QPlay: India Thrash Zimbabwe, Anirban Tied 15th & Aus In Command

All the latest sports news in The Quint’s morning wrap.

1. Patel, Harbhajan Spin India to Big Win Against Zimbabwe

Young Axar Patel and Harbhajan Singh gave an impressive display of spin bowling as India relied on an all-round display to beat Zimbabwe by 54 runs in the first T20 match on Friday.

Patel (3/17) and Harbhajan (2/29) ripped through the Zimbabwe batting order as the home side ended at 124/7 while chasing a target of 179 on a slow track at Harare Sports Club to give India a 1-0 lead in the two-match T20I series.

Earlier, India’s top three, Ajinkya Rahane (33), Murali Vijay (34) and Robin Uthappa (39 not out) fired in unison to help the visiting side post a commanding 178 for 5 after electing to bat. The Zimbabweans also helped India’s cause as they conceded 25 runs as extras.

2. Australia Remain In Command at Lord’s

Australia ripped out England’s top order to take a vice-like grip on the Lord’s Test after completely dominating the second day on Friday.

Steve Smith struck a magnificent 215 to lead the touring side to 566 for eight before their rampant pace attack knocked over Adam Lyth, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell and Joe Root to leave England tottering on 30 for four.

Alastair Cook and Ben Stokes clung on grimly to prevent further damage as the Australians smelt blood. The hosts ended the day at 85/4, still trailing by 481 runs with 6 wickets remaining.

3. Rahul Dravid: I Don’t Need to Defend Myself

Former India skipper Rahul Dravid said the decision of the Justice Lodha committee to ban Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals from the IPL for two years will affect the young players but the verdict has to be respected.

Asked if it was a blot on his illustrious career, Dravid, who was the mentor and coach of Rajasthan Royal when the spot -fixing scandal hit IPL in 2013, said it is for the people to decide.

I think it is for the people to decide if it was a blot. I don’t want to defend myself, I see my role as a mentor and a coach. People have to decide if the action of the owners and shareholders should be linked to coaches and mentors.
– Rahul Dravid

4. Hafeez Fails ICC Bowling Test, Banned for 12 Months

In a major setback to Pakistan cricket, all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has been banned from bowling in international cricket for 12 months after he failed an independent assessment of his suspect action.

The ICC release said that the assessment on his action in Chennai revealed that Hafeez’s elbow extension exceeded 15 degrees while bowling and, thus, he employed an illegal bowling action. Hafeez was originally suspended from bowling in November 2014.

It is a big setback for us and our future plans but mentally we were prepared for such an outcome. Hafeez’s off bowling has been a major part of our strategy in one-day internationals and T20 cricket and he has also been a more than able bowling option in Test matches.
– Haroon Rasheed, PCB Chief Selector

5. Bogey-free Lahiri Moves Into Top-15 at The Open

Anirban Lahiri put himself in the reckoning at the 144th Open Championships after bringing home a bogey-free two-under 70 in the second round that catapulted him to tied 15th at the midway stage of the prestigious golf tournament.

At the top of the leaderboard, Dustin Johnson occupied the first spot with a 10-under-par through 13 holes, one stroke clear of England’s Danny Willett (69), when darkness ended play just before 10pm with several groups still out on the course.

“I feel great and I’m in a good spot,” Johnson told reporters. “I’ll get a good night’s rest and get back out here tomorrow.”