South Africa Ready to Journey Into the ‘Unknown’, Says Miller
It’s semifinal time at the World Cup already and on Tuesday, South Africa take on co-hosts New Zealand in the first fixture at Eden Park.
This Proteas side is trying to script history with the South Africans having failed to get past the semi-final stage on three previous occasions. However their opponents in Tuesday’s semifinal, New Zealand’s record is even worse, with the Black Caps having lost all six of their previous World Cup semi-finals.
David Miller spoke to the media about Tuesday’s big match saying, “It’s a very exciting time. In eight days we could be world champions but it’s just one step at a time, take things slowly as they come.
Eden Park has staged two low-scoring thrillers during the tournament -- New Zealand’s one-wicket win over fellow co-hosts Australia and Pakistan’s 29-run defeat of South Africa. The big-hitting Miller is aiming to cash in any way he can. “Hopefully, I can mishit a few straight sixes,” he said. “That’s just the way the field is and it’s cool to be playing on it.”
Kiwi Pacer Adam Milne Ruled Out Due To Heel Pain
Ahead of Tuesday’s big World Cup semifinal against South Africa, the New Zealand camp took a big hit with fast bowler Adam Milne being ruled out of the rest of the tournament due to pain in his heel. Matt Henry has been called up to replace him. .
The 22-year-old Milne had been expected to be named in the side for the semi-final at Eden Park after being the third seamer in a settled starting 11 for Brendon McCullum’s side throughout the tournament.
“Milne felt discomfort following the quarter-final against the West Indies and subsequently underwent an MRI scan on Sunday,” a New Zealand Cricket statement read.
ICC President Kamal: Never Said I Would Resign
ICC President Mustafa Kamal has ruled out resigning from his post in protest of what he had called “poor umpiring” in Bangladesh’s defeat to India in the World Cup quarterfinal, terming reports of his possible quitting as “rumour”.
“Anything regarding resignation is completely rumour. All of it is the creation by media. I had no such talk with media,” Kamal told a local TV channel, according to ‘Dhaka Tribune’.
After Bangladesh was knocked out of the World Cup, the ICC President had said, “From what I have seen, the umpiring was very poor. There was no quality in the umpiring. It seemed as if they had gone into the match with something in mind. I am speaking as a fan, not as the ICC president.”
Read report here.
Para-Athletes Face Official Apathy, Ministry Seeks Report
In a case of shocking apathy towards differently-abled sportspersons, the organisers of the National Para-Athletics Championships put the participants up at unfurnished accommodations with dirty toilets, unstable ramps and little food arrangements.
Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal took immediate action after reports of the arrangements emerged, saying, “Differently-abled athletes and their well-being is a priority for us. Detailed report has been asked on the organisation of the National Para-Athletic Games from Paralympic Committee of India.”
“I have asked my sports secretary to take immediate action and submit a report within 24 hours and based on that I will take action,” he added.
Read full report here.
38-Second Gerrard Red Card Ends Miserable Night for Liverpool
Riding on two strikes from Juan Mata, Manchester United took down Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield on Sunday night.
The win also helping the Red Devils maintain their five point lead over Brendan Rodgers’s side in the EPL standings, further strengthening their chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season.
Mata scored in the 14th and 59th minute though there was a late surge from the home team with Daniel Sturridge getting on the board in the 69th minute. However there were no more goals on the night as the match ended 2-1.
Elsewhere, Chelsea maintained their six point lead ahead of Manchester City with a game in hand after edging Hull 3-2.
After Eden Hazard and Diego Costa scored in the opening nine minutes for Chelsea, Hull scored twice in 74 seconds to draw level but Loic Remy grabbed a second-half winner shortly after coming off the bench.
Read full match report here.
Suarez Scores Winner As Barcelona Win El Clasico Thriller
Barcelona took another step towards the Spanish La Liga title with a 2-1 victory over rivals Real Madrid in the much anticipated El Clasico on Sunday night.
Jeremy Mathieu got the Catalans on the board in the 19th minute with a header but Real star Cristiano Ronaldo cancelled it out in the 31st. But it was to be the home team’s night as Luis Suarez stepped up in the second half an drilled home the winner.
The result sees Luis Enrique’s side four points clear of Real in the Spanish standings race.
Read full report here.
Djokovic Beats Federer to Retain Indian Wells Title
World number one Novak Djokovic defended his Indian Wells title, beating Roger Federer 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-2 in the final of the Indian Wells ATP on Sunday.
After losing the first set, Federer fought back in the second, winning the tie-break with the help of three double-faults from the Serb but Djokovic recovered in the decider to clinch his 50th career ATP win.
Read full match report here.
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