Akmal guides Pak to victory

Mirpur, Mar 4, 2016 : DHNS:

Pakistan batting finally came together to carry the side to six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the dead rubber of the Asia Cup T20 tournament at Sher-e-Bangla National stadium on Wednesday.

Both the teams -- out of the tournament -- flourished on the batting strip but it was Pakistan who came on top while chasing Sri Lanka’s 150/4. For the Lankans, Tillakaratne Dilshan (75 n.o) and Dinesh Chandimal (58) stroked blistering half centuries before late strikes from Pakistan slowed their march.

In the reply, Pakistan openers Mohammad Hafeez and Sharjeel Khan got off to a brisk start. And though Sri Lanka had reduced them to 94/3 by the 13th over, Umar Akmal (48) and Shoaib Malik ensured they cross the finishing line without further hiccups. Akmal, however, got out when Pakistan needed one run to win, and it was Malik who then closed the chase.

Put in to bat, Sri Lanka without injured Angelo Mathews had Chandimal (58) leading from the front. He along with Dilshan stitched a century opening stand of 110. Pakistan, however, fought back in the last five overs by plucking four quick wickets, beginning with Chandimal.

 Pakistan also made it easier for them with their sloppy fielding led by Mohammad Irfan, who dropped Dilshan twice.

Dilshan was given a reprieve in the fifth over when his top edge off Shahid Afridi was muffed up by Irfan at short fine leg. Dilshan, who had struggled with form all through the series, made the most of it. He and Chandimal, after a cautious start, went after the Pakistani bowling as even Mohammad Amir ended up leaking runs.

Wahab Riaz got Pakistan the breakthrough when Chandimal’s whack off his short delivery terminated in mid-wicket before Irfan bowled out Chamara Kapugedera and Dasun Shanaka bowled within two deliveries. It pegged back Sri Lanka despite Dilshan’s stay till the end.
DH News Service

Pakistan to send security team, participation still in doubt

Islamabad/New Delhi, March 4, 2016 (PTI)

Pakistan's participation in the high-profile T20 World Cup continued to remain under a cloud of uncertainty after its government today decided to send a security team to assess the situation in India, further delaying the possibility of an early resolution to the stalemate.
On yet another day of hectic activities, a concerned Pakistani government which had initially given the go ahead for the team's participation in the March 8-April 3 mega-event, will now take a final call on their visit after the security team submits its report.

The decision to send a security team was taken after a meeting between Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan who called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad, ignoring the assurances of foolproof security by the BCCI.

Prime Minister Sharif directed the ministry to send an advance security team to India for a review of the situation.

"The Prime Minister directed the Interior Minister to ensure foolproof security measures for the cricket team in India in coordination with Pakistani High Commissioner in Delhi," the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

The BCCI, on its part, assured foolproof security to Pakistan, a day after the PCB threatened to pull out of the tournament citing safety concerns.

"As far as the BCCI is concerned, foolproof security will be provided to Pakistan. They should not worry about the security arrangements. Now the decision has to be taken by the PCB (if they want to come or not). They are accountable to the ICC (world body). The PCB should decide on the matter but we will be providing foolproof security to their players," top BCCI functionary Rajeev Shukla said.

On PCB seeking a written assurance from the Indian government, Shukla said "how can we talk on behalf of the government?"

A cloud also hangs over the marquee match between India and Pakistan in Dharamsala on March 19 with Himachal Pradesh's ex-servicemen protesting against the game in the wake of the Pathankot terror attacks in January.

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Shaharyar Khan said, "The situation now is that only after this security team gives the okay can we send the team to India."

"The government has given us clearance to play in the World T20 but after the security concerns surrounding the Pakistan and India match in Dharamsala a report was given to the Prime Minister," Shaharyar added. 

A day after BCCI secretary and BJP MP Anurag Thakur said he was hopeful of the match happening in the hill station following his meeting with Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, Congressman Shukla too spoke to the CM of the Congress-ruled Himachal on the controversial matter.

"I have spoken to the HP CM and he has assured us of putting all the necessary arrangements in place," he said.

