After a near perfect beginning, the Indian women's team will be overwhelming favourites against arch-rivals Pakistan in its second group league encounter of the ICC World T20 here on Sunday.&nbsp;

Not considered among the top T20 teams in the world, India produced a power-packed performance, winning the opener against a formidable New Zealand side by 34 runs after skipper Harmanpreet Kaur's 51-ball 103.&nbsp;

With momentum firmly on India's side, the 'Women In Blue' would like to set the record straight after losing to their arch-rivals in the 2016 edition at home.&nbsp;

However, since that loss in Delhi, India have played Pakistan thrice across two editions of Asia Cup, winning all the battles.

That Pakistan lost by a comprehensive 52-run margin to Australia in their lung opener will also give India an upper hand during Sunday's encounter.&nbsp;

The best aspect about India's performance against 'White Ferns' was young Jemimah Rodrigues's matured effort. With her skipper going for the jugular, 18-year-old Rodrigues just tapped for singles giving the senior player bulk of the strike. Yet, she managed to hit seven boundaries at a strike rate of 130 plus.

So much so that veteran Mithali Raj's services wasn't required during the Indian innings.

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A heroic Harmanpreet hundred lit up the opening match of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WT20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WT20</a> to help India to victory against New Zealand in Guyana.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvIND</a> REPORT ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/VQvbMa7sO3">https://t.co/VQvbMa7sO3</a> <a href="https://t.co/odHL9WqQBh">pic.twitter.com/odHL9WqQBh</a>
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The Providence Stadium track proved to be helpful for the slow bowlers with India using as many as four of them in off-spinners Deepti Sharma and Dayalan Hemlatha, leg-spinner Poonam Yadav and left-arm orthodox Radha Yadav.

The spinners accounted for eight of the nine New Zealand wickets with lone seamer Arundhati Reddy picking the other scalp.

Against Pakistan, India might be tempted to use a second seamer in either Mansi Joshi or Pooja Vastrakar.

The Pakistan team has some quality players in skipper Javeria Khan, veteran spinner Sana Mir and all-rounder Bismah Maroof. Against Australia, the Pakistan batting simply fell apart chasing a target of 153.

Not a single batter could cross the individual score of 30 with Bismah's 26 being the top scorer. The bowlers were also off the mark during the first eight overs when Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healey took them to the cleaners with a 72-run stand.

Sana's off-day (0/32 in 4 overs) was one of the factors for Pakistan not being able to contain Australia during the initial overs.

Come Sunday, they will have an onerous task at hand against the high on confidence Indian outfit.

After a near perfect beginning, the Indian women's team will be overwhelming favourites against arch-rivals Pakistan in its second group league encounter of the ICC World T20 here on Sunday.

