in LA Olympics 2028, says ICC CEO Allardice

File photo of ICC CEO Geoff Allardice. | Photo Credit: VIJAY SONEJI ICC CEO Geoff Allardice has said that the final call on Afghanistan’s participation in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles will be taken by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He also said that the ICC will not have much role to play in this case. “(In) the Olympic competition teams are fielded by the National Olympic Committees of those countries. As an international sporting federation, we position our sport with the LA28 organisers for inclusion. And, the IOC and they (LA28) have included cricket,” Allardice said during the BBC’s Stumped podcast. “In terms of the position of the National Olympic Committee of Afghanistan, it’s probably something for the IOC to be able to address more accurately than me. “B...

10Nov

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While Savita and Co went on to win the Asian Champions Trophy, two Indian umpires felt joy from their Plan B

In Ranchi during the Asian Champions Trophy, thousands descended at the Astroturf Hockey Stadium to watch the Indian women’s hockey team. But even when Savita Punia and Co were not playing, they had a couple of other Indians to cheer for. In a few of the non-India matches, two umpires got a smattering of applause every time they walked out onto the field leading out the teams. For Rama Potnis and Yogita Pasi, two youngsters who grew up with dreams of playing hockey at the highest level, it felt like vindication. Rama, a 29-year-old from Kohlapur in Maharashtra, started playing around 2006 when she was in class V. Yogita, a 27-year-old from Mumbai, began her hockey journey in 2005. Both of them, however, had to abandon hopes of scaling up the rungs as players because of injuries. Her pas...

10Nov

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‘They start infighting, finger-pointing …’ Glenn Maxwell reveals how he targeted ‘subcontinent’ trait in Afghanistan to make them unravel

While the whole world and importantly the Afghanistan team watched him writhing in pain on the ground, and dealing with cramps in toes, calf, hamstring and back spasms, hoping he would buckle under, any moment, Glenn Maxwell had throughout been working on messing with their minds at Wankhede. The sixes and fours would inevitably rain down later to catch on with the target. But it was the casual, smiling bullheadedness to survive, of Maxwell with Pat Cummins and some cricketing chess that the former played that ultimately broke Afghan backs and gave the Australians an epic win that cricket won’t easily forget. Follow all the action from the Cricket World Cup 2023 on our special World Cup section. You can also find the latest stats, like the top scorer and the highest wicket-taker of the ...

10Nov

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IOC to decide on Afghanistan’s participation in LA Olympics 2028, says ICC CEO Allardice | Cricket News – Times of India

LONDON: ICC CEO Geoff Allardice has said that the final call on Afghanistan's participation in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles will be taken by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).He also said that the ICC will not have much role to play in this case."(In) the Olympic competition teams are fielded by the National Olympic Committees of those countries. As an international sporting federation, we position our sport with the LA28organisers for inclusion.And, the IOC and they (LA28) have included cricket," Allardice said during the BBC's Stumped podcast."In terms of the position of the National Olympic Committee of Afghanistan, it's probably something for the IOC to be able to address more accurately than me."But, I know that they (IOC) have been following the progress or the ...

10Nov

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Watch: Gateway of India in Mumbai lit up to celebrate Diwali and World Cup | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: With the buzz of the festival of lights -- Diwali -- engulfing the entire nation along with euphoria of the ongoing ODI World Cup, the iconic Gateway of India in Mumbai was lit up in twin celebrations on Friday.Celebrating Diwali along with the ongoing ODI World Cup, India's iconic venue had a dazzling light show for the fans in the high-rise city.The ICC took to social media platform X, formally Twitter, to share the video and images of the light show.On the day Diwali will be celebrated in the country, Rohit Sharma and co. simultaneously will take on Netherlands in their final group-game of the cricketing extravaganza in Bengaluru.India are already through to the semis and are most likely to face New Zealand in the knock-out game on November 15 in Mumbai.South Africa will l...

10Nov

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Virat Kohli trains against left-arm spin, short-pitched bowling at nets with NZ semi-final looming | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The net sessions of Virat Kohli are known for their intensity, resembling a condensed version of his actual match-day batting. In the optional nets in Bengaluru on Friday, Kohli focused on refining his skills against short-pitched bowling and left-arm spin, anticipating challenges he might face against New Zealand in the World Cup semifinals.While the immediate goal is to face the Netherlands, Kohli is aware that the Dutch are not on par with New Zealand.One challenge posed by the Kiwis isLockie Ferguson, who, despite a right Achilles niggle, showed signs of peak form against Sri Lanka, particularly with a barrage of short-pitched deliveries.Knowing Ferguson's tactics, Kohli faced an array of bouncers from pacer Shardul Thakur and side-arm specialists. The former Indian capta...

10Nov

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ICC suspends Sri Lanka Cricket’s membership with immediate effect due to ‘government interference’

Sri Lanka Cricket’s membership of the International Cricket Council (ICC) has been suspended by the ICC Board with immediate effect, the global governing body of the sport announced on Friday evening. In a short press release the ICC said: “The ICC Board met today and determined that Sri Lanka Cricket is in serious breach of its obligations as a Member, in particular, the requirement to manage its affairs autonomously and ensure that there is no government interference in the governance, regulation and/or administration of cricket in Sri Lanka. The conditions of the suspension will be decided by the ICC Board in due course. The development comes on the heels of a turbulent World Cup campaign by the islanders, where they’re currently ninth in the 10-team standings after winning just two ...