On the protests by ex-servicemen in the state, Shukla added: "We sympathise with the protesters and that is why on bilateral matches with Pakistan, we have not taken any decision. But this is a world event. Because of the humongous logistical challenge, it is difficult to change the venue now".

India's Home Minister Rajnath Singh also said central paramilitary forces will be provided to ensure security to the much-awaited March 19 clash between India and Pakistan.

"If the (Himachal Pradesh) Chief Minister asks for security forces, we will provide," he told reporters here.

'Hand-eye coordination key behind India's success in doubles'

Coimbatore, March 4, 2016 (PTI)

Tennis ace Sania Mirza, who has won three Grand Slams in a row combining with Swiss Martina Hingis, today said "amzaing" hand-eye coordination of Indian players was behind their success in doubles.

"In India and part of the sub-continent, the hand-eye coordination is amazing and that works a lot in doubles for us," she told reporters here.

She was responding to a query on the reason for Indian players' (both male and female) success in doubles events.

She said with the level of tennis being played and the increasing level of fitness, India would hopefully catch up soon with other countries.

Having won three Grand Slam titles together in a row since winning the Wimbledon last year, Sania and Hingis would hope to maintain their winning streak at the French Open in May.

On her preparations for the clay-court event, Sania said she was leaving for US tonight and after reaching there, they will devise a strategy.

"After winning three grand slams, French Open is probably the toughest slam and the toughest surface and we have to go a long way. Any how we have to fight it through," she said.

Talking about the obstacles a girl has to encounter to enter sports, Sania said, "There are lot of obstacles you have to face, especially cultutal issues."

Jitu strikes gold at ISSF World Cup

Bangkok, March 4, 2016 (PTI)

A fit-again Indian shooter Jitu Rai edged past a strong field, including former Olympic champion Pang Wei, to clinch the 50m pistol gold at the ISSF World Cup here today.
Jitu, who had been nursing a palm injury for some months, beat China's former World and Olympic Champion Wei to second place shooting 191.3 to Pang's 186.5.

Wang Zhiwei, also of China and an Olympic Bronze medallist, finished third with a final round score of 165.8. India's Prakash Nanjappa shot 549 in the qualification round to be placed 17th.

Jitu reached the final by finishing third at the end of the 60 shot qualifying series with a score of 562. Wei led the field of eight top qualifiers with a score of 564, while Zheiwei followed him in second place scoring 563.

Former World Champion Tomoyuki Matsuda of Japan was also going to be a threat in the final given his recent form in the Asian Shooting qualifiers in Delhi.

Jitu did not start as strongly as he would have wanted to in the final however he maintained a top three position throughout.

Wei finally conceded the lead to Jitu after having below par 13th and 14th shots. The following two shots also saw a similar pattern for Wei and from then on, it was Jitu all the way as both the Chinese challengers had a tame end to the 20- shot final.

Tomoyuki Matsuda, after briefly lying in the top three, was eliminated in 5th place.

After having an incredible run of five consecutive ISSF medals including Gold, in a period beginning 2014 to beginning of last year, a period where he also won an Asian Games Gold, there was a lull of sorts from Jitu. Saturday will see the finals of the Men's 50m Prone and 10m Air Pistol events.

Jitu will look to increase his medal tally in the pistol event while Gagan Narang and Chain Singh will lead India's charge in the Rifle event.

We assure fool-proof security but ball in PCB court: BCCI

New Delhi, Mar 4, 2016 (PTI)

The BCCI today assured foolproof security to Pakistan for the World Twenty20 in India, a day after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) threatened to pull out of the mega event citing safety concerns.

Asked about PCB chief Shaharyar Khan seeking written assurance from the BCCI and the Indian government, senior Board official and IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla said foolproof security will be provided to all teams including Pakistan for the event starting March 8.

"As far as the BCCI is concerned, foolproof security will be provided to Pakistan. They should not worry about the security arrangements. Now the decision has to be taken by the PCB (if they want to come or not). They are accountable to the ICC (world body). The PCB should decide on the matter but we will be providing foolproof security to their players," Shukla asserted here today.

On PCB seeking a written assurance from the Indian government, Shukla said "how can we talk on behalf of the government?"

