<p>A humiliated England faced scathing criticism from &quot;embarrassed&quot; coach Trevor Bayliss while New Zealand celebrated a performance &quot;beyond our wildest dreams&quot; on the opening day of the first Test in Auckland on Thursday.</p>

<p>Bayliss said he was hurt by a scoreboard showing England all out for 58, inside the first session, and New Zealand 175 for three at stumps, ahead by 117 and with Kane Williamson not out 91.</p>

<p>&quot;It was a very poor effort today, it just simply wasn&#39;t good enough,&quot; Bayliss said after England slumped to their sixth worst Test innings ever.</p>

<p>At one stage they threatened New Zealand&#39;s unwanted world Test record low of 26 before an unbeaten 33 by Craig Overton more than doubled their score in a last wicket stand with James Anderson.</p>

<p>&quot;Whenever you don&#39;t do well it does hurt,&quot; said Bayliss, defending his selections as the best available in England.</p>

<p>&quot;Embarrassed? Certainly, and I probably wasn&#39;t the only one in our change room. It&#39;s certainly not good enough.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">STUMPS IN AUCKLAND!<br />
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What a day for <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BLACKCAPS</a>! They first bundled England out for 58, and then Kane Williamson struck 91* to take them to 175/3. Can it get any better?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvENG</a> All the details here ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/gs9XvkvSIF">https://t.co/gs9XvkvSIF</a> <a href="https://t.co/cQjrW5k8oU">pic.twitter.com/cQjrW5k8oU</a></p>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/976743387935031296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tom Latham becomes Stuart Broad&#39;s 400th Test wicket. ????<br />
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2nd Englishman after James Anderson (524) and 15th overall to get to the mark. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/sSz9XFPsZ0">pic.twitter.com/sSz9XFPsZ0</a></p>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/976704200787730432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>New Zealand only needed two bowlers, Trent Boult who took six for 32, and Tim Southee, who took four for 25, in an innings that lasted just 20.4 overs.</p>

<p>&quot;It was very enjoyable to get out there to get the ball swinging around,&quot; said Boult who finished with career-best figures.</p>

<p>&quot;Probably not in our wildest dreams did we think we would win the toss and get them out in the first session.</p>

<p>&quot;The main thing was trying to pitch the ball up, trying to get the ball moving as much as we could and giving it the best chance to swing.</p>

<p>&quot;I don&#39;t think it swung that much. The cliche of it just doing enough is pretty much what happened.&quot;</p>

<p><strong>&#39;Footwork mistakes&#39;</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from Stuart Broad taking his 400th Test wicket, it was a bleak day for the tourists, with Bayliss blaming their batting woes on &quot;mistakes with our footwork&quot;.</p>

<p>But for New Zealand, Williamson commanded the Test from the moment he won the toss and opted to bowl.</p>

<p>He featured in the field with a superb diving catch in the gully to remove Broad and ended the day closing in on a new record for New Zealand Test centuries.</p>

<p>He currently shares the record of 17 centuries with Ross Taylor and the late Martin Crowe.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&ldquo;It&rsquo;s what you grow up dreaming of to one day run out there with a fern on your hat and perform like that&rdquo; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/wUSHfdcOX4">pic.twitter.com/wUSHfdcOX4</a></p>
&mdash; BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/976745071302270977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Williamson went to the middle after the early dismissal of Jeet Raval, when New Zealand were one for eight, and put on 84 with Tom Latham for the second wicket.</p>

<p>Latham had made a patient 26 off 112 deliveries but when play entered the difficult daylight-to-twilight zone he was gone in the first over after dinner to give Broad his milestone scalp.</p>

<p>Williamson had a nervous moment on 64 when Chris Woakes claimed a straight drive from Taylor had deflected off his hand to the stumps, with Williamson backing up out of his crease.</p>

<p>Replays proved inconclusive and the third umpire ruled in favour of the batsman, but Bayliss said Woakes was adamant the ball had brushed his hand.</p>

<p>Taylor never looked completely at ease and on 20 he was caught at mid-wicket by Woakes to give England&#39;s most successful Test bowler, James Anderson, his 525th career dismissal.</p>

<p>Henry Nicholls joined Williamson and was unbeaten on 24 at stumps with the pair putting on 52 for the fourth wicket.</p>

<p>Boult started England&#39;s downfall when he had Alastair Cook out for five in the fifth over.</p>

<p>There followed a steady stream of batsmen going to and from the crease, five of them departing with a duck -- including Joe Root and Ben Stokes -- with only Mark Stoneman (11) able to join Overton with double figures.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Trent Boult - &lsquo;It was nice to disturb the woodwork and put the side in a good position&rsquo; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nzveng?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nzveng</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/findyournight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#findyournight</a> <a href="https://t.co/ItkCvi5VN0">pic.twitter.com/ItkCvi5VN0</a></p>
&mdash; BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/976740681602408450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Kane Williamson England registered their sixth-lowest total in Tests

A humiliated England faced scathing criticism from "embarrassed" coach Trevor Bayliss while New Zealand celebrated a performance "beyond our wildest dreams" on the opening day of the first Test in Auckland on Thursday. Bayliss said he was hurt by a scoreboard showing England all out for 58, inside the first session, and New Zealand 175 for three at stumps, ahead by 117 and with Kane Williamson not out 91. "It was a very poor effort today, it just simply wasn't good enough," Bayliss said after England slumped to their sixth worst Test innings ever. At one stage they threatened New Zealand's unwanted world Test record low of 26 before an unbeaten 33 by Craig Overton more than doubled their score in a last wicket stand with James Anderson. "Whenever you don't do well it does hurt," said Bayliss, defending his selections as the best available in England. "Embarrassed? Certainly, and I probably wasn't the only one in our change room. It's certainly not good enough." STUMPS IN AUCKLAND! What a day for @BLACKCAPS! They first bundled England out for 58, and then Kane Williamson struck 91* to take them to 175/3. Can it get any better?#NZvENG All the details here ⬇️https://t.co/gs9XvkvSIF pic.twitter.com/cQjrW5k8oU — ICC (@ICC) March 22, 2018 × Tom Latham becomes Stuart Broad's 400th Test wicket. ???? 2nd Englishman after James Anderson (524) and 15th overall to get to the mark. #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/sSz9XFPsZ0 — ICC (@ICC) March 22, 2018 × New Zealand only needed two bowlers, Trent Boult who took six for 32, and Tim Southee, who took four for 25, in an innings that lasted just 20.4 overs. "It was very enjoyable to get out there to get the ball swinging around," said Boult who finished with career-best figures. "Probably not in our wildest dreams did we think we would win the toss and get them out in the first session. "The main thing was trying to pitch the ball up, trying to get the ball moving as much as we could and giving it the best chance to swing. "I don't think it swung that much. The cliche of it just doing enough is pretty much what happened." 'Footwork mistakes' Apart from Stuart Broad taking his 400th Test wicket, it was a bleak day for the tourists, with Bayliss blaming their batting woes on "mistakes with our footwork". But for New Zealand, Williamson commanded the Test from the moment he won the toss and opted to bowl. He featured in the field with a superb diving catch in the gully to remove Broad and ended the day closing in on a new record for New Zealand Test centuries. He currently shares the record of 17 centuries with Ross Taylor and the late Martin Crowe. “It’s what you grow up dreaming of to one day run out there with a fern on your hat and perform like that” #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/wUSHfdcOX4 — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 22, 2018 × Williamson went to the middle after the early dismissal of Jeet Raval, when New Zealand were one for eight, and put on 84 with Tom Latham for the second wicket. Latham had made a patient 26 off 112 deliveries but when play entered the difficult daylight-to-twilight zone he was gone in the first over after dinner to give Broad his milestone scalp. Williamson had a nervous moment on 64 when Chris Woakes claimed a straight drive from Taylor had deflected off his hand to the stumps, with Williamson backing up out of his crease. Replays proved inconclusive and the third umpire ruled in favour of the batsman, but Bayliss said Woakes was adamant the ball had brushed his hand. Taylor never looked completely at ease and on 20 he was caught at mid-wicket by Woakes to give England's most successful Test bowler, James Anderson, his 525th career dismissal. Henry Nicholls joined Williamson and was unbeaten on 24 at stumps with the pair putting on 52 for the fourth wicket. Boult started England's downfall when he had Alastair Cook out for five in the fifth over. There followed a steady stream of batsmen going to and from the crease, five of them departing with a duck -- including Joe Root and Ben Stokes -- with only Mark Stoneman (11) able to join Overton with double figures. Trent Boult - ‘It was nice to disturb the woodwork and put the side in a good position’ #nzveng #findyournight pic.twitter.com/ItkCvi5VN0 — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 22, 2018 ×

1st Test: New Zealand batsman Williamson shines as England dismissed for 58

<p>Diego Maradona, the former football World Cup winner and Argentine legend&nbsp;defended Lionel Messi ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2018.</p>

<p>Lionel Messi, who is famously jinxed in the finals of the&nbsp;major tournaments like&nbsp; World Cup and Copa America has experts baying for his blood once again as Argentina gets set for Russia.</p>

<p>In the last football World Cup in Brazil, the Barcelona sensation led the team in the finals but suffered a terrible fate when Germany scored the winner in the extra time and became world champions.</p>

<p>Apart from the World Cup, he also faced defeats in the finals of Copa America. Not to forget the&nbsp;Copa 2016, when he suddenly announced retirement which he later overturned after facing a tragic defeat against Chile in the penalties.</p>

<p>Recently, Messi said he could retire from international matches if Argentina doesn&#39;t win the World Cup.</p>

<p>Responding to this, former Argentine legend Maradona said, &quot;Messi always showed he loves football, that doesn&#39;t change whether he plays or doesn&#39;t play in a World Cup. Messi is Messi, with or without a World Cup.&quot;</p>

<p>Maradona also supported the use of video review (Video Assistant Referee-VAR) to help referees at the World Cup. He hailed it as a landmark decision.</p>

<p>He said, &quot;I think that technology now is doing good in football...and I think it will be at the forefront for transparency in this new FIFA.&quot;</p>

<p>In a recent interview to a TV news program which broadcast on the America TV channel, Messi said, &quot;I have seen in many places in the world that people want this to be a good World Cup for me. The truth is I find this amazing.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">????️???????? | &quot;I have seen in many places in the world that people want this to be a good World Cup for me. The truth is I find this amazing&quot;<br />
<br />
???? <a href="https://twitter.com/Argentina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Argentina</a>&#39;s Lionel Messi, speaking with <a href="https://twitter.com/LaCornisaok?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaCornisaok</a> ahead of important <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a> preparation matches <a href="https://t.co/A9tpEMUDmp">pic.twitter.com/A9tpEMUDmp</a></p>
&mdash; FIFA World Cup ???? (@FIFAWorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/976590665852293121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Maradona also supported the use of video review (Video Assistant Referee-VAR) to help referees at the World Cup

Diego Maradona, the former football World Cup winner and Argentine legend defended Lionel Messi ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2018. Lionel Messi, who is famously jinxed in the finals of the major tournaments like World Cup and Copa America has experts baying for his blood once again as Argentina gets set for Russia. In the last football World Cup in Brazil, the Barcelona sensation led the team in the finals but suffered a terrible fate when Germany scored the winner in the extra time and became world champions. Apart from the World Cup, he also faced defeats in the finals of Copa America. Not to forget the Copa 2016, when he suddenly announced retirement which he later overturned after facing a tragic defeat against Chile in the penalties. Recently, Messi said he could retire from international matches if Argentina doesn't win the World Cup. Responding to this, former Argentine legend Maradona said, "Messi always showed he loves football, that doesn't change whether he plays or doesn't play in a World Cup. Messi is Messi, with or without a World Cup." Maradona also supported the use of video review (Video Assistant Referee-VAR) to help referees at the World Cup. He hailed it as a landmark decision. He said, "I think that technology now is doing good in football...and I think it will be at the forefront for transparency in this new FIFA." In a recent interview to a TV news program which broadcast on the America TV channel, Messi said, "I have seen in many places in the world that people want this to be a good World Cup for me. The truth is I find this amazing." ????️???????? | "I have seen in many places in the world that people want this to be a good World Cup for me. The truth is I find this amazing" ???? @Argentina's Lionel Messi, speaking with @LaCornisaok ahead of important #WorldCup preparation matches pic.twitter.com/A9tpEMUDmp — FIFA World Cup ???? (@FIFAWorldCup) March 21, 2018 ×