After a near perfect beginning, the Indian women's team will be overwhelming favourites against arch-rivals Pakistan in its second group league encounter of the ICC World T20 here on Sunday. Not considered among the top T20 teams in the world, India produced a power-packed performance, winning the opener against a formidable New Zealand side by 34 runs after skipper Harmanpreet Kaur's 51-ball 103. With momentum firmly on India's side, the 'Women In Blue' would like to set the record straight after losing to their arch-rivals in the 2016 edition at home. However, since that loss in Delhi, India have played Pakistan thrice across two editions of Asia Cup, winning all the battles. That Pakistan lost by a comprehensive 52-run margin to Australia in their lung opener will also give India an upper hand during Sunday's encounter. The best aspect about India's performance against 'White Ferns' was young Jemimah Rodrigues's matured effort. With her skipper going for the jugular, 18-year-old Rodrigues just tapped for singles giving the senior player bulk of the strike. Yet, she managed to hit seven boundaries at a strike rate of 130 plus. So much so that veteran Mithali Raj's services wasn't required during the Indian innings. A heroic Harmanpreet hundred lit up the opening match of #WT20 to help India to victory against New Zealand in Guyana.#NZvIND REPORT ➡️ https://t.co/VQvbMa7sO3 pic.twitter.com/odHL9WqQBh — ICC World Twenty20 (@WorldT20) November 9, 2018 × The Providence Stadium track proved to be helpful for the slow bowlers with India using as many as four of them in off-spinners Deepti Sharma and Dayalan Hemlatha, leg-spinner Poonam Yadav and left-arm orthodox Radha Yadav. The spinners accounted for eight of the nine New Zealand wickets with lone seamer Arundhati Reddy picking the other scalp. Against Pakistan, India might be tempted to use a second seamer in either Mansi Joshi or Pooja Vastrakar. The Pakistan team has some quality players in skipper Javeria Khan, veteran spinner Sana Mir and all-rounder Bismah Maroof. Against Australia, the Pakistan batting simply fell apart chasing a target of 153. Not a single batter could cross the individual score of 30 with Bismah's 26 being the top scorer. The bowlers were also off the mark during the first eight overs when Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healey took them to the cleaners with a 72-run stand. Sana's off-day (0/32 in 4 overs) was one of the factors for Pakistan not being able to contain Australia during the initial overs. Come Sunday, they will have an onerous task at hand against the high on confidence Indian outfit.

Women's World T20 2018: India start firm favourites against Pakistan

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan were on Sunday declared joint winners of the fifth Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) hockey tournament after the much-anticipated summit clash was called off due to heavy downpour here.&nbsp;

Heavy rain since evening delayed the start of the final and even though the skies relented later, but by then the damage had already been done.

The turf was completely waterlogged because of the heavy showers and after discussion with both the coaches of India and Pakistan, the tournament director decided to call off the match and declare both the teams as joint winners.&nbsp;

India, thus, remained unbeaten in the tournament having topped the round robin stages with 13 points, courtesy four wins and a draw out of their five games.&nbsp;

Pakistan ended the round robin stages on the second spot with 10 points.&nbsp;

India had earlier defeated Pakistan 3-1 in the round robin stage. 
It was both India and Pakistan's last international outing before the season-ending FIH men's World Cup to be held in Bhubaneswar from November 28 to December 16.&nbsp;

For records, India and Pakistan had won the title twice each before the current edition. India came into the tournament this year as defending champions having won the last edition in 2016 after their title triumph in the inaugural edition in 2011.&nbsp;

Pakistan won the title twice in 2012 and 2013 besides finishing runners-up in 2011 and 2016. India too have finished runners-up once in 2012.

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan were on Sunday declared joint winners of the fifth Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) hockey tournament after the much-anticipated summit clash was called off due to heavy downpour here.

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan were on Sunday declared joint winners of the fifth Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) hockey tournament after the much-anticipated summit clash was called off due to heavy downpour here. Heavy rain since evening delayed the start of the final and even though the skies relented later, but by then the damage had already been done. The turf was completely waterlogged because of the heavy showers and after discussion with both the coaches of India and Pakistan, the tournament director decided to call off the match and declare both the teams as joint winners. India, thus, remained unbeaten in the tournament having topped the round robin stages with 13 points, courtesy four wins and a draw out of their five games. Pakistan ended the round robin stages on the second spot with 10 points. India had earlier defeated Pakistan 3-1 in the round robin stage. It was both India and Pakistan's last international outing before the season-ending FIH men's World Cup to be held in Bhubaneswar from November 28 to December 16. For records, India and Pakistan had won the title twice each before the current edition. India came into the tournament this year as defending champions having won the last edition in 2016 after their title triumph in the inaugural edition in 2011. Pakistan won the title twice in 2012 and 2013 besides finishing runners-up in 2011 and 2016. India too have finished runners-up once in 2012.

