Daily Excelsior.........sports

Lankans keen to finish off Zimbabwe en
route to qualification

AHMEDABAD, Oct 9: An in-form Sri Lanka would look to keep up their winning momentum and dump out a lowly Zimbabwe to ease their way in to the main draw of the ICC Champions Trophy here tomorrow.

The match at the Motera Stadium is crucial for both the teams. A victory would bring the Sri Lankans to the threshold of the tournament proper while Zimbabwe are in a must-win situation to survive in the competition.

The two sides have had dynamically opposite build-ups to the match, leaving little scope for doubt in deciding the favourites for the tie.

Former world champions Sri Lanka have been on song in the recent past with a 5-0 decimation of England a few months back, giving ample indication of their prowess.

The island nation’s batsmen have led their side’s resurgence after a 1-6 mauling at the hands of Rahul Dravid’s men in India last year.

The ageing Sanath Jayasuriya, who returned from retirement responding to a chorus of demands from his fans, seems to have regained his aggression and the voracious appetite for runs.

Skipper and prolific scorer Mahela Jayawardene, effortless strokemaker Kumar Sangakkara, veteran classicist Marvan Atapattu and emerging talent Upul Tharanga have combined to make the Sri Lankan batting a dreadful proposition for the opposition bowlers.

On the other hand, spin magician Muttiah Muralitharan would spearhead the Lankan attack that is capable of rattling any top class batting line-up.

Their convincing win over Bangladesh in their opening qualifying fixture on Saturday in Mohali is sure to have sent the Lankans’ self-conviction soaring.

As for Zimbabwe, they need to stick to the basics to make any sort of attmept to thwart their fancied Asian rivals.

The Zimbabweans, the youngest team in the competition, have made a disastrous start to their bid for a place in the tournament proper which starts on October 15.

The African side’s batting crumbled like cookies yesterday in their opening qualifying bout against the West Indies. Poor shot selection and suicidal running between the wickets saw them being skittled out for 85 and it must be disturbing the Zimbabwean team management no end.

"We have to try and get the basics right," Zimbabwe skipper Prosper Utseya said, admitting that his players were morally down after the virtual no contest against the West Indies.

Zimbabwe has had a bumpy ride this year after a 5-0 whitewash at the hands of West Indies. However, the 3-2 series win over Bangladesh was the only consolation for cricketers of the troubled torn country.

While the Sri Lankans with a 7-3 win-loss record in the tournament were adjuged joint winners along with India at the Champions Trophy four years back, Zimbabweans have never made it past the first hurdle and are still on the look out for their maiden win after playing seven matches.(PTI)

Pathan is a bowler, let him remain a bowler: Waqar

NEW DELHI, Oct 9: Batting, and not bowling, is Irfan Pathan’s bane and team India need to decide whether they want the left-arm seamer to wield the willow or take wickets, Pakistan bowling coach Waqar Younis said today.

"Trust me, there’s nothing wrong with Irfan’s bowling. He’s such a fine and talented bowler," Waqar said during a media interaction here today.

"It’s the unnecessary attempts to make a batsman out of him, that are undoing him. I mean there’s no harm in grooming him as an allrounder. But, to make him bat at no 3 time and again is certainly too much of an asking".

"If you are coming six or seven down, no problem as you tend to chip in with few runs. But batting one down regularly and that too when you’re the main strike bowler, it will certainly take a toll on you," he said adding, "he’s a bowler. Let him remain a bowler."

Waqar, who joined as Pakistan bowling coach during the recent tour of England, also said India should appoint such a consultant if need be.

"The kind of competition we are witnessing these days, any help you can get from anywhere should be welcomed. You should get it if it helps."

He said he helped Pakistan bowlers work on their basics and the improvement was there to be seen.

"The number of extras we used to give away has been reduced drastically. I told them that bowling no balls was a crime. Besides I stressed on the need of aggression and playing on the batsman’s mind," he said.

He heaped praise on Mohd Asif and said the youngster was not only supremely talented but a quick learner of the game as well.

"He is extra-ordinary. I’ve not seen too many gifted bowlers like him. Not only that he’s got brains too and catches things very quickly. He even surprises me sometimes with his ability."

On Shoaib Akhtar, he said the injury-prone Rawalpindi bowler just needed to work on his fitness.

"I just let him free. There’s no problem with his bowling, the problem is with his fitness," Waqar said.

He said variation was going to be the key on flat wickets during the Champions Trophy in India. (UNI)

Kaif positive about cementing his place

NEW DELHI, Oct 9: Mohammad Kaif says he does not feel threatened by the emergence of players who are perhaps as good a fielder as him or more aggressive hitters of the ball.

The Uttar Pradesh batsman instead feels motivated by the competition from players like Suresh Raina and Dinesh Mongia and tries to improve his game further.

"It is good to have competition. Guys pushing one another and new players coming in is good for the team. Such competition helps in building a good team," said the hard working middle order batsman.

Citing the instance of Australia, Kaif said, "their players come in and perform right from their first match. This is because of the intense competition among players."

However, Kaif admits that it is tough on him when he is left out of the eleven especially when he is in good flow.

"It is tough sometimes. You are feeling good with your game, you may not get big scores but you know when you are middling the ball well. Suddenly you are asked to sit out. But the team management knows what it is doing."

However, the 25-year-old right hander said he tries not to let the musical chair game affect him.

"As a player you should feel positive that you will get another chance, there is no point in worrying.

"All you can do as a player is focus on how you can improve your game and get better, work hard and keep learning."

Kaif also said it did not matter to him at what position he batted.

"It does not matter whether you are batting at 3, 4 or 5. Whatever spot is given to me, I will go out and bat. Of course as an individual you want to play more balls, face more overs and (play a bigger role) in shaping the game."