Messi is Messi, with or without World Cup: Diego Maradona

<p>Russia&#39;s ambassador to Britain insisted Thursday that England football fans will be safe at the 2018 World Cup, despite a raging diplomatic crisis between London and Moscow.</p>

<p>&quot;They will be safe in Russia,&quot; Alexander Yakovenko told a press conference at the London embassy.</p>

<p>All the necessary measures are being taken, and the British special authorities are in contact with the special Russian authorities to provide security.</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s regular precautions that we are doing with every single country.</p>

<p>&quot;I am sure that there will be full security, and by the way, there will be a visa-free regime for those who are coming to Moscow.</p>

<p>&quot;They will be the guests of Russia.&quot;</p>

<p>The comments came amid an escalating war of words between Russia and Britain over the poisoning of a Russian former double agent on British soil on March 4. Moscow denies involvement in the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson on Wednesday called for Russian guarantees over the safety of England fans at the World Cup in June and July.</p>

<p>Johnson also said President Vladimir Putin would exploit the 2018 football World Cup in Russia as Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler had done with the Berlin Olympics.</p>

<p>Johnson agreed with an MP who suggested, &quot;Putin is going to use it in the way Hitler used the 1936 Olympics&quot;, as a propaganda exercise.</p>

<p>&quot;I think the comparison with 1936 is certainly right,&quot; the minister replied, envisaging Putin &quot;glorying in this sporting event&quot;.</p>

<p>Yakovenko condemned Johnson&#39;s comparison.</p>

<p>&quot;I&#39;m authorised to say that Moscow considered these kind of statements... in any way unacceptable and totally irresponsible,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>&quot;The British government is free to make a decision about its participation in the World Cup but nobody has the right to insult the Russian people who defeated Nazism... by comparing our country to Nazi Germany.</p>

<p>&quot;We do not think British war veterans, including those of the Arctic Convoys, would share this opinion,&quot; he said, referring to World War II oceangoing convoys which sailed from the United Kingdom, Iceland, and North America to northern Soviet ports.</p>


Russia's ambassador to Britain insisted England football fans will be safe at the 2018 World Cup, despite a raging diplomatic crisis between London and Moscow

Russia's ambassador to Britain insisted Thursday that England football fans will be safe at the 2018 World Cup, despite a raging diplomatic crisis between London and Moscow. "They will be safe in Russia," Alexander Yakovenko told a press conference at the London embassy. All the necessary measures are being taken, and the British special authorities are in contact with the special Russian authorities to provide security. "It's regular precautions that we are doing with every single country. "I am sure that there will be full security, and by the way, there will be a visa-free regime for those who are coming to Moscow. "They will be the guests of Russia." The comments came amid an escalating war of words between Russia and Britain over the poisoning of a Russian former double agent on British soil on March 4. Moscow denies involvement in the case. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson on Wednesday called for Russian guarantees over the safety of England fans at the World Cup in June and July. Johnson also said President Vladimir Putin would exploit the 2018 football World Cup in Russia as Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler had done with the Berlin Olympics. Johnson agreed with an MP who suggested, "Putin is going to use it in the way Hitler used the 1936 Olympics", as a propaganda exercise. "I think the comparison with 1936 is certainly right," the minister replied, envisaging Putin "glorying in this sporting event". Yakovenko condemned Johnson's comparison. "I'm authorised to say that Moscow considered these kind of statements... in any way unacceptable and totally irresponsible," he said. "The British government is free to make a decision about its participation in the World Cup but nobody has the right to insult the Russian people who defeated Nazism... by comparing our country to Nazi Germany. "We do not think British war veterans, including those of the Arctic Convoys, would share this opinion," he said, referring to World War II oceangoing convoys which sailed from the United Kingdom, Iceland, and North America to northern Soviet ports.

British fans will be safe in Russia: Russian ambassador Yakovenko

<p>Roger Federer ends the most sparkling debate that has puzzled the tennis fraternity for quite some time&nbsp;that whether the colour of a tennis ball is yellow or green. On the Internet, it has been a big issue for the tennis spectators.</p>

<p>Some people say that the colour of tennis balls is yellow whereas, few believe that it is green. Are the tennis balls yellow or green?</p>

<p>The debate started with a twitter poll, where people started discussing that whether the colour of fuzzy tennis ball is green, yellow, chartreuse, lime green or fluorescent yellow.</p>

<p>Now, Roger Federer has settled things once for all saying, &ldquo;They&rsquo;re yellow!&rdquo;</p>

<p><strong><em>Watch the video here:</em></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What colour is a tennis ball? ????<br />
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Roger Federer says they&rsquo;re yellow. ???? <a href="https://t.co/LV94V4lokg">pic.twitter.com/LV94V4lokg</a></p>
&mdash; Tim and Sid (@timandsid) <a href="https://twitter.com/timandsid/status/976149726864162819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>If ATP world number one says it is yellow then it has to be.</p>

<p>Recently, the Swiss tennis star Roger Federer was asked by a fan that what is the colour of a tennis ball.</p>

<p>&ldquo;Hey Roger, are tennis balls green or yellow?&rdquo; a fan asked in a video that has gone viral.</p>

<p>With a bright smile, Roger replied immediately, &ldquo;They&rsquo;re yellow!&rdquo;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Roger Federer has settled things once for all, revealing the actual colour of a tennis ball

Roger Federer ends the most sparkling debate that has puzzled the tennis fraternity for quite some time that whether the colour of a tennis ball is yellow or green. On the Internet, it has been a big issue for the tennis spectators. Some people say that the colour of tennis balls is yellow whereas, few believe that it is green. Are the tennis balls yellow or green? The debate started with a twitter poll, where people started discussing that whether the colour of fuzzy tennis ball is green, yellow, chartreuse, lime green or fluorescent yellow. Now, Roger Federer has settled things once for all saying, “They’re yellow!” Watch the video here: What colour is a tennis ball? ???? Roger Federer says they’re yellow. ???? pic.twitter.com/LV94V4lokg — Tim and Sid (@timandsid) March 20, 2018 × If ATP world number one says it is yellow then it has to be. Recently, the Swiss tennis star Roger Federer was asked by a fan that what is the colour of a tennis ball. “Hey Roger, are tennis balls green or yellow?” a fan asked in a video that has gone viral. With a bright smile, Roger replied immediately, “They’re yellow!”

Watch: Roger Federer ends 'Yellow or Green' debate, reveals colour of tennis ball

<p>Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administration (CoA) has given clean chit to Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami over <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/not-investigating-cricketer-mohammed-shami-for-match-fixing-coa-35761">match-fixing allegations</a>.</p>

<p>Neeraj Kumar, the former Police Commissioner of Delhi and head of the BCCI&#39;s Anti-Corruption unit was investigating Shami&#39;s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/not-investigating-cricketer-mohammed-shami-for-match-fixing-coa-35761">alleged cash dealing</a> after reports emerged that Shami was allegedly involved in match-fixing.</p>

<p>Neeraj Kumar submitted his confidential reports to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/not-investigating-cricketer-mohammed-shami-for-match-fixing-coa-35761">COA</a> clearing Mohammed Shami from all &quot;cricket related allegations&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BCCI to proceed with offering a Grade &lsquo;B&rsquo; annual retainership contract to Mohammad Shami, no charges of match fixing (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/PaPWm7TK0j">pic.twitter.com/PaPWm7TK0j</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/976802054277607426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to the conclusion derived from the reports, it is quite clear that no further actions or proceedings under the BCCI anti-corruption code are required in the matter.</p>

<p>BCCI may give a Grade &#39;B&#39; annual retainership contract to Mohammed Shami which was due for a couple of weeks before reports of match-fixing surfaced in the media.</p>

<p>Recently, Shami&#39;s wife Hasin Jahan had levelled serious allegations including adultery, match-fixing and even attempt to murder on Shami.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/mohammed-shami-marital-controversy-who-is-hasin-jahan-35753">Mohammed Shami marital controversy: Who is Hasin Jahan?</a></strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


BCCI will give a Grade 'B' annual retainership contract to Mohammed Shami

Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administration (CoA) has given clean chit to Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami over match-fixing allegations. Neeraj Kumar, the former Police Commissioner of Delhi and head of the BCCI's Anti-Corruption unit was investigating Shami's alleged cash dealing after reports emerged that Shami was allegedly involved in match-fixing. Neeraj Kumar submitted his confidential reports to the COA clearing Mohammed Shami from all "cricket related allegations". BCCI to proceed with offering a Grade ‘B’ annual retainership contract to Mohammad Shami, no charges of match fixing (file pic) pic.twitter.com/PaPWm7TK0j — ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2018 × According to the conclusion derived from the reports, it is quite clear that no further actions or proceedings under the BCCI anti-corruption code are required in the matter. BCCI may give a Grade 'B' annual retainership contract to Mohammed Shami which was due for a couple of weeks before reports of match-fixing surfaced in the media. Recently, Shami's wife Hasin Jahan had levelled serious allegations including adultery, match-fixing and even attempt to murder on Shami. Mohammed Shami marital controversy: Who is Hasin Jahan?

BCCI gives clean chit to Mohammed Shami on match-fixing

<p>FIFA&#39;s forward football development programme has acted as a catalyst to promote football in India.</p>

<p>The programme aims to improve football across the globe by providing&nbsp;funds and other infrastructural facilities&nbsp;across the globe.</p>

<p>FIFA also promotes the development of women&#39;s football and pledges to support it financially by providing it with players, coaches, referees and officials the opportunity to become actively involved in football.</p>

<p>Recently, FIFA has applauded India&#39;s initiative of promoting women football in the country for establishing the&nbsp;Indian Women&rsquo;s League.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WomensFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WomensFootball</a> in India boosted with a new league established with help from the FIFA Forward Programme <a href="https://t.co/E3J9xTWpdT">https://t.co/E3J9xTWpdT</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y2xbgmX6OP">pic.twitter.com/Y2xbgmX6OP</a></p>
&mdash; FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAcom/status/975988970747121664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Recently, India hosted the FIFA U-17 World Cup (Men) and the event was welcomed by enormous crowds.</p>

<p>The success of&nbsp;U-17 World Cup in India gave an opportunity to many aspirants and persuaded them to take up football as a career.</p>

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<h5>Women&rsquo;s football in India needed a push to progress and the Indian Women&rsquo;s League has certainly acted as a major boost for every girl who ever dreamt of playing football in the country</h5>
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<p>India women&rsquo;s football is benefitting from FIFA forward programme as FIFA has provided funding and momentum.</p>

<p>&quot;Women&rsquo;s football in India needed a push to progress and the Indian Women&rsquo;s League has certainly acted as a major boost for every girl who ever dreamt of playing football in the country,&quot;&nbsp;Oinam Bembem Devi, the nation&rsquo;s most-capped player.</p>

<p>&quot;Some of the oldest football clubs in the world hail from India,&rdquo; said Sanjeevan Balasingam, FIFA Member Association Regional Director for Asia and Oceania.</p>

<p>He further added, &ldquo;However, there is no established club culture yet for women&#39;s football in India. So the IWL will help achieve that and positive strides are already being made.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">All the best <a href="https://twitter.com/GokulamKeralaFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GokulamKeralaFC</a> women&rsquo;s team for Indian Women&rsquo;s League. <a href="https://t.co/ulEa0HZTD8">pic.twitter.com/ulEa0HZTD8</a></p>
&mdash; Pratheesh G Nair (@pratheeshjourno) <a href="https://twitter.com/pratheeshjourno/status/975585805912588288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Indian Women’s League is a part of FIFA's forward football development programme