Asian Champions Trophy: India, Pakistan share title as match called off due to heavy rain

Pakistan will be seething for revenge and hopefully, India will face a more intense contest on September 23, the second time when the two teams will battle it out in the Asia Cup.&nbsp;

But this time it will be for the final spot.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, in front of a capacity crowd, the sub-continent neighbours resumed their cricket-rivalry with India thumping Pakistan by 8 wickets in a group A match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

The game was the first between the two teams since Pakistan defeated India by 180 runs in the final of ICC Champions Trophy at London's Oval in June last year.

However, an all-round performance from the Men In Blue ensured an easy victory with pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and spinner Kedar Jadhav clinching three wickets each while skipper Rohit Sharma playing a crucial knock of 52 during India’s chase.&nbsp;

Pakistan, who brought what was regarded as their strongest squad to the Asia Cup, failed to deliver both in batting and bowling department.

&nbsp;The team's performance seemed like a mixture of nervousness mixed with a degree of incompetence.&nbsp;

After the opening partnership yielded very little, it was down to Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik to provide some semblance of respectability. And they surely did, taking Pakistan's score from 3 to 85 runs.&nbsp;

The two were strong but Kuldeep Yadav's googly broke the partnership to dismiss Azam for 47 runs.&nbsp;

However, his progress in ODIs is indeed one of the greatest positives in Pakistan cricket at the moment as his batting continued to show why the faith in his abilities by Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur is fully justified.&nbsp;

His stroke-play and excellent temperament are improving with every innings and he was one of very few bright spots against India.&nbsp;

Malik, for his part, is the only survivor of the ‘veteran’ pack. His 43 under trying circumstances once again displayed his importance in a team that has a shortage of experienced players.

Likewise, Pakistani speedsters, who failed to deplete the Indian batting line-up, are expected to enter the ground with a different strategy.

And as said, cricket cannot afford the same mistake, and hence Pakistan will come back strong and this is something India has to take seriously despite having an edge over the neighbours.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp; 
 
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Pakistan will be seething for revenge and hopefully, India will face a more intense contest on September 23, the second time when the two teams will battle it out in the Asia Cup.

Pakistan will be seething for revenge and hopefully, India will face a more intense contest on September 23, the second time when the two teams will battle it out in the Asia Cup. But this time it will be for the final spot. On Wednesday, in front of a capacity crowd, the sub-continent neighbours resumed their cricket-rivalry with India thumping Pakistan by 8 wickets in a group A match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The game was the first between the two teams since Pakistan defeated India by 180 runs in the final of ICC Champions Trophy at London's Oval in June last year. However, an all-round performance from the Men In Blue ensured an easy victory with pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and spinner Kedar Jadhav clinching three wickets each while skipper Rohit Sharma playing a crucial knock of 52 during India’s chase. Pakistan, who brought what was regarded as their strongest squad to the Asia Cup, failed to deliver both in batting and bowling department. The team's performance seemed like a mixture of nervousness mixed with a degree of incompetence. After the opening partnership yielded very little, it was down to Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik to provide some semblance of respectability. And they surely did, taking Pakistan's score from 3 to 85 runs. The two were strong but Kuldeep Yadav's googly broke the partnership to dismiss Azam for 47 runs. However, his progress in ODIs is indeed one of the greatest positives in Pakistan cricket at the moment as his batting continued to show why the faith in his abilities by Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur is fully justified. His stroke-play and excellent temperament are improving with every innings and he was one of very few bright spots against India. Malik, for his part, is the only survivor of the ‘veteran’ pack. His 43 under trying circumstances once again displayed his importance in a team that has a shortage of experienced players. Likewise, Pakistani speedsters, who failed to deplete the Indian batting line-up, are expected to enter the ground with a different strategy. And as said, cricket cannot afford the same mistake, and hence Pakistan will come back strong and this is something India has to take seriously despite having an edge over the neighbours. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

 Opinion: India vs Pakistan - why it won't be another one-sided affair

Hundreds of fans gave Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed a hero&#39;s welcome as he arrived home carrying the Champions Trophy early on Tuesday.