A cloud also hangs over the marquee match between India and Pakistan in Dharamsala on March 19 with Himachal Pradesh's ex-servicemen protesting against the game in the wake of the Pathankot terror attacks in January.

A day after BCCI secretary and BJP MP Anurag Thakur said he was hopeful of the match happening in the hill station following his meeting with Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, Congressman Shukla too spoke to the CM of the Congress-ruled Himachal on the controversial matter.

"I have spoken to the HP CM and he has assured us of putting all the necessary arrangements in place," he said.

On the protests by ex-servicemen in the state, Shukla added: "We sympathise with the protesters and that is why on bilateral matches with Pakistan, we have not taken any decision. But this is a world event. Because of the humongous logistical challenge, it is difficult to change the venue now".

Team and Dhoni helped me to calm my nerves, says Negi

Mirpur, Mar 4, 2016 (PTI)

A bundle of nerves ahead of his international debut in the ongoing Asia Cup, India all-rounder Pawan Negi said emotions were getting the better of him before senior players such as skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni stepped in with their calming words.

Negi made his debut against the UAE last night and grabbed one wicket. "I got to know that I will be making my debut in the afternoon. Our bowling coach Bharat Arun told me that I will be playing this game. I felt really great when I heard that news," he told BCCI.TV.

"It felt normal when we were in our team meeting and then boarded the bus for the stadium. But just when we reached close to the ground, I had a bit of butterflies in my stomach. I was about to play my first game and there were a flurry of emotions as I walked into the dressing room.

"When Ravi (Shastri) sir gave me the cap and I wore it, it felt really great. All the players came up to me to congratulate and that moment felt really special," he said.

Negi said the team helped calm his nerves. "The seniors in the side really helped me to calm my nerves and they came up to me to boost my confidence levels. The entire team was really supportive and I never felt like I was playing my first match," he said.

"Before walking out to the field, our captain MS Dhoni walked up to me and asked me not to think too much about the fact that I was making my debut. He asked me to relax and treat the game as a normal game and go about things normally."

The 23-year-old was handed the ball in the 13th over of the match against UAE last night and didn't disappoint as he picked his first international  wicket in his fifth delivery.

"Before the start of the match, Harbhajan Singh came up to me and spoke about the pitch. He said that the pitch is dry and if I bowled with a little flight, I would be able to turn the ball. I tried to do just that.

"When I took that ball in my hand, my complete focus was to pitch the ball in the right areas and bowl wicket to wicket. But, my nervousness got the better of me and I leaked runs.

"But once I got a wicket, I got a lot of confidence. MS Dhoni came up to me and told me that I was bowling under pressure. He asked me to loosen up and bowl freely. That really boosted my confidence. A wicket on debut is huge for anyone and I felt really great."

Negi said he will be looking to take a lot of confidence from his first game for India. "I speak a lot about bowling during our practice sessions with our lead spinners - R Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh.

They both are very supportive. Suresh Raina also supports me off the field. I also keep talking to our captain during our nets session with regards to my batting. I feel I have gained a lot of confidence after playing my first match. I will remember this moment for a long time." 

Current T20 team is ready to play anywhere in world: Dhoni

Mirpur, Mar 4, 2016 (PTI)

India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni feels the current Indian team is a "balanced" side which can "take on any team anywhere in the world" atleast in the shortest format of the game after they notched up their ninth win out of 10 matches.

"Well if you see, more often than not, the team that we have played with (this year in T20's), looks like a team that can play in any condition, especially in this format. Let's not talk about the 50-over format. But in T20s, we can play with this team anywhere in the world," said Dhoni after India crushed UAE by 9 wickets in Asia Cup last night.

"We now have three proper seamers, two spinners and if needed part-timers. I think it is the right combination. And even if you go for a few extra runs, with the batting that we have - till No 8, I think we can look to get those extra runs if the opposition scores off us. So I think this team is set for playing in any conditions, whether you are playing in India or outside India. It looks like a very balanced team."

Dhoni was in playful mood when a Bangladeshi scribe asked a long and winded question with basic intent of trying to know if this is the last time that the limited overs skipper will be playing in this country.