FIFA's forward football development programme has acted as a catalyst to promote football in India. The programme aims to improve football across the globe by providing funds and other infrastructural facilities across the globe. FIFA also promotes the development of women's football and pledges to support it financially by providing it with players, coaches, referees and officials the opportunity to become actively involved in football. Recently, FIFA has applauded India's initiative of promoting women football in the country for establishing the Indian Women’s League. #WomensFootball in India boosted with a new league established with help from the FIFA Forward Programme https://t.co/E3J9xTWpdT pic.twitter.com/Y2xbgmX6OP — FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) March 20, 2018 × Recently, India hosted the FIFA U-17 World Cup (Men) and the event was welcomed by enormous crowds. The success of U-17 World Cup in India gave an opportunity to many aspirants and persuaded them to take up football as a career. Women’s football in India needed a push to progress and the Indian Women’s League has certainly acted as a major boost for every girl who ever dreamt of playing football in the country × India women’s football is benefitting from FIFA forward programme as FIFA has provided funding and momentum. "Women’s football in India needed a push to progress and the Indian Women’s League has certainly acted as a major boost for every girl who ever dreamt of playing football in the country," Oinam Bembem Devi, the nation’s most-capped player. "Some of the oldest football clubs in the world hail from India,” said Sanjeevan Balasingam, FIFA Member Association Regional Director for Asia and Oceania. He further added, “However, there is no established club culture yet for women's football in India. So the IWL will help achieve that and positive strides are already being made." All the best @GokulamKeralaFC women’s team for Indian Women’s League. pic.twitter.com/ulEa0HZTD8 — Pratheesh G Nair (@pratheeshjourno) March 19, 2018 ×

Football: FIFA applauds India's initiative of women's football league

<p>The latest reports on Neymar&#39;s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-operation-of-injured-foot-ankle-went-perfectly-says-brazil-confederation-34583">recovery</a>&nbsp;is a good news for Brazilian football fans and followers.</p>

<p>Rodrigo Lasmar, who operated&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/psg-striker-neymar-jr-suffers-metatarsal-fracture-34158">Neymar&#39;s metatarsal fracture</a> on March 3 has told French sports daily L&#39;Equipe, &quot;For now, everything is going well, they tell me every detail of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-operation-of-injured-foot-ankle-went-perfectly-says-brazil-confederation-34583">Neymar&#39;s recovery</a>.&quot;</p>

<p>Lasmar also mentioned that he speaks two or three times a day&nbsp;with the physiotherapists working with the Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain player to know the current reports.</p>

<p>He also said,&nbsp;&quot;They are working hard and in a very professional way so that he can return as quickly as possible and, above all, so there won&#39;t be any further problems for his foot or posture.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that he planned to reassess the injury in mid-April.</p>

<p>Recently, Neymar uploaded an Instagram story&nbsp;in which he was dancing while standing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/psg-striker-neymar-jr-suffers-metatarsal-fracture-34158" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">on one foot</a>.</p>

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<p>Neymar posted a video as an Instagram story, in which he was dancing on one foot. (Instagram)</p>
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<p>He also attended&nbsp;his sister&#39;s birthday party in Sao Paulo on crutches on Monday.</p>

<p><em>Here&#39;s the video:</em></p>

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<p>Brazil soccer player Neymar attended his sister&#39;s birthday party in Sao Paulo on crutches while recovering from a broken foot on Monday (March 19). (Reuters)</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-operation-of-injured-foot-ankle-went-perfectly-says-brazil-confederation-34583">Neymar</a>, who missed Brazil&#39;s 7-1 semi-final thrashing on home soil by Germany through injury four years ago, is key to his country&#39;s hopes at this year&#39;s World Cup, which starts on June 14.</p>

<p>The 26-year-old, who joined PSG for a world-record 222 million euros ($264 million) from Barcelona last year, suffered a fractured bone in his right foot last month in a match against Marseille.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Rodrigo Lasmar, who operated Neymar's metatarsal fracture said he speaks two or three times a day with the physiotherapists to know the latest reports

The latest reports on Neymar's recovery is a good news for Brazilian football fans and followers. Rodrigo Lasmar, who operated Neymar's metatarsal fracture on March 3 has told French sports daily L'Equipe, "For now, everything is going well, they tell me every detail of Neymar's recovery." Lasmar also mentioned that he speaks two or three times a day with the physiotherapists working with the Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain player to know the current reports. He also said, "They are working hard and in a very professional way so that he can return as quickly as possible and, above all, so there won't be any further problems for his foot or posture." He added that he planned to reassess the injury in mid-April. Recently, Neymar uploaded an Instagram story in which he was dancing while standing on one foot. Neymar posted a video as an Instagram story, in which he was dancing on one foot. (Instagram) × He also attended his sister's birthday party in Sao Paulo on crutches on Monday. Here's the video: Brazil soccer player Neymar attended his sister's birthday party in Sao Paulo on crutches while recovering from a broken foot on Monday (March 19). (Reuters) × Neymar, who missed Brazil's 7-1 semi-final thrashing on home soil by Germany through injury four years ago, is key to his country's hopes at this year's World Cup, which starts on June 14. The 26-year-old, who joined PSG for a world-record 222 million euros ($264 million) from Barcelona last year, suffered a fractured bone in his right foot last month in a match against Marseille.

Neymar's recovery 'is going well', says doctor

<p>The prince of Kolkata Sourav Ganguly is in the news again. His autobiography &ldquo;A Century Is Not Enough&rdquo; is out.</p>

<p>As far as the title of the book goes, it seems that he was inspired by ex-diplomat Kunwar Natwar Singh, who released his autobiography a few years back with the title &ldquo;One Life Is Not Enough&rdquo;. But barring title it is a different stuff altogether.</p>

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<p>Though, I still have to read the book but have read many reviews of it and got to know about it to the considerable extent. As I read in one of the reviews of the book, you may love Sourav or despise him but you have to accept that he has been one of the most impactful players in the Indian Cricket in the recent decades.</p>

<p>Sourav Ganguly is the man with strong conviction &ndash; &ldquo;I am like this only, leave me or take me&rdquo; sort of. When Ganguly is telling the world about his life and career through his book, for someone like me who had followed his career from end-to-end, it becomes quite important to recall salient moments of his career.</p>

<p>When Ganguly was selected for the tri-series in Australia in 1991-92, all we thought that he was a budding cricketer, son of an influential Cricket administrator who was pushed to international arena quite prematurely.</p>

<p>Since he was with the side for the months (remember each side played eight group matches in that series), he was given a chance in an ODI (his debut match for India) against West Indies. It was a forgettable show; Ganguly was dropped and forgotten.</p>

<p>We hardly noticed him for the next 4 &frac12; years, until his name was announced (rather unexpectedly) for the tour of England in the summer of 1996. He and Rahul Dravid grabbed the places vacated by Vinod Kambli and Sanjay Manjrekar in the middle order with both the hands.</p>

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<h5>One thing Ganguly established right in the beginning of his career that he was extremely fluent batsman; the god of offside as he was described once.</h5>
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<p>Sourav Ganguly scored back to back centuries and attained cult status instantaneously. Over the next few years, he pipped Rahul Dravid for the claim of captaincy as Ganguly was an undisputed member of ODI team as well, which Dravid wasn&rsquo;t during 1997-98.</p>

<p>One thing Ganguly established right in the beginning of his career that he was extremely fluent batsman; the god of offside as he was described once. He along with Tendulkar was one of the most successful ODI opening pairs in the history. He played many great knocks in ODIs but the one at Taunton (he scored 183) against Sri Lanka in a World Cup match deserves a special mention.</p>

<p>Ganguly had a dream run as Indian skipper during 2000-05. True that he had batsmen like Tendulkar, Dravid and Laxman at his disposal but still plenty of credit for the resurrection of the team goes to the fearless and aggressive leadership of Ganguly. During his period at the helm, Ganguly was handling both veterans and newcomers quite well.</p>

<p>Remember Tendulkar was almost seven years his senior in Test seniority. Ganguly was audacious. He has admitted that one of the toughest tasks for him was to tell Anil Kumble during an overseas tour once that Kumble was not making the cut into the playing eleven. Ganguly must be in an awkward situation considering Kumble made his Test debut six years before Ganguly.</p>

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<p>Ganguly has praised MS Dhoni unequivocally in his book and very subtly took the credit of given Dhoni to the nation. As such the claim Ganguly has made is correct. It was Ganguly who put the final stamp on Dhoni&rsquo;s inclusion in team India in 2004 and he promoted him up in the batting order in that famous Vizag ODI against Pakistan.</p>

<p>Dhoni slammed a century and rest is history. During his last Test match in 2008 against Australia, as a mark for respect, Dhoni asked Ganguly to lead the side when India was fielding. Ganguly has well acknowledged that goodwill gesture in his book.</p>

<p>Apart from Dhoni, Ganguly handled newcomers very well. He played a major role in shaping career of Sehwag, Harbhajan and Zaheer Khan in their initial days.</p>

<p>In his book, Ganguly had given sufficient coverage to his feud with Greg Chappel. It was a forgettable episode of Ganguly&rsquo;s career. Ganguly has mentioned that he had some other impression of Chappel (a positive impression) when he met him in Australia but things were entirely different when Chappel joined team India as the coach.</p>

<p>Sourav is free to have his take on the episode but he could have probably handled the whole issue is the more mature way. The spat went dirty beyond limits, which affected Ganguly&rsquo;s career as well.</p>

<p>But this is the way Ganguly has been, outspoken and with great conviction about his actions. In later years, he teamed up with Shahrukh Khan for KKR when IPL started in 2008. But partnerships fell flat soon. Ganguly has covered this well in his book.</p>

<p>Sourav Ganguly had a roller coaster career during 1996-2008 for India and for IPL thereafter for few years. His autobiography must be a good read for Cricket freak and hope it is as slick as his batting used to be.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


Sourav Ganguly had a roller coaster career during 1996-2008 for India and for IPL thereafter for few years

The prince of Kolkata Sourav Ganguly is in the news again. His autobiography “A Century Is Not Enough” is out. As far as the title of the book goes, it seems that he was inspired by ex-diplomat Kunwar Natwar Singh, who released his autobiography a few years back with the title “One Life Is Not Enough”. But barring title it is a different stuff altogether. Sourav Ganguly has been one of the most impactful players in the Indian Cricket in the recent decades. × Though, I still have to read the book but have read many reviews of it and got to know about it to the considerable extent. As I read in one of the reviews of the book, you may love Sourav or despise him but you have to accept that he has been one of the most impactful players in the Indian Cricket in the recent decades. Sourav Ganguly is the man with strong conviction – “I am like this only, leave me or take me” sort of. When Ganguly is telling the world about his life and career through his book, for someone like me who had followed his career from end-to-end, it becomes quite important to recall salient moments of his career. When Ganguly was selected for the tri-series in Australia in 1991-92, all we thought that he was a budding cricketer, son of an influential Cricket administrator who was pushed to international arena quite prematurely. Since he was with the side for the months (remember each side played eight group matches in that series), he was given a chance in an ODI (his debut match for India) against West Indies. It was a forgettable show; Ganguly was dropped and forgotten. We hardly noticed him for the next 4 ½ years, until his name was announced (rather unexpectedly) for the tour of England in the summer of 1996. He and Rahul Dravid grabbed the places vacated by Vinod Kambli and Sanjay Manjrekar in the middle order with both the hands. One thing Ganguly established right in the beginning of his career that he was extremely fluent batsman; the god of offside as he was described once. × Sourav Ganguly scored back to back centuries and attained cult status instantaneously. Over the next few years, he pipped Rahul Dravid for the claim of captaincy as Ganguly was an undisputed member of ODI team as well, which Dravid wasn’t during 1997-98. One thing Ganguly established right in the beginning of his career that he was extremely fluent batsman; the god of offside as he was described once. He along with Tendulkar was one of the most successful ODI opening pairs in the history. He played many great knocks in ODIs but the one at Taunton (he scored 183) against Sri Lanka in a World Cup match deserves a special mention. Ganguly had a dream run as Indian skipper during 2000-05. True that he had batsmen like Tendulkar, Dravid and Laxman at his disposal but still plenty of credit for the resurrection of the team goes to the fearless and aggressive leadership of Ganguly. During his period at the helm, Ganguly was handling both veterans and newcomers quite well. Remember Tendulkar was almost seven years his senior in Test seniority. Ganguly was audacious. He has admitted that one of the toughest tasks for him was to tell Anil Kumble during an overseas tour once that Kumble was not making the cut into the playing eleven. Ganguly must be in an awkward situation considering Kumble made his Test debut six years before Ganguly. Ganguly played a major role in shaping career of Sehwag, Harbhajan and Zaheer Khan in their initial days. × Ganguly has praised MS Dhoni unequivocally in his book and very subtly took the credit of given Dhoni to the nation. As such the claim Ganguly has made is correct. It was Ganguly who put the final stamp on Dhoni’s inclusion in team India in 2004 and he promoted him up in the batting order in that famous Vizag ODI against Pakistan. Dhoni slammed a century and rest is history. During his last Test match in 2008 against Australia, as a mark for respect, Dhoni asked Ganguly to lead the side when India was fielding. Ganguly has well acknowledged that goodwill gesture in his book. Apart from Dhoni, Ganguly handled newcomers very well. He played a major role in shaping career of Sehwag, Harbhajan and Zaheer Khan in their initial days. In his book, Ganguly had given sufficient coverage to his feud with Greg Chappel. It was a forgettable episode of Ganguly’s career. Ganguly has mentioned that he had some other impression of Chappel (a positive impression) when he met him in Australia but things were entirely different when Chappel joined team India as the coach. Sourav is free to have his take on the episode but he could have probably handled the whole issue is the more mature way. The spat went dirty beyond limits, which affected Ganguly’s career as well. But this is the way Ganguly has been, outspoken and with great conviction about his actions. In later years, he teamed up with Shahrukh Khan for KKR when IPL started in 2008. But partnerships fell flat soon. Ganguly has covered this well in his book. Sourav Ganguly had a roller coaster career during 1996-2008 for India and for IPL thereafter for few years. His autobiography must be a good read for Cricket freak and hope it is as slick as his batting used to be. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: How Sourav Ganguly led team India from one victory to another