Men, women and children packed Karachi airport as Sarfraz returned from England, where Pakistan thrashed arch-rivals India to be crowned surprise winners.

Sarfraz held up the trophy to loud cheers and chants of &quot;Long live Sarfraz!&quot; as a police band played patriotic songs nearby.

&quot;(We won) thanks to Allah and the prayers of the whole nation,&quot; Ahmed said in brief comments as he jostled his way through the crowd of well-wishers.

Pakistan&#39;s victory by 180 runs on Sunday has sparked widespread celebrations in the country, where cricket is the number one sport.

Sarfraz was showered with bouquets and given a traditional skull cap and an &#39;ajrak&#39; shawl, which is usually presented as a mark of honour. Senior local officials also turned up to greet the captain before he was whisked away under escort by police commandos along with team-mate Rumman Raees.

Sarfraz&#39;s residential block in central Karachi was adorned with colourful lights and Pakistan flags, while fans climbed on rooftops and balconies to watch him return home.

Sarfraz held up the trophy to loud cheers and chants of 'Long live Sarfraz!' as a police band played patriotic songs nearby

Hundreds of fans gave Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed a hero's welcome as he arrived home carrying the Champions Trophy early on Tuesday. Men, women and children packed Karachi airport as Sarfraz returned from England, where Pakistan thrashed arch-rivals India to be crowned surprise winners. Sarfraz held up the trophy to loud cheers and chants of "Long live Sarfraz!" as a police band played patriotic songs nearby. "(We won) thanks to Allah and the prayers of the whole nation," Ahmed said in brief comments as he jostled his way through the crowd of well-wishers. Pakistan's victory by 180 runs on Sunday has sparked widespread celebrations in the country, where cricket is the number one sport. Sarfraz was showered with bouquets and given a traditional skull cap and an 'ajrak' shawl, which is usually presented as a mark of honour. Senior local officials also turned up to greet the captain before he was whisked away under escort by police commandos along with team-mate Rumman Raees. Sarfraz's residential block in central Karachi was adorned with colourful lights and Pakistan flags, while fans climbed on rooftops and balconies to watch him return home.

After beating India, Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed gets hero's welcome back home

The Rajasthan Police on Sunday busted cricket betting racket that was taking place across the state during the Champions Trophy Final match that was played between India and Pakistan.

During the operation in Jhalawar city, the Kotwali Police arrested a Congress councilor named Mahfouz Alam alias Bunty and his five companions and recovered around Rs 17 lakh, eight mobile phones recovered from them.

Similarly tow bookies were also arrested in Jhunjhunu by the Nawalgarh Police for placing bet during the cricket match and recovered seven mobile phones, one laptop and an LED screen television.

Accused Atul and Pandey, were arrested for placing bet worth Rs&nbsp;15 lakhs, the police said.

During the operation in Jhalawar city, the Kotwali Police arrested a Congress councilor named Mahfouz Alam alias Bunty and his five companions and recovered around Rs 17 lakh and eight mobile phones

The Rajasthan Police on Sunday busted cricket betting racket that was taking place across the state during the Champions Trophy Final match that was played between India and Pakistan. During the operation in Jhalawar city, the Kotwali Police arrested a Congress councilor named Mahfouz Alam alias Bunty and his five companions and recovered around Rs 17 lakh, eight mobile phones recovered from them. Similarly tow bookies were also arrested in Jhunjhunu by the Nawalgarh Police for placing bet during the cricket match and recovered seven mobile phones, one laptop and an LED screen television. Accused Atul and Pandey, were arrested for placing bet worth Rs 15 lakhs, the police said.

India: Rajasthan Police busts cricket betting racket

Pakistan won the Champions Trophy final against India by 180 runs.

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman (114) hit his maiden ODI hundred after being caught off a no-ball in the innings&#39; fourth over, bowled by Jasprit Bumrah.

