Row Over Indian Official’s Alleged Role in Zim Rape Case
The second-string Indian cricket team’s tour of Zimbabwe was struck by a controversy after an official associated with one of the sponsors of the series was arrested on charges of rape even though he denied involvement in the incident.
The storm erupted after the Zimbabwean media reported that an unnamed Indian cricketer had been arrested on charges of rape. The reports stated that India’s ambassador to the African nation, R Masakui, had tried to prevent the player’s arrest at a Harare hotel.
However, Masakui outrightly rejected the media speculation by clarifying that the person arrested was not associated with the Indian squad. BCCI President Anurag Thakur too clarified matters later in the day.
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India-Zimbabwe Second T20 Today
Handed a rude shock in the opening game, the Indian youngsters will have to raise their game in the second Twenty20 International to stay afloat in the three-match series against minnows Zimbabwe on Monday.
It was the first time that the young team was tested on the tour and it faltered on key moments to suffer an unexpected loss. Ahead of the must-win game, Dhoni warned his men to not repeat the same mistakes in the remaining games.
It doesn’t matter which team you are playing. It is a levelling experience. What I mean by that is you need to give a lot of respect to cricket and when you go in to bat or bowl in the field, irrespective of the opposition, you have to be at your best.MS Dhoni
Switzerland Draw France, Also Enter Round of 16
Switzerland followed France through to the last 16 of Euro 2016 by holding the host nation to a 0-0 draw in their final Group A match on Sunday after the unlucky French hit the woodwork three times on Sunday.
France had the best chances in a lively first half but the intensity then dropped, with both sides looking happy with a result that means Les Bleus win the group with seven points from three games ahead of the Swiss in second two points back.
Paul Pogba, criticised for his first two outings, stepped up a gear and hit the bar twice before the break. France struck the woodwork again 15 minutes from time with a spectacular volley by substitute Dimitri Payet after some fine build-up play.
Johnson Wins US Open Amid Rules Controversy
Long-hitting American Dustin Johnson, seeking major redemption after several near-misses in recent years, won the U.S. Open on Sunday amid initial uncertainty over his victory margin.
Having negotiated the final seven holes under notice that he might be penalised for a rules infraction on the fifth green, despite being cleared by another official at the time, he was docked a shot after the round’s completion, with his score amended to a closing 69 for a four-under winning total of 276.
He finished three shots in front of fellow Americans Jim Furyk and Scott Piercy and Irishman Shane Lowry.
Johnson’s ball appeared to move slightly as the world number six was preparing to attempt his par putt at the fifth hole. He denied having caused the ball to move and the official accompanying the pairing decided not to levy a penalty.
India End Campaign With Solitary Silver in Archery World Cup
A lacklustre India ended their campaign with a solitary silver medal in the mixed recurve pair event of the third and final stage of the Archery World Cup.
In the morning session, Indian women’s recurve team of Deepika, Laxmirani Majhi and Bombayla Devi Laishram failed to open their account, losing the bronze medal clash to Italy 1-5.
Later in the evening session, 24-year-old Das, in his bid to win a first individual World Cup medal, led 4-0 before losing to Woojin Kim 6-5 in a thrilling shoot-off.
The Indian mixed duo of Atanu Das and Deepika Kumari started off with poor shots of eight, six and nine to lose the first set 0-2, a deficit they failed to overcome as the top seed Korean pair of Bonchan Ku and Misun Choi clinched an easy 5-1 win.
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