<p>The first Test match of a two-match series between England and New Zealand will start from March 22 at Eden Park, Auckland.</p>

<p>Ross Taylor, who had been battling a groin injury and a stomach bug is back in the playing squad as New Zealand received a boost on the eve of the first Test with confirmation that Taylor is fit to play.</p>

<p>Recently, Kane Williamson has confirmed that Todd Astle will come into the playing XI for Thursday.</p>

<p><strong>New Zealand&nbsp;playing XI:</strong></p>

<p>Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Kane Williamson, <strong>Ross Taylor</strong>, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kane Williamson has confirmed Todd Astle will come into the playing XI for Thursday. Our XI - Latham, Raval, Williamson, Taylor, Nicholls, Watling, de Grandhomme, Astle, Southee, Wagner, Boult. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/N95xkXrai6">pic.twitter.com/N95xkXrai6</a></p>
&mdash; BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/976271712995098624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Taylor, who has a Test average of 48.04, was also there in the squad of the second practice match.</p>

<p>Skipper Williamson reportedly said Taylor had completed a full training session without a problem.</p>

<p>He stated, &quot;He&#39;s good to go so that&#39;s great news for us.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;Roscoe has played beautifully every time he&#39;s walked out to the crease, the calmness at the crease, the confidence.</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s reflected in how much success he&#39;s had this year. It&#39;s important for us as a team that he&#39;s there.&quot;</p>

<p>He mentioned about the new changes in the squad as Todd Astle would replace Mitchell Santner as the spinner in the side and BJ Watling would return as wicketkeeper.</p>

<p>The return of Ross Taylor in the playing XI means that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-put-martin-guptill-on-standby-for-england-test-36453">Martin Guptill</a>, who was included in&nbsp;the absence of Taylor will be snubbed.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Things looking a little different at <a href="https://twitter.com/edenparknz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@edenparknz</a> for today&rsquo;s training. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FindYourNight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FindYourNight</a> <a href="https://t.co/6bAM8K1YWE">pic.twitter.com/6bAM8K1YWE</a></p>
&mdash; BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/975987234150100992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kane Williamson said Ross Taylor had completed a full training session without a problem

The first Test match of a two-match series between England and New Zealand will start from March 22 at Eden Park, Auckland. Ross Taylor, who had been battling a groin injury and a stomach bug is back in the playing squad as New Zealand received a boost on the eve of the first Test with confirmation that Taylor is fit to play. Recently, Kane Williamson has confirmed that Todd Astle will come into the playing XI for Thursday. New Zealand playing XI: Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult. Kane Williamson has confirmed Todd Astle will come into the playing XI for Thursday. Our XI - Latham, Raval, Williamson, Taylor, Nicholls, Watling, de Grandhomme, Astle, Southee, Wagner, Boult. #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/N95xkXrai6 — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 21, 2018 × Taylor, who has a Test average of 48.04, was also there in the squad of the second practice match. Skipper Williamson reportedly said Taylor had completed a full training session without a problem. He stated, "He's good to go so that's great news for us." "Roscoe has played beautifully every time he's walked out to the crease, the calmness at the crease, the confidence. "It's reflected in how much success he's had this year. It's important for us as a team that he's there." He mentioned about the new changes in the squad as Todd Astle would replace Mitchell Santner as the spinner in the side and BJ Watling would return as wicketkeeper. The return of Ross Taylor in the playing XI means that Martin Guptill, who was included in the absence of Taylor will be snubbed. Things looking a little different at @edenparknz for today’s training. #NZvENG #FindYourNight pic.twitter.com/6bAM8K1YWE — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 20, 2018 ×

Ross Taylor fit to play in first Test against England: Kane Williamson

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed the secret of his success ahead of the FIFA World Cup.</p>

<p>In a recent media interaction, he said, &quot;We should always believe we are the best.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;You need to think big. I always believe that nobody is better than me, out on the pitch at least,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>His believes that&nbsp;nobody is better than him on the pitch at least. He also requested other Portuguese players to go with the same philosophy.</p>

<p>The Real Madrid star made the comments as he accepted the Portuguese player of the year award in Lisbon.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cristiano</a> Ronaldo - Portuguese Player of the Year 2016 <a href="https://t.co/BAbPoGqjec">pic.twitter.com/BAbPoGqjec</a></p>
&mdash; Zayddd (@MZse7en) <a href="https://twitter.com/MZse7en/status/844019669711405056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Ronaldo&nbsp;led Portugal to the Euro 2016 title&nbsp;is now turning his gaze to the 2018 World Cup.</p>

<p>Five-time&nbsp;Ballon d&#39;Or winner said, &quot;On a personal and collective level, I have had a dream year. I won five trophies (Champions League, UEFA Supercup, World Club Cup, Spanish league title and the Spanish Supercup), the Ballon d&#39;Or and the FIFA &#39;Best&#39; title.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&quot;I always believe I am the best, whatever they say. And then I show it on the field.&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cristiano</a> after being named Portuguese Player of the Year for 2017 ???????????? <a href="https://t.co/DN0Vv7VgAr">pic.twitter.com/DN0Vv7VgAr</a></p>
&mdash; FIFA World Cup ???? (@FIFAWorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/976016168925396992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Real Madrid star made the comments as he accepted the Portuguese player of the year award in Lisbon

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed the secret of his success ahead of the FIFA World Cup. In a recent media interaction, he said, "We should always believe we are the best." "You need to think big. I always believe that nobody is better than me, out on the pitch at least," he said. His believes that nobody is better than him on the pitch at least. He also requested other Portuguese players to go with the same philosophy. The Real Madrid star made the comments as he accepted the Portuguese player of the year award in Lisbon. @Cristiano Ronaldo - Portuguese Player of the Year 2016 pic.twitter.com/BAbPoGqjec — Zayddd (@MZse7en) March 21, 2017 × Ronaldo led Portugal to the Euro 2016 title is now turning his gaze to the 2018 World Cup. Five-time Ballon d'Or winner said, "On a personal and collective level, I have had a dream year. I won five trophies (Champions League, UEFA Supercup, World Club Cup, Spanish league title and the Spanish Supercup), the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA 'Best' title." "I always believe I am the best, whatever they say. And then I show it on the field."@Cristiano after being named Portuguese Player of the Year for 2017 ???????????? pic.twitter.com/DN0Vv7VgAr — FIFA World Cup ???? (@FIFAWorldCup) March 20, 2018 ×

Nobody better than me on the pitch: Cristiano Ronaldo

<p>Indian women have been scaling new heights in the field of sports and brought laurels to the country in the last few years. The ZEE News FAIRPLAY - a special day for women achievers in the field of sports - has recognised and honoured the special achievement and extraordinary feats by Indian women in the field of sports. The ZEE News FAIRPLAY is about inspiration, which is the key to everything we do.</p>

<p>Union minister for information and broadcasting Smriti Zubin Irani, Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar, Minister of State Telecom and Railways Manoj Sinha and Minister of State Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel graced the occasion. The glittering function was well attended and took place at The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi.</p>

<p>Smriti Irani, Manoj Sinha and Prakash Javadekar lauded the winners and pointed out India has changed a lot in the last few years.</p>

<p>&quot;Women are coming forward in the sporting arena and it is a welcome development. It is a great sign for our country that our women athletes are winning on the world stage,&quot; said Irani.</p>

<p>Javadekar thanked Zee Media for the event and said that all the awardees have struggled a lot to reach the pinnacle of their sport. He added that their stories are an inspiration for the entire country.</p>

<p>Manoj Sinha and Anupriya Patel spoke about the hard work and tough training followed by the awardees. They expressed hope that all the athletes will continue to do well and bring more laurels for the country.</p>

<p>&quot;Women athletes have to face a lot of discrimination and they are generally treated as being inferior to the men. But this is not the case. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking a personal interest in ensuring we do well in sports. We have launched Khelo India too. We have made a good beginning.</p>

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<p>Women are more powerful and dedicated than men: Subhash Chandra, Chairman, Zee Group (Zee News Network)</p>
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<p>It is time to say &#39;<em>kheloge</em><em> to </em><em>khiloge</em>&#39;,&quot; said Anupriya Patel. Rajya Sabha MP Dr Subhash Chandra expressed his happiness at women sportsperson basking in the limelight.</p>

<p>&quot;It is great pleasure for me that Zee Media is felicitating sportswomen. Women are more powerful and dedicated than men. In our society, the men have always looked down upon women. But women are not weak. We will strive to bring more sportswomen forward,&quot; said Dr Chandra.</p>

<p><strong>List of Awardees:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Anjali Bhagwat</strong>: The rifle shooter is the first Indian to win at the International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) Champion of Champions combined-air-rifle event when she emerged victorious in the 2002 edition. Anjali was the World Number One in 10m Air Rifle in 2002 and won her first World Cup Final in Milan, in 2003.</p>

<p>Anjali has represented India in three consecutive Olympics. She was a&nbsp;wildcard entry in the 2000 Sydney Olympics but reached the final, a first for an Indian women shooter. She dominated Commonwealth Games in the 10m Air Rifle and Sports Rifle 3P events and won 12 gold and four silver medals. She has won 31 gold, 23 silver and seven bronze medals in international competitions.</p>

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<p>Anjali Bhagwat is the first Indian to win at the International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) Champion of Champions combined-air-rifle event (Zee News Network)</p>
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<p><strong>Saina Nehwal</strong>: The 28-year-old is a household name and synonymous with women badminton in the country. She is a former World Number 1 and has represented India in three Olympics - Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016. She won the bronze medal at the London Olympics. She has over 23 international titles in her kitty. The government has honoured her with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award and the Padma Bhushan.</p>

<p><strong>Sania Mirza</strong>: The girl from Hyderabad showed the world that Indian women tennis players can compete with the best. Sania Mirza played in singles, doubles and mixed doubles events, and became the World Number 1 women&#39;s doubles player. She retired from singles in 2013. She became the highest-ranked Indian women player ever when she achieved the World Number 27 in 2007.</p>

<p>She represented India in three Olympics - 2008 Beijing, 2012 London and 2016 Rio. The government has conferred on her the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and Padma Bhushan.</p>

<p><strong>PV Sindhu</strong>: Another Hyderabad link to women sports, Pusarla Venkata Sindhu is the second badminton player after Saina to achieve success on the world stage. She won the silver medal at 2016 Rio Olympics, a first for an Indian woman. She and Saina are the only two Indian badminton players to ever win an Olympic medal. She has been consistently ranked among the top five women badminton players in the world and has defeated every top-ranked player.</p>

<p><strong>Deepa Malik</strong>: She is the first Indian woman to win a medal in Paralympic Games when she bagged a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics in the shot put. She also has a gold medal in F-53/54 Javelin event at the para athletic Grand Prix held in Dubai in 2018. Coming from the defence background - her father is Colonel (retd) BK Nagpal and husband is Colonel Bikram Singh - she is currently the World Number one in F-53 category. She has been honoured with the Arjuna Award and Padma Shri.</p>