Azhar Ali (59), Mohammed Hafeez (57) and Babar Azam (46) also pitched in to take the Pakistani total to 338 for four.

None of the Indian bowlers, except Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/44), could trouble the Pakistani batsmen after Virat Kohli opted to bowl even as the UP pacer was also taken to cleaners towards the end.

Hardik Pandya (76) was the lone Indian batsman who put up some resistance before India folded for 158 in 30.3 overs.

Mohammed Amir cleaned up the Indian top-order to pull the rug from under their feet, dismissing Rohit Sharma (0), Virat Kohli (5) and Shikhar Dhawan (21).

Brief Scores: 
Pakistan : 338 for four in 50 overs. (Fakhar Zaman 114, Azhar Ali 59, Mohammed Hafeez 57, Babar Azam 46; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 1/44). 
India: 158 all out in 30.3 overs. (H Pandya 76, Yuvraj Singh 22; Mohammed Amir 3/16, Hassan Ali 3/19)

(PTI)

Hardik Pandya (76) was the lone Indian batsman who put up some resistance before India folded for 158 in 30.3 overs

Pakistan won the Champions Trophy final against India by 180 runs. Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman (114) hit his maiden ODI hundred after being caught off a no-ball in the innings' fourth over, bowled by Jasprit Bumrah. Azhar Ali (59), Mohammed Hafeez (57) and Babar Azam (46) also pitched in to take the Pakistani total to 338 for four. None of the Indian bowlers, except Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/44), could trouble the Pakistani batsmen after Virat Kohli opted to bowl even as the UP pacer was also taken to cleaners towards the end. Hardik Pandya (76) was the lone Indian batsman who put up some resistance before India folded for 158 in 30.3 overs. Mohammed Amir cleaned up the Indian top-order to pull the rug from under their feet, dismissing Rohit Sharma (0), Virat Kohli (5) and Shikhar Dhawan (21). Brief Scores: Pakistan : 338 for four in 50 overs. (Fakhar Zaman 114, Azhar Ali 59, Mohammed Hafeez 57, Babar Azam 46; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 1/44). India: 158 all out in 30.3 overs. (H Pandya 76, Yuvraj Singh 22; Mohammed Amir 3/16, Hassan Ali 3/19) (PTI)

Champions Trophy final: India lose to Pakistan by 180 runs

India skipper Virat Kohli on Saturday rejected the reports of him having any rift with head coach Anil Kumble, saying they are mere speculations which have been created by the people ahead of the team`s much anticipated high octane opening match of the Champions Trophy against Pakistan to be played at Edgbaston Cricket Ground on Sunday.

&quot;There are lot of speculations and lot of things being written by people who are not even part of the change room, which is very strange. There are no problems whatsoever,&quot; Kohli told the media.

After India left for England to defend the Champions Trophy, it was reported that all was not well between Kohli and Kumble.

Reports have been surfacing about Kohli`s alleged spat with Kumble regarding differences of opinion on selection matters.

Kumble&#39;s contract as Indian cricket team&#39;s head coach will end post-India&#39;s campaign at the Champions Trophy and the BCCI has already invited applications for the position.

&quot;If something is being put in as a process, I don&#39;t see why people are creating so many speculations about it. It was followed last time also. The team is totally focused on the Champions Trophy. I honestly don&#39;t even know and I don&#39;t even want to know anything of this sort because in a tournament which is such big, lot of people like to find lot of rumours and especially before the start of the tournament,&quot; stated Kohli.

&quot;They are doing their job and on their livelihood. We are focused on our livelihood which is on the field and all that we are going to focus on,&quot; he added.

The iconic leg-spinner, who took over the post of head coach from former cricketer Ravi Shastri, has had a successful tenure as under him, team India claimed the ICC Test ranking top spot.