Having been a part of India’s one-day scheme of things for more than six years and still not being a regular player, Kaif knows time may be probably running out and that explains his hunger to grab as many opportunities as he can.

"I am ready to take more responsibilities. If I get a chance to play 2-3 games in a row, I will try and play well."

As for the Champions Trophy, Kaif said it would be a "difficult" tournament but the team had the players to deliver the goods.

"It would be difficult. We are playing England in our first match, it will set the tone for the rest of the tournament. We have players to do the job. Sachin (Tendulkar) has come back and is in great form. Also, we have always played well in India."(PTI)

Bowlers will have to be very disciplined

By Chris Gayle

It seems that the Indian wickets have not changed much since 2002. Like previous times, the wickets are in perfect shape for good and competitive totals and the bowlers will surely have to be very disciplined. Even though, our first match against Zimbabwe was a very low scoring game, we guys were quite thrilled and satisfied with our performances.

In fact, I was quite thrilled to get those three wickets with the ball and that eventually helped my team to dismiss Zimbabwe cheaply. The best way to score runs here on Indian wickets is to occupy the crease. In the early overs, there will be some movement off the wickets but later on, life isn't that difficult for any batsman.

In fact, from the beginning of the Champions Trophy, we wanted to start our campaign in the qualifying rounds with a bang – I am glad we executed it well and now, we are all set for the second match against Bangladesh in Jaipur. I am told that the Sawai Man Singh stadium is one of the best grounds in India. If that is the case, we are going to give our best efforts to entertain the crowd there. And Bangladesh is not a bad team at all. From our point of view, we are not taking them lightly. We have seen what they are capable of doing in their first match against Sri Lanka. So, there is no room for compliancy. We know that we didn't bat well in the last tri-series in Kuala Lumpur but in this edition of the Champions Trophy, we are really eager to do well.

Yes, we are the defending champions but that does not put pressure on us. It spurs us to conquer our shortcomings and work on our strengths and weakness. As our skipper Brian Lara said that we are indeed the sleeping giants of them world cricket. The pressure of expectation does not bother us. What we are bothered about is the performance and giving 100 per cent on the cricket field and nothing else comes in between. Coming back to Champions Trophy, our third match of the qualifying round against Sri Lanka is the most important encounter in this phase. To do well, we have to work hard on the field and showcase our best skills and it is only then, we are going to have the last laugh.

Shatra Shaheed Football
Jammu Sports-A, Intl Club win matches

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 9: Jammu Sports-A and International Club won their respective matches in the Shatra Shaheed Football Championship being played at GGM Science College grounds, here.

In the first match of the day, Jammu Sports-A defeated Sainik Colony Club by 3-0. Right from the very beginning, Jammu Sports-A maintained dominance over the match.

Salmi scored first goal in the 15th minute on the pass given by Vivian David thereby putting pressure on Sainik Colony Club in the very beginning of the match.

The next two goals were made by Marcus Sotra in the 45th and 67th minutes of the match respectively.

International Club defeated Heroes Club by 4-3 in a well contested match. Till the stipulated time frame, both the teams scored one goal each.

But in the sudden death, International Club scored three goals while Heroes Club scored only two goal thereby losing the match by one run.

Both the matches were officiated by Ronny, Madan and Rajinder Abrol.

Babu inspects MA Stadium, points out shortcomings

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 9: The Government is paying due attention towards the development of the sports infrastructure so that available potential can be groomed for national as well as international competitions.

This was stated by Minister for Sports Babu Singh while interacting with sports persons during his visit to MA Stadium here today. Accompanied by senior officers of the State Sports Council and Divisional Sports Officer, he said that it was due to lack of proper infrastructure that J&K was lagging behind in several games.

"While improving the available facilities, we will also ensure that additional and state of art infrastructure is created for the sports persons in the entire State", he said adding that he was disheartened to see shortcomings at all level in the MA Stadium.

During his visit to the Kabaddi stadium, the players told the Minister that in absence of water point and separate changing room for the girls they have been facing inconvenience. The fencers complained about the improper fencing ring while cricketers apprised the Minister about the bad condition of nets and pitch.

Mr Singh was shocked to see skaters practicising on cracked floor and instructed the officers accompanying him to get the same repaired at the earliest. He also issued directions for providing sufficient space for the yoga classes.

He asked the officers of the State Sports Council to overcome the shortcomings pointed out by him within shortest possible time.

Winter Games Sports body elections on Oct 14

SRINAGAR, Oct 9: Winter Games Association of Jammu and Kashmir will hold elections for office-bearers on October 14 to constitute the new body for holding winter sports activities next year.

A general body meeting of the Association has been called on October 14 to elect the new office-bearers, honorary general secratary of the Association A R Dar said in a statement here.

He said the new office-bearers will discuss a host of issues and promotion of winter sports in the state besides formulating a strategy to conduct winter sports activities in the state.

The winter sports activities in Jammu and Kashmir begin in late December and end in late March or April every year, depending on the amount of snowfall in places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Patnitop.

Skiing, snow boarding, ice skating and ice hockey have been added to the itenerary this year. (PTI)

MHAC bags 6 gold, 2 silver models in NZ Roller Skating

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU. Oct 9: Students of Maharaja Hari Singh Agricultural Collegiate School Nagbani bagged six gold and two silver medals in the North Zone-I Roller Skating Championship held at Ganga International School Hiran Kudna, Rohtak Road, New Delhi.

Suvidha Sarin of Class V bagged gold in Rink Race-I and silver in Rink Race-II. Dhananjay Charak of Class VII won two gold in Rink Race-II and road race and silver in Rink Race-I. He was declared the Speed Champion in his age group.

Ragini Gupta of Class XI won three gold in Rink Race-I, Rink Race-II and Road Race. She was also declared Speed Champion in her age group.