<p><strong>Dipa Karmakar</strong>: She is the first Indian women to represent the country at an Olympic Games in gymnastics when she took part in the 2016 Rio Games. The girl from Agartala is also the first Indian gymnast to do so after the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. She finished a credible fourth in Women&#39;s Vault event at Rio. Dipa Karmakar is one of the only five women who has successfully landed the Produnova, the most difficult vault currently performed in women&#39;s gymnastics. She has been honoured with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and Padma Shri.</p>

<p><strong>MC Mary Kom</strong>: Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom has achieved what no other Indian sportsperson has. The boxer from Manipur is a five-time World Amateur Boxing champion. She is also the only woman boxer to have won a medal in each one of the six world championships. She won a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics in the flyweight (51 kg) category. She was nominated by the President of India as a member of the Rajya Sabha on April 26, 2016. She has been honoured by the Padma Bhushan, Arjuna Award, Padma Shri and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. Karnam Malleswari: The former Indian women weightlifter is the first in the history of Indian Olympics to win a medal. The woman from Andhra Pradesh received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 1995 and Padma Shri in 1999.</p>

<p><strong>Krishna Poonia</strong>: Born in Haryana&#39;s Agroha village in 1982, Krishna Poonia is a discus thrower. She won the bronze in 2006 Doha Asian Games and gold in the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. She has been honoured with Padma Shri in 2011. She has represented India at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London Games.</p>

<p><strong>Sakshi Malik</strong>: The freestyle wrestler won bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics in the 58 kg category. She is the first female wrestler to win a medal at the Olympics for India and only the fourth female Olympic medallist from the country. She has also won the silver medal at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and bronze at the 2015 Doha Asian Wrestling Championships.</p>

<p><strong>Anju Bobby George</strong>: She was a heptathlon athlete, to begin with but soon moved to long jump. The 41-year-old made history when she won the long jump bronze medal at the 2003 Paris World Athletics Championships. It was the first time that an Indian athlete had won a medal in a World Athletics Championships. She also bagged the gold at the IAAF World Athletics Final in 2005. She took part in the 2004 Athens Olympics and 2008 Beijing Games, She was awarded the Arjuna Award<br />
in 2002.</p>

<p><strong>Sunil Dabas</strong>: Not a very popular name, Sunil Dabas&#39;s contribution in no less. She has coached the Indian national female Kabbadi team. Her team has won gold medals in the 2010 Asian Games and the 2012 World Cup 2012.She was hounored with the Dronacharya Award in 2012 and Padma Shri in 2014.</p>

<p><strong>Indian Women Cricket Team</strong>: From the time India&#39;s women&#39;s cricket came under the wings of BCCI, the team has turned a new chapter of success. The Indian team ended up runners-up in the 2017&nbsp;World Cup in England, losing the final by a narrow margin. Recently, India won the T20 series 3-1 in South Africa and players such as Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana became role models for many a young player. Mithali has also been the highest runscorer in ODI cricket. Harmanpreet and Mandhana have showcased their talent in the Australian Big Bash League too. Harmanpreet has impressed the Aussies with his six-hitting ability.</p>

<p><strong>Indian Women Hockey Team</strong>: Led by Rani Rampal, the hockey team recently lifted the Asia Cup for the first time after 2004. While they might still struggle at the world stage, the Indian team has been unparalleled in the Asian circuit. In 2016, the team won their first Asian Champions Trophy and finished the season on a strong note. In the last Asiad, the team won the bronze medal. The team has won gold in the 2002 Commonwealth Games, ended runners-up in 2006 and finished in top five in 2010 and 2014. With the FIH World Cup going to be played later this year, the in-form team has qualified and are touted as a strong contender.</p>


Smriti Irani, Manoj Sinha and Prakash Javadekar lauded the winners and pointed out India has changed a lot in the last few years.

Indian women have been scaling new heights in the field of sports and brought laurels to the country in the last few years. The ZEE News FAIRPLAY - a special day for women achievers in the field of sports - has recognised and honoured the special achievement and extraordinary feats by Indian women in the field of sports. The ZEE News FAIRPLAY is about inspiration, which is the key to everything we do. Union minister for information and broadcasting Smriti Zubin Irani, Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar, Minister of State Telecom and Railways Manoj Sinha and Minister of State Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel graced the occasion. The glittering function was well attended and took place at The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi. Smriti Irani, Manoj Sinha and Prakash Javadekar lauded the winners and pointed out India has changed a lot in the last few years. "Women are coming forward in the sporting arena and it is a welcome development. It is a great sign for our country that our women athletes are winning on the world stage," said Irani. Javadekar thanked Zee Media for the event and said that all the awardees have struggled a lot to reach the pinnacle of their sport. He added that their stories are an inspiration for the entire country. Manoj Sinha and Anupriya Patel spoke about the hard work and tough training followed by the awardees. They expressed hope that all the athletes will continue to do well and bring more laurels for the country. "Women athletes have to face a lot of discrimination and they are generally treated as being inferior to the men. But this is not the case. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking a personal interest in ensuring we do well in sports. We have launched Khelo India too. We have made a good beginning. Women are more powerful and dedicated than men: Subhash Chandra, Chairman, Zee Group (Zee News Network) × It is time to say 'kheloge to khiloge'," said Anupriya Patel. Rajya Sabha MP Dr Subhash Chandra expressed his happiness at women sportsperson basking in the limelight. "It is great pleasure for me that Zee Media is felicitating sportswomen. Women are more powerful and dedicated than men. In our society, the men have always looked down upon women. But women are not weak. We will strive to bring more sportswomen forward," said Dr Chandra. List of Awardees: Anjali Bhagwat: The rifle shooter is the first Indian to win at the International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) Champion of Champions combined-air-rifle event when she emerged victorious in the 2002 edition. Anjali was the World Number One in 10m Air Rifle in 2002 and won her first World Cup Final in Milan, in 2003. Anjali has represented India in three consecutive Olympics. She was a wildcard entry in the 2000 Sydney Olympics but reached the final, a first for an Indian women shooter. She dominated Commonwealth Games in the 10m Air Rifle and Sports Rifle 3P events and won 12 gold and four silver medals. She has won 31 gold, 23 silver and seven bronze medals in international competitions. Anjali Bhagwat is the first Indian to win at the International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) Champion of Champions combined-air-rifle event (Zee News Network) × Saina Nehwal: The 28-year-old is a household name and synonymous with women badminton in the country. She is a former World Number 1 and has represented India in three Olympics - Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016. She won the bronze medal at the London Olympics. She has over 23 international titles in her kitty. The government has honoured her with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award and the Padma Bhushan. Sania Mirza: The girl from Hyderabad showed the world that Indian women tennis players can compete with the best. Sania Mirza played in singles, doubles and mixed doubles events, and became the World Number 1 women's doubles player. She retired from singles in 2013. She became the highest-ranked Indian women player ever when she achieved the World Number 27 in 2007. She represented India in three Olympics - 2008 Beijing, 2012 London and 2016 Rio. The government has conferred on her the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and Padma Bhushan. PV Sindhu: Another Hyderabad link to women sports, Pusarla Venkata Sindhu is the second badminton player after Saina to achieve success on the world stage. She won the silver medal at 2016 Rio Olympics, a first for an Indian woman. She and Saina are the only two Indian badminton players to ever win an Olympic medal. She has been consistently ranked among the top five women badminton players in the world and has defeated every top-ranked player. Deepa Malik: She is the first Indian woman to win a medal in Paralympic Games when she bagged a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics in the shot put. She also has a gold medal in F-53/54 Javelin event at the para athletic Grand Prix held in Dubai in 2018. Coming from the defence background - her father is Colonel (retd) BK Nagpal and husband is Colonel Bikram Singh - she is currently the World Number one in F-53 category. She has been honoured with the Arjuna Award and Padma Shri. Dipa Karmakar: She is the first Indian women to represent the country at an Olympic Games in gymnastics when she took part in the 2016 Rio Games. The girl from Agartala is also the first Indian gymnast to do so after the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. She finished a credible fourth in Women's Vault event at Rio. Dipa Karmakar is one of the only five women who has successfully landed the Produnova, the most difficult vault currently performed in women's gymnastics. She has been honoured with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and Padma Shri. MC Mary Kom: Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom has achieved what no other Indian sportsperson has. The boxer from Manipur is a five-time World Amateur Boxing champion. She is also the only woman boxer to have won a medal in each one of the six world championships. She won a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics in the flyweight (51 kg) category. She was nominated by the President of India as a member of the Rajya Sabha on April 26, 2016. She has been honoured by the Padma Bhushan, Arjuna Award, Padma Shri and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. Karnam Malleswari: The former Indian women weightlifter is the first in the history of Indian Olympics to win a medal. The woman from Andhra Pradesh received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 1995 and Padma Shri in 1999. Krishna Poonia: Born in Haryana's Agroha village in 1982, Krishna Poonia is a discus thrower. She won the bronze in 2006 Doha Asian Games and gold in the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. She has been honoured with Padma Shri in 2011. She has represented India at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London Games. Sakshi Malik: The freestyle wrestler won bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics in the 58 kg category. She is the first female wrestler to win a medal at the Olympics for India and only the fourth female Olympic medallist from the country. She has also won the silver medal at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and bronze at the 2015 Doha Asian Wrestling Championships. Anju Bobby George: She was a heptathlon athlete, to begin with but soon moved to long jump. The 41-year-old made history when she won the long jump bronze medal at the 2003 Paris World Athletics Championships. It was the first time that an Indian athlete had won a medal in a World Athletics Championships. She also bagged the gold at the IAAF World Athletics Final in 2005. She took part in the 2004 Athens Olympics and 2008 Beijing Games, She was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2002. Sunil Dabas: Not a very popular name, Sunil Dabas's contribution in no less. She has coached the Indian national female Kabbadi team. Her team has won gold medals in the 2010 Asian Games and the 2012 World Cup 2012.She was hounored with the Dronacharya Award in 2012 and Padma Shri in 2014. Indian Women Cricket Team: From the time India's women's cricket came under the wings of BCCI, the team has turned a new chapter of success. The Indian team ended up runners-up in the 2017 World Cup in England, losing the final by a narrow margin. Recently, India won the T20 series 3-1 in South Africa and players such as Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana became role models for many a young player. Mithali has also been the highest runscorer in ODI cricket. Harmanpreet and Mandhana have showcased their talent in the Australian Big Bash League too. Harmanpreet has impressed the Aussies with his six-hitting ability. Indian Women Hockey Team: Led by Rani Rampal, the hockey team recently lifted the Asia Cup for the first time after 2004. While they might still struggle at the world stage, the Indian team has been unparalleled in the Asian circuit. In 2016, the team won their first Asian Champions Trophy and finished the season on a strong note. In the last Asiad, the team won the bronze medal. The team has won gold in the 2002 Commonwealth Games, ended runners-up in 2006 and finished in top five in 2010 and 2014. With the FIH World Cup going to be played later this year, the in-form team has qualified and are touted as a strong contender.

ZEE News honours Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal among other sportswomen

<p>Serie A club Fiorentina announced that their training ground will be renamed in tribute to former captain Davide Astori, who died aged 31 earlier this month.</p>

<p>The Italian international died suddenly in his hotel room before a match at Udinese on March 4.</p>

<p>The team&#39;s training ground will be renamed the &#39;Centro Sportivo Davide Astori&#39;.</p>

<p>&quot;We&#39;ve made this decision because that was his home,&quot; said Fiorentina president Mario Cognini.</p>

<p>&quot;He went there every day for training and used to spend time there with his family too. We believe that honouring him in this way is the right thing to do.&quot;</p>

<p>Astori&#39;s number 13 shirt was retired by the club, where he had played for three years.</p>

<p>The centre-back came through the youth system at AC Milan before spending eight years at Cagliari, while he also had a loan spell at Roma.</p>


Serie A club Fiorentina announced that their training ground will be renamed in tribute to former captain Davide Astori, who died aged 31 earlier this month

Serie A club Fiorentina announced that their training ground will be renamed in tribute to former captain Davide Astori, who died aged 31 earlier this month. The Italian international died suddenly in his hotel room before a match at Udinese on March 4. The team's training ground will be renamed the 'Centro Sportivo Davide Astori'. "We've made this decision because that was his home," said Fiorentina president Mario Cognini. "He went there every day for training and used to spend time there with his family too. We believe that honouring him in this way is the right thing to do." Astori's number 13 shirt was retired by the club, where he had played for three years. The centre-back came through the youth system at AC Milan before spending eight years at Cagliari, while he also had a loan spell at Roma.