10Nov

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ICC suspends Sri Lanka’s membership over government interference

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended Sri Lanka Cricket's (SLC) membership with immediate effect for government interference, the sport's governing body said on November 10.Sri Lanka's ministry of sport dismissed SLC's board and replaced it with an interim committee following the country's poor performance at this year's World Cup but the sacking was stayed by Sri Lanka's Court of Appeal."The ICC Board met today and determined that Sri Lanka Cricket is in serious breach of its obligations as a Member," it said in a statement."In particular, the requirement to manage its affairs autonomously and ensure that there is no government interference in the governance, regulation and/or administration of cricket in Sri Lanka."The conditions of the suspension will be decided by th...

10Nov

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Over 1,150 players, including top juniors, confirm entry for Krishna Khaitan Memorial All India Junior Ranking tournament

Junior national champion Anmol Kharb of Haryana and Under-17 national champion and Asian Under-17 Junior Championships silver medallist Tanvi Sharma of Punjab will be among the top contenders in the girls’ U19 category for the Yonex Sunrise 30th Smt Krishna Khaitan Memorial All India Junior Ranking Prize Money tournament from November 14 to November 20. The qualifying rounds run from November 14 to 16. The tournament, which is being organised by Express Shuttle Club Trust under the aegis of Haryana Badminton Association, will be played at the Multi-purpose Hall at the Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex. This is the penultimate ranking tournament of the year to be conducted by the Badminton Association of India (BAI). BAI President Himanta Biswa Sarma has sanctioned a total prize money of 4 lak...

10Nov

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ICC suspends Sri Lanka Cricket over government interference | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: In a major blow, Sri Lankan Cricket on Friday were slapped with a suspension by the International Cricket Council over government interference in running the country's sports body. The ICC's suspension of the SLC membership comes with immediate effect. The decision was by the ICC following a tumultuous week in Lankan cricket."The ICC Board met today and determined that Sri Lanka Cricket is in serious breach of its obligations as a Member, in particular, the requirement to manage its affairs autonomously and ensure that there is no government interference in the governance, regulation and/or administration of cricket in Sri Lanka," the ICC said in a release."The conditions of the suspension will be decided by the ICC Board in due course," the release further said.The Sri Lanka...

10Nov

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‘If Fakhar Zaman bats 20-30 overs…’: Babar Azam has plans in place as Pakistan chase improbable semis dream | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Under-fire skipper Babar Azam hasn’t thrown the towel in yet as he has plans in place as Pakistan chase ODI World Cup semi-final dream when they take on England in their last league match in Kolkata on Saturday.Pakistan have a daunting task at their hands as they need to defeat the already-eliminated defending champions England by at least 287 runs to knock out New Zealand as the fourth and last semi-finalist on net run rate.Babar remains optimistic and has emphasised that his team has not given up hope of securing victory over England, despite the substantial margin required."It's not like this matter is not in the back of the mind. It's in our mind and we will try to do it," said Babar at the pre-match presser on Friday."But we can't just go in and start firing blindly - we...

10Nov

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Dawid Malan gives two reasons for England’s disastrous World Cup title defence ahead of Pakistan clash

As the curtains fall on England’s disastrous World Cup campaign with the defending champions not even reaching the semis this time, opener Dawid Malan was asked to divulge three reasons for their elimination. The man who once described himself as “I am moody, grumpy and like to sit by myself at cinema” couldn’t hold back his laughter at the question. Follow all the action from the Cricket World Cup 2023 on our special World Cup section. You can also find the latest stats, like the top scorer and the highest wicket-taker of the current edition, upcoming World Cup fixtures and the points table on the site. “Three reasons? (laughs) Gosh! Not enough runs, not enough wickets and whatever else. I think that has been the most disappointing thing for us. A lot of our players have had a lot of...

10Nov

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Dawid Malan says Pakistan match could be his last for England | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: With age not on his side and growing demands for a complete overhaul of the England 50-overs side, opener Dawid Malan indicated that Saturday's game against Pakistan could be his last for the country. The 36-year-old has been England's best batter in the tournament but with just two wins in 8 games, his side has already been ousted and is fighting for a top-eight finish to secure their place in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.Malan said he won't be surprised if Pakistan game is his last amid the England debacle at the cricketing extravaganza. "I guess I'm in a unique situation being the second oldest in this team," the 36-year-old told reporters at Eden Gardens."I don't know what my future holds, whether that will be my choice or the team's choice.""Tomorrow could be th...

10Nov

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Gurkeerat Singh Mann announces retirement from international and Indian cricket | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Gurkeerat Singh Mann, who featured in three ODIs during the 2016 tour of Australia, officially announced his retirement from international and Indian cricket on Friday.The 33-year-old, known for his role as a middle-order batsman, also contributed with his off-spin, bowling 10 overs in the ODI series against Australia.Gurkeerat's decision to retire comes as he experienced inconsistency in his inclusion in the Punjab team and participated in his final Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2020, concluding a seven-season stint in the tournament.This announcement marks the end of Gurkeerat's international and Indian cricket career, and he will be remembered for his contributions during his time on the field."Today marks the end of an incredible cricketing journey for me. It has ...