"I'm not getting rid of myself so soon. Bangladesh will have to face me more often than not. This is one occasion when the question was longer than the answer," he smiled as everyone present in the conference room had a good laugh.

On a serious note, Dhoni said that he expects the final to be a tough one as Bangladesh knows the conditions well.

"As I said, any good team if they are the home team, they will always know the conditions very well. So to beat a home team is always difficult. Also Bangladesh, over the years has developed a lot. They have improved their strength. They know the condition well, as I have said. It will be a good final.

"A lot depends on which team plays better cricket. This format the difference between the two teams can often be just one knock, one individual having a very good day or one bowler having a very good day. The difference between a good team and not-so-good team can be just a performance on that particular day. So I feel it will be a very good final," Dhoni assessed.

Dhoni feels that they will have to stop the big-hitters in Bangladesh team and should not allow any particular bowler to have an outstanding day.

"In this format, what has happened doesn't really matter. It depends on that particular day as to what's going to happen. You have to keep the big-hitter out of the game. You have to make sure that one of the bowlers doesn't have an outstanding day. The field is set for a very good final." 

Dhoni also does not think that Bangladesh being the home team will have any "unfair advantage" on these strips.

"I don't think the home team have an unfair advantage as such. We've also played four five games here. It gives us a good idea about the wicket and what the conditions are. Lot will depend on what kind of cricket we play on that particular day. It is not about how strong. It is all about how you have executed your plans."

Dhoni said that the team is well prepared for T20 World Cup and there are no injury concerns as of now.

"As of now, there are no injury concerns. In the coming matches what will happen we don't know. If someone gets a niggle, you look to give him a rest if opportunity arises. These are sports-related injuries, if someone gets hit by a ball. It's useless to think about those things. But until now everyone's fit. They are all looking good."

Streak shaping Bangla pace

Dhaka, Mar 04, 2016, DHNS:

The cricketing world may be surprised to see a steady stream of quality fast bowlers in Bangladesh side but not Heath Streak. The former Zimbabwean captain and coach is the man who has tirelessly worked behind the scenes to bring about the transformation from their over-reliance on a clutch of left-arm spinners to producing fire-spitting fast bowlers.

 As Bangladesh made it to the final of the Asia Cup, the confidence of the young fast bowlers in raging down sides like Pakistan and Sri Lanka was there for all to see. And no one is happier than Streak, who was among the best fast bowlers in the 90s, and roped in by Bangladesh in June 2014.

Pakistan, India and South returned with defeats in 50-over matches from Bangladesh last year and it were the pacers who made the difference.

“I realized the players here had a natural ability and skill. It was more about assisting them tactically and helping them develop in understanding of the game and conditions. Like how to bowl in certain conditions, how to exploit the weakness of opposition batsmen, how to target a batsman,” Streak told Deccan Herald.

“We also worked on training. Like they used to train for long hours but it was of low intensity. We reduced the time but made it high intensity. We trained in match like situations, all this is now showing results”.

Streak on his arrival found that while the country had no dearth of talent, the fast bowlers were not getting the opportunities they needed. “The domestic structure and condition were in favour of spin. It was difficult for the talented bowlers to come up. The first thing we did was to identify the players with the ability and desire to improve,” he said.

 “Our first tour was to West Indies, we did miserably but we identified the areas to work on. It was only during the World Cup that some of our hard work started showing. The belief came in, and once that confidence came, they began to enjoy bowling.”

One of the finds of Bangladesh has been young left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman and Streak is excited about him. “When we found him, no one looked at him as a potential international player. We called him to bowl in the nets to international players. Seeing the senior bowlers bowl, he began to develop his potential,” he said.

“He is a very gifted individual. It is difficult for the batsmen to read him. His stock delivery and cutters cannot be made out by the batsmen. It was a blow for us to lose him for the Asia Cup but we will try that he is with us for the T20 World Cup.”

With World Cup T20 knocking at the doors, Streak is confident of his pace attack. “There is variation in our bowling attack. It makes it easier for me to have a captain like Mashrafe Mortaza who is also a bowler. 