Fiorentina rename training ground after Davide Astori

<p>Mohammed Shami&#39;s uncle&nbsp;Khurshid Ahmed, said Shami&#39;s wife &quot;only wished for money&quot; and used to spend&nbsp;lakhs every month for luxuries and shopping.</p>

<p>In a recent media interaction, he said, &quot;She only wished for money, shopped for lakhs every month. We told her we want to sort it out with her &amp; her lawyer but she wanted properties to be purchased on her name immediately.</p>

<p>He also raised some serious questions by saying, &quot;She might have even got rid of Shami&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">She only wished for money,shopped for lakhs every month. We told her we want to sort it out with her &amp; her lawyer but she wanted properties to be purchased on her name immediately.She might have even got rid of Shami, you never know-Md.Shami&#39;s uncle Khurshid Ahmed on Shami&#39;s wife <a href="https://t.co/xVdRNt5SYB">pic.twitter.com/xVdRNt5SYB</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/976002912991305728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Shami&#39;s wife Hasin Jahan has levelled numerous allegations on her husband, ranging from adultery, match fixing to even attempt to murder.</p>

<p>On these allegations, he said, &quot;My wife&#39;s unable to prove half of the allegations she has put on me. Now, I want to see to what extent can she go. I tried to solve the issue for 7-8 days, but she openly said she doesn&#39;t want to, so now I also don&#39;t have any option but to take this up legally.&quot;</p>

<p>Recently, the Kolkata Police&nbsp;claimed that Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that cricketer Mohammed Shami stayed in Dubai last month.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCCI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BCCI</a> confirms Shami stayed in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dubai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dubai</a> hotel for 2 days<br />
<br />
Read <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> story | <a href="https://t.co/33TCWC0nk1">https://t.co/33TCWC0nk1</a> <a href="https://t.co/I3N1dhUD4U">pic.twitter.com/I3N1dhUD4U</a></p>
&mdash; ANI Digital (@ani_digital) <a href="https://twitter.com/ani_digital/status/976009844112142336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


He also raised some serious questions by saying, "She might have even got rid of Shami"

Mohammed Shami's uncle Khurshid Ahmed, said Shami's wife "only wished for money" and used to spend lakhs every month for luxuries and shopping. In a recent media interaction, he said, "She only wished for money, shopped for lakhs every month. We told her we want to sort it out with her & her lawyer but she wanted properties to be purchased on her name immediately. He also raised some serious questions by saying, "She might have even got rid of Shami" She only wished for money,shopped for lakhs every month. We told her we want to sort it out with her & her lawyer but she wanted properties to be purchased on her name immediately.She might have even got rid of Shami, you never know-Md.Shami's uncle Khurshid Ahmed on Shami's wife pic.twitter.com/xVdRNt5SYB — ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2018 × Shami's wife Hasin Jahan has levelled numerous allegations on her husband, ranging from adultery, match fixing to even attempt to murder. On these allegations, he said, "My wife's unable to prove half of the allegations she has put on me. Now, I want to see to what extent can she go. I tried to solve the issue for 7-8 days, but she openly said she doesn't want to, so now I also don't have any option but to take this up legally." Recently, the Kolkata Police claimed that Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that cricketer Mohammed Shami stayed in Dubai last month. #BCCI confirms Shami stayed in #Dubai hotel for 2 days Read @ANI story | https://t.co/33TCWC0nk1 pic.twitter.com/I3N1dhUD4U — ANI Digital (@ani_digital) March 20, 2018 ×

Hasin Jahan only wished for money, shopped for lakhs: Shami's uncle Khurshid Ahmed

<p>Several eyebrows were raised from different quarters when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) announced Dinesh Karthik as its new skipper, replacing Gautam Gambhir, for the XIth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL).</p>

<p>However, his splendid knock in recently concluded Nidahas Trophy, which took India to an impossible victory, has ended all the speculations being raised on his batting ability.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His brilliant cameo of 29 runs off just 8 balls stole all the limelight as he hit a last-ball six to power India to a four-wicket win.</p>

<p>But in IPL, it will be Karthik&#39;s consistency to score runs and cricketing experience which KKR will be counting on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two-time champions will be entering the upcoming edition with lightest squad of only 19 players making their way into the franchise.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-squad-analysis-of-rajasthan-royals-the-prodigal-son-returns-36117" target="_blank">IPL 2018: Squad analysis of Rajasthan Royals, the prodigal son returns</a></strong></p>

<p>Hence, it would be fascinating to see how KKR performs under Karthik&#39;s leadership.</p>

<p>During the IPL auctions, Kolkata invested a lot on young uncapped talent, with India U-19 stars Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi making their way to the team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nagarkoti and Mavi impressed with their speeds in the ongoing U-19 World Cup and were bought by KKR for Rs 3.6 crore and Rs 3 crore respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from the two speedsters, KKR also bought U-19 top-order batsman Shubman Gill who scored three fifties in four matches at the U-19 World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The franchise spent Rs 1.8 crore to buy his services for the upcoming season.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-squad-analysis-of-ms-dhonis-yellow-brigade-35660" target="_blank"> IPL 2018: Squad analysis of MS Dhoni&#39;s &#39;Yellow Brigade&#39;</a></strong></p>

<p>However, the strength in the squad, once again, lies in the spin bowling department.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The franchise retained West Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine, who became one of the key figures in the Gambhir era. With an uncanny ability to take wickets in crucial moments, Narine is surely one player on which the team can reply on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Narine, KKR also retained Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep Yadav via Right-to-Match which will further add to their spin bowling arsenal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another smart buy of KKR was batsman Chris Lynn. The Australian explosive was bought for Rs 9.6 crore and he can be a one-man army for the side.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jamaican first-class cricketer Andre Russell will also remain Karthik&rsquo;s go-to option in this edition of the cash-rich tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the one gap which KKR failed to fill is of having any leadership figure in the squad. After Gambhir&rsquo;s departure, KKR should have looked for a player who can help the side get stability during crucial stages.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dinesh Karthik current form is a positive development for the side but it will be interesting to see him perform the role of captain.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
Another loose area in the team is of having only 19 players in the squad, and with a long tournament in hand, a weak bench strength might cause troubles for them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even if one or two players pick up an injury, the side will find it hard to find replacements in the bench.</p>

<p>But overall, the side is strong on spin</p>

<p><strong>Retained:</strong><br />
Sunil Narine (12.5 cr)<br />
Andre Russell (8.5 cr)</p>

<p><strong>Purchased:</strong><br />
Mitchell Starc (9.4 cr), Chris Lynn (9.6 cr), Dinesh Karthik (7.4 cr), Robin Uthappa (6.4 cr), Piyush Chawla (4.2 cr), Kuldeep Yadav (5.8 cr), Shubman Gill (1.8 cr), Ishank Jaggi (20 L), Kamlesh Nagarkotti (3.2 cr), Nitish Rana (3.4 cr), Vinay Kumar (1 cr), Apoorv Wankhade (20 L), Rinku Singh (80 L), Shivam Mavi (3 cr), Mitchell Johnson (2 cr), Javon Searles (30 L), Cameron Delport (30 L)</p>

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<p>Born in Barbados, he has to complete seven-year residency period to debut for England cricket team (WION,Twitter)</p>
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His splendid knock in recently concluded Nidahas Trophy ended all the speculations

Several eyebrows were raised from different quarters when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) announced Dinesh Karthik as its new skipper, replacing Gautam Gambhir, for the XIth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). However, his splendid knock in recently concluded Nidahas Trophy, which took India to an impossible victory, has ended all the speculations being raised on his batting ability. His brilliant cameo of 29 runs off just 8 balls stole all the limelight as he hit a last-ball six to power India to a four-wicket win. But in IPL, it will be Karthik's consistency to score runs and cricketing experience which KKR will be counting on. The two-time champions will be entering the upcoming edition with lightest squad of only 19 players making their way into the franchise. Also read: IPL 2018: Squad analysis of Rajasthan Royals, the prodigal son returns Hence, it would be fascinating to see how KKR performs under Karthik's leadership. During the IPL auctions, Kolkata invested a lot on young uncapped talent, with India U-19 stars Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi making their way to the team. Nagarkoti and Mavi impressed with their speeds in the ongoing U-19 World Cup and were bought by KKR for Rs 3.6 crore and Rs 3 crore respectively. Apart from the two speedsters, KKR also bought U-19 top-order batsman Shubman Gill who scored three fifties in four matches at the U-19 World Cup. The franchise spent Rs 1.8 crore to buy his services for the upcoming season. Also read: IPL 2018: Squad analysis of MS Dhoni's 'Yellow Brigade' However, the strength in the squad, once again, lies in the spin bowling department. The franchise retained West Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine, who became one of the key figures in the Gambhir era. With an uncanny ability to take wickets in crucial moments, Narine is surely one player on which the team can reply on. After Narine, KKR also retained Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep Yadav via Right-to-Match which will further add to their spin bowling arsenal. Another smart buy of KKR was batsman Chris Lynn. The Australian explosive was bought for Rs 9.6 crore and he can be a one-man army for the side. Jamaican first-class cricketer Andre Russell will also remain Karthik’s go-to option in this edition of the cash-rich tournament. Meanwhile, the one gap which KKR failed to fill is of having any leadership figure in the squad. After Gambhir’s departure, KKR should have looked for a player who can help the side get stability during crucial stages. Dinesh Karthik current form is a positive development for the side but it will be interesting to see him perform the role of captain. Another loose area in the team is of having only 19 players in the squad, and with a long tournament in hand, a weak bench strength might cause troubles for them. Even if one or two players pick up an injury, the side will find it hard to find replacements in the bench. But overall, the side is strong on spin Retained: Sunil Narine (12.5 cr) Andre Russell (8.5 cr) Purchased: Mitchell Starc (9.4 cr), Chris Lynn (9.6 cr), Dinesh Karthik (7.4 cr), Robin Uthappa (6.4 cr), Piyush Chawla (4.2 cr), Kuldeep Yadav (5.8 cr), Shubman Gill (1.8 cr), Ishank Jaggi (20 L), Kamlesh Nagarkotti (3.2 cr), Nitish Rana (3.4 cr), Vinay Kumar (1 cr), Apoorv Wankhade (20 L), Rinku Singh (80 L), Shivam Mavi (3 cr), Mitchell Johnson (2 cr), Javon Searles (30 L), Cameron Delport (30 L) Born in Barbados, he has to complete seven-year residency period to debut for England cricket team (WION,Twitter) ×

IPL 2018: Squad analysis of KKR — 'Karthik's Knight Riders'

<p>New Zealand judicial commissioner Michael Heron has declared Kagiso Rabada as not guilty of level two offence, though, was imposed with&nbsp;a sanction of a fine of 25% of his match fee and will receive one demerit point.</p>

<p>Kagiso Rabada had faced a level two charge by the match referee Jeff Crowe in the second match due to the incident when Rabada made a shoulder contact with Australian skipper Steve Smith after sending him off.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKING: Rabada cleared to play next <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvAUS</a> Test!<br />
<br />
However, he still gets a fine and one demerit point.<br />
<br />
➡️ <a href="https://t.co/Doji6J7CFl">https://t.co/Doji6J7CFl</a> <a href="https://t.co/CLUrqTmcmo">pic.twitter.com/CLUrqTmcmo</a></p>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/976001995940114432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: &quot;The ICC wholly accepts today&rsquo;s decision and I would like to thank Mr. Heron for overseeing the hearing in a short time frame before the next Test starts in South Africa.</p>

<p>Rabada contested the ban saying that the incident was accidental and had appealed against the ban. The appeal was heard by New Zealand judicial commissioner Michael Heron by teleconference on Monday in which he was found &quot;not guilty&quot; but he still he still gets a fine and one demerit point.</p>

<p>The South African management was confident and had already put Rabada&#39;s name in the 17-man squad for the test that starts at Newlands on Thursday at St George&#39;s Park, Port Elizabeth.</p>

<p><strong>South African squad:</strong></p>

<p>Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen (wkt), Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Vernon Philander and <strong>Kagiso Rabada.</strong></p>


South African was confident and had already put Rabada's name in the 17-man squad for the test that starts at Newlands on Thursday

New Zealand judicial commissioner Michael Heron has declared Kagiso Rabada as not guilty of level two offence, though, was imposed with a sanction of a fine of 25% of his match fee and will receive one demerit point. Kagiso Rabada had faced a level two charge by the match referee Jeff Crowe in the second match due to the incident when Rabada made a shoulder contact with Australian skipper Steve Smith after sending him off. BREAKING: Rabada cleared to play next #SAvAUS Test! However, he still gets a fine and one demerit point. ➡️ https://t.co/Doji6J7CFl pic.twitter.com/CLUrqTmcmo — ICC (@ICC) March 20, 2018 × ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: "The ICC wholly accepts today’s decision and I would like to thank Mr. Heron for overseeing the hearing in a short time frame before the next Test starts in South Africa. Rabada contested the ban saying that the incident was accidental and had appealed against the ban. The appeal was heard by New Zealand judicial commissioner Michael Heron by teleconference on Monday in which he was found "not guilty" but he still he still gets a fine and one demerit point. The South African management was confident and had already put Rabada's name in the 17-man squad for the test that starts at Newlands on Thursday at St George's Park, Port Elizabeth. South African squad: Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen (wkt), Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada.