On Friday, after former India skipper and member of Cricket Advisory Committee, Sourav Ganguly, met Indian cricketers at team hotel, it was indicated that Kumble would step down from his position after the Champions Trophy.

Ramachandra Guha, who quit a Supreme Court-appointed four-member Committee of Administrators (CoA) overseeing the BCCI in protest, has said in his letter of resignation, &quot;If indeed the captain and the head coach were not getting along, why was this not attended to as soon as the Australia series was over in late March?&quot;

&quot;Why was it left until the last minute, when a major international tournament was imminent?&quot; he asked.

Former India opener Virender Sehwag, former Australian Test player Tom Moody, current head coach Kumble, former Indian cricketers Lalchand Rajput and Dodda Ganesh and former Pakistan and Bangladesh coach Richard Pybus have applied for the post of India`s head coach.

The BCCI`s three-member Cricket Advisory Committee comprising cricket icons Sachin Tendulkar, Ganguly and VVS Laxman will conduct interviews and seek presentations to select the best possible candidate to guide the team and take the team forward.

(ANI)

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In a press conference before the crucial Indo-Pak encounter on Sunday, Virat Kohli cleared the air about news that there is a rift between Indian cricket team coach Anil Kumble and him (WION)
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Reports have been surfacing about Kohli`s alleged spat with Kumble regarding differences of opinion on selection matters

India skipper Virat Kohli on Saturday rejected the reports of him having any rift with head coach Anil Kumble, saying they are mere speculations which have been created by the people ahead of the team`s much anticipated high octane opening match of the Champions Trophy against Pakistan to be played at Edgbaston Cricket Ground on Sunday. "There are lot of speculations and lot of things being written by people who are not even part of the change room, which is very strange. There are no problems whatsoever," Kohli told the media. After India left for England to defend the Champions Trophy, it was reported that all was not well between Kohli and Kumble. Reports have been surfacing about Kohli`s alleged spat with Kumble regarding differences of opinion on selection matters. Kumble's contract as Indian cricket team's head coach will end post-India's campaign at the Champions Trophy and the BCCI has already invited applications for the position. "If something is being put in as a process, I don't see why people are creating so many speculations about it. It was followed last time also. The team is totally focused on the Champions Trophy. I honestly don't even know and I don't even want to know anything of this sort because in a tournament which is such big, lot of people like to find lot of rumours and especially before the start of the tournament," stated Kohli. "They are doing their job and on their livelihood. We are focused on our livelihood which is on the field and all that we are going to focus on," he added. The iconic leg-spinner, who took over the post of head coach from former cricketer Ravi Shastri, has had a successful tenure as under him, team India claimed the ICC Test ranking top spot. On Friday, after former India skipper and member of Cricket Advisory Committee, Sourav Ganguly, met Indian cricketers at team hotel, it was indicated that Kumble would step down from his position after the Champions Trophy. Ramachandra Guha, who quit a Supreme Court-appointed four-member Committee of Administrators (CoA) overseeing the BCCI in protest, has said in his letter of resignation, "If indeed the captain and the head coach were not getting along, why was this not attended to as soon as the Australia series was over in late March?" "Why was it left until the last minute, when a major international tournament was imminent?" he asked. Former India opener Virender Sehwag, former Australian Test player Tom Moody, current head coach Kumble, former Indian cricketers Lalchand Rajput and Dodda Ganesh and former Pakistan and Bangladesh coach Richard Pybus have applied for the post of India`s head coach. The BCCI`s three-member Cricket Advisory Committee comprising cricket icons Sachin Tendulkar, Ganguly and VVS Laxman will conduct interviews and seek presentations to select the best possible candidate to guide the team and take the team forward. (ANI) In a press conference before the crucial Indo-Pak encounter on Sunday, Virat Kohli cleared the air about news that there is a rift between Indian cricket team coach Anil Kumble and him (WION) ×

Virat Kohli scotches reports of rift between him and Kumble ahead of match with arch-rival Pakistan