“He can read a game very well, he has a lot of variety in his bowling. Then we have Taskin Ahmed who is a genuine quick and can extract bounce and Al Amin Hossain who has this nice top action. Then we have spinners in Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmuddullah, Nasir Hossain, so all in all it is very balanced. Asia Cup has been a good preparation,” he said.

Test cricket is one area Bangladesh still need to prove themselves and Streak believes that would only come by playing more matches. “What is happening now is that we play in one series and for the next 3-4 months we are waiting,” he said.

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Swastic Union CC (2) emerge champions

Bengaluru, March 5, 2016, DHNS

Half-centuries from Ashish Dhar and Yuvraj trumped Sahban Khan’s sparkling ton as Swastic Union Cricket Club (2) eked out a narrow one-wicket win against Modern Cricket Club on the last ball in the final of the KSCA Special Tournament (knock-out) for zonal champions and top six teams of Group I, Division II here at the Alur (1) ground.

Batting first, Modern CC posted a competitive 262 for eight in 50 overs. Sahban’s innings was the rock around which Modern built their total. The youngster’s 104 came off just 106 balls, including nine hits to the fence and three over it. Ankit Udupa (43) and Bhavesh Gulecha (40) made decent contributions.

Dhar (87) and Yuvraj (69 n.o.) shaped SUCC’s successful chase but not without its share of drama. That the win came off the final ball with the last pair of batsmen at the crease testifies the closeness of the contest. 

Brief scores: Modern Cricket Club: 262/8 in 50 overs (Ankit Udupa 43, Bhavesh Gulechha 40, Sahban Khan 104; CA Karthik 2-41, Sridhar 2-53) lt to Swastic Union Cricket Club (2): 263/9 in 50 overs (Aquib Khan 32, Shubhang Hegde 34, Ashish Dhar 87, Yuvraj 69 n.o.; Bhavesh Gulechha 2-41, Kuldeep Kumar 2-54).

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Clinical United beat CIL

Bengaluru: March 5, 2016, DHNS:

Nugrilal brace powers MEG past Income Tax 4-1

South United produced a dominant display to defeat CIL 2-0 in their BDFA Super Division League fixture at the Bangalore Football Stadium here on Friday.

A fine free-kick from Manivanan in the first half and an accurate penalty from Subash in the second decided the outcome of the match. 

In the day’s earlier match, dominant MEG & Centre defeated Income Tax 4-1 and are placed second in the standings..

South United, who now have 17 points from eight games, move up to the third spot on goal difference while CIL with seven points are placed eighth after eight matches.

The United-CIL game began in a drab manner as both sides struggled to find any rythm in their passing. Against the run of play, the first real chance of the game came to CIL in the eighth minute. Midfielder RC Prakash slammed his shot over the bar from a rebound.

Four minutes later, United midfielder Solai could have given his team the lead but he smashed his shot horribly over the bar from the edge of the box, after receiving a perfectly weighted pass from Manivanan.

CIL midfielder Murali Srinivas then missed a good chance in the 20th minute when he directed his shot straight at the alert United goalkeeper Kabir, instead of squaring the ball to unmarked striker Stalin.

In the 40th minute, Solai won the ball just outside the opponent’s box and unleashed a curling effort that bounced off the bar.

United finally reaped the reward for their efforts in the 43rd minute when Manivanan scored off a good free-kick from the edge of the box. 

CIL could have equalised just moments before the break but Kabir tipped away a ferocious shot from Prakash from inside the box, which was headed into the top corner of the net.  United came out all guns blazing in the second period and forced a good save from CIL goalkeeper V Dilipan in the very next minute. 

Mani beat his marker on the left flank and sent in a fine pass for midfielder Santhosh, whose attempt was palmed away by the attentive Dilipan. The resultant corner in the 50th minute saw United winning a penalty. 

Prakash, in his desperate attempt to thwart the ball away, handed the ball. Striker Subash then stepped up and calmly struck it past the clueless Dilipan. United could have increased their tally through Manivanam in the 85th minute but the midfielder’s effort from few yards out was saved by Dilipan, who palmed it away.  

With a 2-0 lead in their hands, United then steadied their approach and kept the possession of the ball for the remaining period to walk out victors.