Kagiso Rabada 'not guilty' of level 2 offence, available for next match

<p>New Zealand power hitter Martin Guptill might get another chance to play in the first Test match against England this week if Ross Taylor remains unfit.</p>

<p>Martin Guptill has a remarkable record when it comes limited over format, especially One-Day Internationals (ODIs), averaging 42.99 but his Test records are comparatively poor.</p>

<p>He has yet to prove himself in the longer format, where his figures drop to 29.38.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Martin Guptill has been added to the BLACKCAPS Test side to round out the squad of 13 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvENG</a> - <a href="https://t.co/fOpCHU3YDV">https://t.co/fOpCHU3YDV</a> <a href="https://t.co/DqyA5d6Bgb">pic.twitter.com/DqyA5d6Bgb</a></p>
&mdash; BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/975643290912477184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>New Zealand coach Mike Hesson Radio Sport, &quot;Martin&#39;s made a shift to the middle order.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;He hasn&#39;t had a lot of opportunity there, but with his ability to cover all positions it&#39;s nice to have him back.&quot;</p>

<p>The opening Test of the two-match series, which starts Thursday, is a day-night fixture at Eden Park, the first pink-ball Test ever staged in New Zealand.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Martin Guptill might get another chance to play the first Test match against England this week if Ross Taylor remains unfit

New Zealand power hitter Martin Guptill might get another chance to play in the first Test match against England this week if Ross Taylor remains unfit. Martin Guptill has a remarkable record when it comes limited over format, especially One-Day Internationals (ODIs), averaging 42.99 but his Test records are comparatively poor. He has yet to prove himself in the longer format, where his figures drop to 29.38. Martin Guptill has been added to the BLACKCAPS Test side to round out the squad of 13 #NZvENG - https://t.co/fOpCHU3YDV pic.twitter.com/DqyA5d6Bgb — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 19, 2018 × New Zealand coach Mike Hesson Radio Sport, "Martin's made a shift to the middle order." "He hasn't had a lot of opportunity there, but with his ability to cover all positions it's nice to have him back." The opening Test of the two-match series, which starts Thursday, is a day-night fixture at Eden Park, the first pink-ball Test ever staged in New Zealand.

New Zealand put Martin Guptill on standby for England Test

<p>59-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova recently&nbsp;revealed that she was paid at least 10-times less than her fellow Wimbledon pundit John McEnroe by BBC for their broadcasting roles at Wimbledon.</p>

<p>She accused the British broadcaster when they published the salaries of their highest-paid stars last July, in brackets of &pound;50,000.</p>

<p>After analysing the salary brackets, she realised that her fellow presenter McEnroe&#39;s pay packet was between &pound;150,000 and &pound;199,999 which was comparatively more than her.</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s shocking,&quot; Navratilova told the BBC&#39;s Panorama programme.</p>

<p>She also added, &quot;It&#39;s still the good old boys network.... The bottom line is that male voices are valued more than women&#39;s voices.&quot;</p>

<p>Navratilova said her agent will ask for more money in future to work for the BBC.</p>

<p>McEnroe responded to the controversy saying, &quot;Well, you know, to me, I&#39;m just hearing about it. I believe that the BBC has responded in a way that I believe is appropriate.&quot;</p>

<p>On the other hand, BBC defended itself and said McEnroe&#39;s contract is &quot;entirely different&quot; to Navratilova&#39;s and the two are not comparable.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Navratilova accused the British broadcaster when she realised that fellow presenter McEnroe's pay packet was 10-times more than her

59-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova recently revealed that she was paid at least 10-times less than her fellow Wimbledon pundit John McEnroe by BBC for their broadcasting roles at Wimbledon. She accused the British broadcaster when they published the salaries of their highest-paid stars last July, in brackets of £50,000. After analysing the salary brackets, she realised that her fellow presenter McEnroe's pay packet was between £150,000 and £199,999 which was comparatively more than her. "It's shocking," Navratilova told the BBC's Panorama programme. She also added, "It's still the good old boys network.... The bottom line is that male voices are valued more than women's voices." Navratilova said her agent will ask for more money in future to work for the BBC. McEnroe responded to the controversy saying, "Well, you know, to me, I'm just hearing about it. I believe that the BBC has responded in a way that I believe is appropriate." On the other hand, BBC defended itself and said McEnroe's contract is "entirely different" to Navratilova's and the two are not comparable.

Tennis great Martina Navratilova 'unhappy' with BBC's pay disparity

<p>FC Barcelona coach, Ernesto Valverde hailed Lionel Messi as Barca moved 11 points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-messi-magic-prevails-as-barcelona-beat-athletic-bilbao-36302">beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0</a> at home.</p>

<p>In a recent media interaction, Valverde said, &quot;What I&#39;m expecting is that he (Messi) will teach me things because every single day he discovers something new, something different.&quot;</p>

<p>He also added, &quot;He is very conscious of what he has to do and the team&#39;s needs. On so many occasions here in Barcelona the managers learn from the players to be able to teach them back. It&#39;s a two-way road.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? Coach Ernesto Valverde and his players reflect on win that puts them 11 points clear in <a href="https://twitter.com/LaLiga?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaLiga</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aAthletic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bar&ccedil;aAthletic</a> <a href="https://t.co/LkkD6S7jNj">https://t.co/LkkD6S7jNj</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/975560024020930560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Argentine scored for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-messi-magic-prevails-as-barcelona-beat-athletic-bilbao-36302">the sixth game</a> in a row in all competitions and for the 25th time in this league campaign.</p>

<p>Barcelona maintained their unbeaten La Liga record this season having nine league games remaining.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">???? <a href="https://twitter.com/LaLiga?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaLiga</a><br />
???????? <a href="https://t.co/tXlafQ7Sw7">pic.twitter.com/tXlafQ7Sw7</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/975493321509474304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


In a recent media interaction, Valverde said, "What I'm expecting is that he (Messi) will teach me things because every single day he discovers something new, something different"

FC Barcelona coach, Ernesto Valverde hailed Lionel Messi as Barca moved 11 points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday after beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at home. In a recent media interaction, Valverde said, "What I'm expecting is that he (Messi) will teach me things because every single day he discovers something new, something different." He also added, "He is very conscious of what he has to do and the team's needs. On so many occasions here in Barcelona the managers learn from the players to be able to teach them back. It's a two-way road." ???? Coach Ernesto Valverde and his players reflect on win that puts them 11 points clear in @LaLiga #BarçaAthletic https://t.co/LkkD6S7jNj — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 19, 2018 × The Argentine scored for the sixth game in a row in all competitions and for the 25th time in this league campaign. Barcelona maintained their unbeaten La Liga record this season having nine league games remaining. ???? @LaLiga ???????? pic.twitter.com/tXlafQ7Sw7 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 18, 2018 ×

I am expecting Messi will teach me things: Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde

<p>The acting president of&nbsp;The Board of Control for Cricket in India C K Khanna hailed the &#39;strength of domestic&nbsp;cricket&#39; for India&#39;s spectacular victory in the finals of Nidahas T20 tri-series against Bangladesh at the R&nbsp;Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.</p>

<p>He said,&nbsp;&quot;What an amazing win. Shows the strength of our good domestic cricket. I congratulate everyone for this victory as it shows the hardwork done by every individual involved in BCCI.&quot;</p>

<p>He appreciated <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/nidahas-final-hero-karthik-has-played-only-19-t20-games-in-11-years-36317">Dinesh Karthik</a> for his efforts in the death overs that helped the team in achieving the set target of 166 runs, he said, &quot;Dinesh Karthik played very well under pressure.&quot;</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-india-bangladesh-nidahas-trophy-tri-series-final-t20-rohit-sharma-shakib-al-hasan-yuzvendra-chahal-shikhar-dhawan-score-updates-36273">Read the match report.</a></strong></p>

<p>After Manish Pandey&#39;s wicket, India needed 34 runs with 2 overs remaining, it was looking next to impossible to win from there but then <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/nidahas-final-hero-karthik-has-played-only-19-t20-games-in-11-years-36317">Dinesh Karthik</a> came in and outplayed Bangladeshi bowlers.</p>

<p>Dinesh Karthik, the hero of Nidahas Trophy finale, has played only <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/nidahas-final-hero-karthik-has-played-only-19-t20-games-in-11-years-36317">19 T20 games in 11 years</a>, blasted 29 runs off just 8 balls. For his splendid innings, he was honoured with the &#39;Man of the Match&#39; award.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What an amazing win. Shows the strength of our good domestic cricket. I congratulate everyone for this victory as it shows the hardwork done by every individual involved in BCCI. Dinesh Karthik played very well under pressure: CK Khanna, BCCI Acting President(File Pic) <a href="https://t.co/McG5iSJCXl">pic.twitter.com/McG5iSJCXl</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975427202287374337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The regular skipper&nbsp;of India,&nbsp;Virat Kohli, also tweeted to share his regards.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What a game of cricket last night, Complete team performance! Big up boys!!! ????????Well done DK <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DineshKarthik</a> ????<a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NidahasTrophy2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NidahasTrophy2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsBAN</a></p>
&mdash; Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/975571929766641664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Indian cricket coach Ravi Shastri also admired wicket-keeper batsmen <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/nidahas-final-hero-karthik-has-played-only-19-t20-games-in-11-years-36317">Dinesh Karthik</a> for his marvellous&nbsp;knock.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">No game is over till the fat lady sings. DK, you beauty! <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DineshKarthik</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NidahasTrophy2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NidahasTrophy2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> ???????? ???? <a href="https://t.co/yKHMaIfc7p">pic.twitter.com/yKHMaIfc7p</a></p>
&mdash; Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaviShastriOfc/status/975432577111744513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


'What an amazing win. Shows the strength of our good domestic cricket. I congratulate everyone for this victory as it shows the hardwork done by every individual involved in BCCI,' says Khanna

The acting president of The Board of Control for Cricket in India C K Khanna hailed the 'strength of domestic cricket' for India's spectacular victory in the finals of Nidahas T20 tri-series against Bangladesh at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. He said, "What an amazing win. Shows the strength of our good domestic cricket. I congratulate everyone for this victory as it shows the hardwork done by every individual involved in BCCI." He appreciated Dinesh Karthik for his efforts in the death overs that helped the team in achieving the set target of 166 runs, he said, "Dinesh Karthik played very well under pressure." Read the match report. After Manish Pandey's wicket, India needed 34 runs with 2 overs remaining, it was looking next to impossible to win from there but then Dinesh Karthik came in and outplayed Bangladeshi bowlers. Dinesh Karthik, the hero of Nidahas Trophy finale, has played only 19 T20 games in 11 years, blasted 29 runs off just 8 balls. For his splendid innings, he was honoured with the 'Man of the Match' award. What an amazing win. Shows the strength of our good domestic cricket. I congratulate everyone for this victory as it shows the hardwork done by every individual involved in BCCI. Dinesh Karthik played very well under pressure: CK Khanna, BCCI Acting President(File Pic) pic.twitter.com/McG5iSJCXl — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 × The regular skipper of India, Virat Kohli, also tweeted to share his regards. What a game of cricket last night, Complete team performance! Big up boys!!! ????????Well done DK @DineshKarthik ????@BCCI #NidahasTrophy2018 #INDvsBAN — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) March 19, 2018 × Indian cricket coach Ravi Shastri also admired wicket-keeper batsmen Dinesh Karthik for his marvellous knock. No game is over till the fat lady sings. DK, you beauty! @DineshKarthik #INDvBAN #NidahasTrophy2018 #TeamIndia ???????? ???? pic.twitter.com/yKHMaIfc7p — Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) March 18, 2018 ×