DH News Service

Results: Super Division: South United: 2 (Manivanan 41st, Subash 50th) bt CIL: 0; MEG & Centre: 4 (Christopher 14th, Nugrilal Hamar 58th, 86th, Ramu 70th) bt Income Tax: 1 (AD Kumar 46th).

Dissecting Pak batting

From Pragya Tiwari Dhaka: March 5, 2016, DHNS

The struggles of Pakistan batsmen in the ongoing Asia Cup made for an ungainly sight and batting coach Grant Flower, for one, is not ducking the reality. 

The former Zimbabwean traces the ills afflicting the Pakistan batting to its domestic structure and the tendency of the national players to crumble under pressure.  While the Pakistani pacers have done well, their batsmen floundered on the seaming conditions that hastened their exit from the tournament. Their shock defeat at the hands of Bangladesh would hurt them for long. Flower, who was known for his batting skills and left-arm spin, also feels that Pakistani batsmen can learn a lot from Virat Kohli. 

“In things we are lacking, dealing with the pressure is probably one of the biggest factors. I try and work on that, I try to speak with the guys. But once you are on the ground, it’s your own skill factor and whether you could negate the skills of the bowler,” Flower told Deccan Herald.
“In this tournament our top order has failed quite repeatedly but quite a few of the top orders have also struggled in these pitches. We have also been struggling to find all-rounders for a while now.”
During his tenure, Flower, 45, has found the pitches and balls used in the Pakistan domestic circuit as “second grade".  

“Batting is quite technical. Here the pitches they play on and the balls they used are second grade and not proper kookaburra balls. The type of cricket balls that are used in Pakistan domestic cricket is not nearly good enough for first class cricket which I don’t think lead to good technique and preparing the players,” revealed Flower, who is based in Lahore.

“If the ball is keeping low or bouncing unusually high and if you are playing on substandard pitches then I don’t think that is going to help. From what I gathered speaking to players and domestic coaches is that these things don’t get addressed.”

Pakistan will be returning home Saturday morning and after a three-day break would be reaching India for the World T20. How does he plan to motivate the side?  Flower states the example of Kohli. 

“I personally believe that it comes down to your preparations, practice and lifestyle. If you look at Virat Kohli, you will see how professional he is and how driven he is towards his fitness etc.. Everyone follow these things but Virat is the best player in world because he has taken everything he does to a new level. So he is a great example to follow,” he said.

“So it is up to our players to find their own motivations and ways to deal with their own pressures. If they get their preparations right, keeping in mind the above factors, then they have got a chance.”

He, however, vouches for quality in the side but feels the selection has been hampered due to politics in the system. “They are exciting players. We have Mohammad Hafeez who is hugely talented. Umar Akmal is very dangerous, he had a brilliant PSL and he was playing among a group of very talented players. Opener Sharjeel Khan is also good. However, due to politics and selection policies, a lot of players don’t know where they are. It is very up and down. But I am not a selector, so I can’t comment,” he said.

“But it is a very inconsistent selection. I don’t think our selectors see eye to eye, I think there is a lot of politics involved, but I suppose that happens in a lot of countries.”

When Afridi helped Pak climb the summit

Sidney Kiran, March 5, 2016, DHNS:

World T20 Flash back

A lot can change in two years. From being the toast of the nation after marshalling a group of determined youngsters to the pinnacle, MS Dhoni was forced to savour the bitter aftertaste of succes in 2009.

The 2007 triumph altered the landscape of Indian cricket, in fact world cricket. Staunch opponents to the shortest format, the BCCI, bowled over by the success of Dhoni’s men, created the Indian Premier League in 2008 that attracted the best in the world to its shores for a near two-month cricketing extravaganza.

Domestic players got a chance to go toe-to-toe with international stars and with the 2009 IPL being staged in South Africa owing to general elections at home, the Indians arrived in England for the World T20 as red-hot favourites.

However, what transpired was completely anti-climatic. Although the Indians won both their group games in fine fashion to further attest their favourites’ tag, that came at a certain price as off-field controversies saw them crash out at the Super Eights stage.

Reports of an alleged rift between Dhoni and Virender Sehwag over the former hiding an injury saw the skipper parade the entire team at a press conference much to the amazement of the scribes. The Indians failed to win a single game in the Super Eights, leaving plenty of their fans at the UK and home disappointed.

While the Indians took a massive tumble from the summit, Pakistan made up for their bitter loss in the 2007 final in the best manner possible --  clinching the title at Old Blighty. 

Under the leadership of Younis Khan and backed by a sensational all-round performance from the maverick Shahid Afridi, the Pakistanis conquered Sri Lanka in a low-scoring final to send their country into delirium. It was the perfect antidote for the anguish suffered two years back.

The tournament also witnessed some memorable moments. From Stuart Broad missing the stumps from close range that allowed the Netherlands steal a second run and complete a sensational victory over England, to Chris Gayle putting Brett Lee to the sword to Kyle Coetzer pulling off a sensational one-handed catch, the 2009 edition produced its share of fireworks as T20 continued to whet the appetite of fans.

Tennis ace Bopanna launches academy

Bengaluru: March 5, 2016, DHNS:

Ace Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna launched his tennis academy for children, Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy (RBTA), with a three-day clinic that began here on Friday.
The academy will cater to children aged between 4 and 14 with an emphasis on improving fitness.

Bopanna has also roped in former South African tennis player and Olympic silver medallist Pietie Norval, who will assume the role of mentor-coach, and fitness coach Yash Pandey.

Speaking at the launch, Bopanna discussed the idea behind focussing on fitness.
“If you have to compete at the highest level especially against the Americans and Europeans, fitness is a key factor to match up to them. Indians have good skill sets but our fitness needs to be improved. The physical development of the children is what we need to focus.”

While Bopanna was of the belief that RBTA could offer a little extra in terms of professional touch, he also made a call for various academies to work together, having a common goal of improving quality of players in the country.

“Having people like Piete and Yash really helps since they come on board with a wealth of experience. Right now in Bengaluru we are trying to involve everyone (other academies) and work as a team and improve tennis in general. Not really compete with each other.”

Norval, who will be assisting the coaching staff and overlooking the entire process, opined that there was a general responsibility for coaches to try and get the best information to help children.

“We definitely will be taking a more holistic approach towards coaching and ensuring that we help the kids play at whatever level they want to play.”

RBTA is located in Yelahanka and will start its operations from April 10. For details log on to rohanbopannatennis.com.

Bud Collins, long-time US tennis authority, dead at 86

New York, Mar 4, 2016, (AFP):

 Bud Collins, a veteran television commentator and newspaper columnist known for his flamboyant trousers and tennis expertise, has died at age 86, his long-time newspaper the Boston Globe announced today.
Collins, who died at his home in the Boston suburb of Brookline, made one of his final public appearances last September, when the media center at the US Open was named in his honor, and he wrote both an encyclopedia and history of tennis that became authoritative standards in the sport.

"No media figure in history in my mind has ever been as important to one sport as Bud Collins was to the sport of tennis," said Mike Lupica, the New York Daily News sports columnist and ESPN commentator who followed the path Collins pioneered from the print ranks to TV fame.

"You can't minimize it. He became the de facto ambassador to that sport as it was exploding in this country. He educated. He entertained."

The self-described "scribbler and babbler" was known sartorially for bow ties and custom-tailored pants that feature bright, vivid colors and often wild designs and unique as the man who wore them as he spent more than half a century covering major tennis events.

His tailor, Charlie Davidson from Harvard Square, used swaths of cloth Collins brought from as far away as New Zealand, Bangkok and the Himalayas. One pair of pants was made from Vietnamese flags.

Collins had his first byline for the Globe in 1963 from Australia covering the Davis Cup. His last came in 2011, a story about Serena Williams from the US Open.

He covered Wimbledon 44 times, the first of them in 1968, making "Breakfast at Wimbledon" his realm during the years when the sport enjoyed its greatest US interest.
Collins was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1994.

Collins also wrote Globe travel stories that includes looks at such exotic locals as Cambodia, China, India, Italy, Nepal, Tanzania, and Tibet.