India's victory shows 'strength of domestic cricket': BCCI Acting President

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo continued his scorching scoring run by bagging four goals in&nbsp;Real&nbsp;Madrid&#39;s hugely entertaining 6-3 La Liga win over Girona on Sunday.</p>

<p>Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a deadly first-time finish but former Middlesbrough forward Cristhian Stuani headed home from a corner to draw the Catalans level in the 29th minute.</p>

<p>The Portuguese restored his side&#39;s lead at the start of the second half by racing on to a through ball from Karim Benzema and hammering it in off the crossbar. He then laid on a pass for Lucas Vazquez to score&nbsp;Real&#39;s third.</p>

<p>Ronaldo gobbled up a rebounded shot from Benzema to complete his hat-trick in the 64th and make it 4-1, while substitute Gareth Bale added a fifth in the 86th after Stuani had struck again down the other end.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">???? &iexcl;<a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cristiano</a> est&aacute; &#39;on fire&#39;!<br />
⚽ 11&#39;<br />
⚽ 47&#39;<br />
⚽ 64&#39;<br />
⚽ 90&#39;+1&#39;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RMLiga?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RMLiga</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HalaMadrid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HalaMadrid</a> <a href="https://t.co/RgpasRR4Zb">pic.twitter.com/RgpasRR4Zb</a></p>
&mdash; Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadrid/status/975492575464390656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Girona&#39;s Juanpe then made it 5-3, only for Ronaldo to roar back in injury time and score his fourth goal of the game, his 17th in his last eight appearances in all competitions.</p>

<p>Ronaldo has now netted 22 times in the league this season, trailing Barcelona&#39;s Lionel Messi by just three goals.</p>

<p>&quot;Cristiano is very important to us, he transmits an incredible amount of energy for the team,&quot;&nbsp;RealMadrid&nbsp;coach Zinedine Zidane told reporters.</p>

<p>&quot;Cristiano is three goals from Messi and I hope he can become the top scorer because it&#39;s very important to him. When Cristiano plays well the team plays well.</p>

<p>&quot;Cristiano&#39;s ambition is tremendous. But I also want to highlight the work of his team mates, who help him a lot. We scored some spectacular goals today which was down to the whole team.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">6⃣⚽ &iexcl;Gran noche en el Bernab&eacute;u! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RMLiga?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RMLiga</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HalaMadrid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HalaMadrid</a> <a href="https://t.co/8aATyDZB8X">pic.twitter.com/8aATyDZB8X</a></p>
&mdash; Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadrid/status/975490555982598145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Ronaldo&#39;s goal rush helped him to leapfrog Luis Suarez into second place on the Liga&#39;s top scorer&#39;s list, with the Barca forward missing his side&#39;s 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday due to suspension.</p>

<p>Real&nbsp;are third in the Liga standings on 60 points, 15 behind runaway leaders Barcelona and four adrift of second-placed Atletico, who were beaten 2-1 at Villarreal&nbsp;on Sunday.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Cristiano Ronaldo continued his scorching scoring run by bagging four goals in Real Madrid's hugely entertaining 6-3 La Liga win over Girona on Sunday

Cristiano Ronaldo continued his scorching scoring run by bagging four goals in Real Madrid's hugely entertaining 6-3 La Liga win over Girona on Sunday. Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a deadly first-time finish but former Middlesbrough forward Cristhian Stuani headed home from a corner to draw the Catalans level in the 29th minute. The Portuguese restored his side's lead at the start of the second half by racing on to a through ball from Karim Benzema and hammering it in off the crossbar. He then laid on a pass for Lucas Vazquez to score Real's third. Ronaldo gobbled up a rebounded shot from Benzema to complete his hat-trick in the 64th and make it 4-1, while substitute Gareth Bale added a fifth in the 86th after Stuani had struck again down the other end. ???? ¡@Cristiano está 'on fire'! ⚽ 11' ⚽ 47' ⚽ 64' ⚽ 90'+1'#RMLiga | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/RgpasRR4Zb — Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) March 18, 2018 × Girona's Juanpe then made it 5-3, only for Ronaldo to roar back in injury time and score his fourth goal of the game, his 17th in his last eight appearances in all competitions. Ronaldo has now netted 22 times in the league this season, trailing Barcelona's Lionel Messi by just three goals. "Cristiano is very important to us, he transmits an incredible amount of energy for the team," RealMadrid coach Zinedine Zidane told reporters. "Cristiano is three goals from Messi and I hope he can become the top scorer because it's very important to him. When Cristiano plays well the team plays well. "Cristiano's ambition is tremendous. But I also want to highlight the work of his team mates, who help him a lot. We scored some spectacular goals today which was down to the whole team." 6⃣⚽ ¡Gran noche en el Bernabéu! #RMLiga | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/8aATyDZB8X — Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) March 18, 2018 × Ronaldo's goal rush helped him to leapfrog Luis Suarez into second place on the Liga's top scorer's list, with the Barca forward missing his side's 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday due to suspension. Real are third in the Liga standings on 60 points, 15 behind runaway leaders Barcelona and four adrift of second-placed Atletico, who were beaten 2-1 at Villarreal on Sunday.

La Liga: Ronaldo hits four as Real Madrid beat Girona

Weekly compilation of sports and other related news (March 12 to March 18)

WION'S PICK OF THE WEEK IPL 2018: Squad analysis of MS Dhoni's 'Yellow Brigade' IPL 2018: Squad analysis of Rajasthan Royals, the prodigal son returns Indian Premier League is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining forms of T20 format. Since its inception, many records have been set by players. Here's the list of seven players with the highest strike rates in IPL so far (WION) × Opinion: Indian football rising from the grassroots Opinion: Why Djokovic is right to say tennis players need a union 2018 IPL anthem: 'Ye khel hai sher jawano ka albelo ka mastano ka...' How are Egyptian football fanatics paying tribute to their favourite footballer? Watch this video to find out more ???? @mosalah22 #Egypt #egyptians #egyptian #fan #liverpool #football #footballer #hairstyles #hairstyling #hairart #footballnews #footballfans #liverpoolfc #liverpoolfans #uefa #ucl #championsleague #tribute #worldcup #fifa #fifa18 #mohamedsalah #arabic #portrait #hairstyler #footballfan #footballfans #news #wion A post shared by WION (@wionews) on Mar 16, 2018 at 10:27am PDT × Cricket Nidahas Trophy: India win nail-biting thriller as Dinesh Karthik hits match-winning six Dinesh Karthik has played only 19 T20 games in 11 years Funny Twitter reactions to Bangladesh 'Nagin' dance celebration Amit Shah, Amitabh Bachchan compliment Dinesh Karthik's match-winning knock Indian fans reacted to the famous 'Nagin dance' of Bangladeshi players when 'Men in Blue' won the #NidahasTrophyT20 https://t.co/2Dt8cwEdZl — WION (@WIONews) March 19, 2018 × IPL 2018: KKR's Sunil Narine reported for illegal action in Pakistan Super League Nepal becomes ODI nation for first time in history IPL 2018: CSK's Mitchell Santner ruled out of the tournament due to knee injury In Pictures: Seven #cricket players with the highest strike rates in #IPL so far. @IPL https://t.co/c536Lp0cLG — WION (@WIONews) March 18, 2018 × Bangladesh wants to create own 'brand' in T20s: Mahmudullah Despite ban, Kagiso Rabada named in South Africa's squad against Australia Kevin Pietersen confirms retirement in heartfelt Instagram post Someone just tweeted me to tell me that I scored 30000+ runs including 152 fifty’s & 68 hundreds in my pro career. 4 Ashes wins. Home & away! T20 WC win. Beaten India in India. Home & away 100’s in all major Test nations apart from Bangladesh. All dedicated to my family who have just been the most unreal supporters through thick & thin! I’m super proud of everything! Thank you for all the quite lovely msgs! I loved entertaining you all! Ciao, cricket! I love this game! A post shared by Kevin Pietersen (@kp24) on Mar 17, 2018 at 4:25am PDT × Football Champions League quarterfinals: Liverpool to face City, Juventus to take on Real Madrid The official result of the #UCLdraw. Predict the final... ???? pic.twitter.com/YAlLd1tWJK — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 16, 2018 × FA Cup: Pedro keeps Chelsea in the hunt for FA Cup glory Mourinho favourites Lukaku, Matic send Manchester United into FA Cup semi-finals FIFA lifts three-decade ban on Iraq hosting international matches FIFA to give VAR green light at World Cup A representative image which shows a panel of assistant referees reviewing actions. (Twitter) × Neymar Jr pays tribute to Hawking, gets trolled Brazilian striker #Neymar Jr has been trolled for his "insensitive" tribute to late #StephenHawkinghttps://t.co/QZDaJWWWmD — WION (@WIONews) March 15, 2018 × Watch: Throwback to Lionel Messi's first goal in Champions League Lionel Messi completed a century of goals in 123 appearances. (AFP) × Champions League: Messi strikes twice as Barcelona crush Chelsea British Police probe Jamie Carragher spitting incident Champions League: Superb Dzeko goal sends Roma into quarter-finals Champions League: Sevilla create history, boot out Manchester United Arsenal completed a 5-1 aggregate victory on Thursday (March 15) over seven-times European champions AC Milan, winning 3-1 on the night in north London after the Italians had scored first. (Reuters) × Michael Carrick to retire at end of the season Sergio Aguero named in Argentina squad despite injury Tennis Tommy Haas announces retirement from tennis Naomi Osaka ousts Simona Halep to enter finals of Indian Wells Naomi Osaka has set up a title clash with rising star Daria Kasatkina. (AFP) × Del Potro stuns Roger Federer to win Indian Wells title Mohammed Shami Controversy Mohammed Shami marital controversy: Who is Hasin Jahan? Not investigating cricketer Mohammed Shami for match-fixing: CoA #MohammadShami being a well-known cricket personality, is quite popular but very few people know about #HasinJahanhttps://t.co/KF4jtmPXTb — WION (@WIONews) March 14, 2018 × Cricket has no link with my 'marital dispute': Mohammed Shami Others Two South Korean skiers banned for life for sexual abuse Golf: Paul Casey defeats Tiger Woods to win Valspar Championship Paul Casey posing with the trophy. (AFP) × Rahul Dravid duped of Rs 4 crore by ponzi firm, files complaint I will come back stronger: PV Sindhu

WION Sports News: Top sports results this week

<p>Dinesh Karthik who emerged as a hero and inspired a mesmerising victory in the finals of Nidahas Trophy T20 tri-series was playing the 19th T20 match of his career at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.</p>

<p>He had begun playing for India before MS Dhoni and has worked really hard to mark a comeback in the team.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dinesh Karthik made his debut before Dhoni. But he is still only 32 and batting better than ever before. Could well be a wonderful second wind for him if he can keep his form from the last 2 years</p>
&mdash; Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/975420809551335425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>32-year-old Karthik is all set to display his captaincy skills in the 11the edition of Indian Premier League as he will lead Kolkata squad.</p>

<p>He was purchased by Kolkata Knight Riders during the auction for an amount of INR 7.4 Cr.</p>

<p>In the final match of T20 tri-series, Dinesh played at a strike rate of 362.50 and scored 29 crucial runs in just 8 balls&nbsp;and finished the nail-biting match by hitting six runs on the last ball.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Watch the last ball six from Dinesh Karthik in HD | <a href="https://t.co/Rq3fEZ9hJ0">https://t.co/Rq3fEZ9hJ0</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dineshkarthik?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dineshkarthik</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indiavsbangladesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indiavsbangladesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/kVqQiulQKn">pic.twitter.com/kVqQiulQKn</a></p>
&mdash; twdownload (@twdownload) <a href="https://twitter.com/twdownload/status/975450234116550662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>At a moment when Manish Pandey lost his wicket and India needed 34 runs with 2 overs remaining, it was looking next to impossible to win from there but Dinesh Karthik came in and outplayed Bangladeshi bowlers.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/funny-twitter-reactions-to-bangladesh-nagin-dance-celebration-36290">See Funny Twitter reactions to Bangladesh &#39;Nagin&#39; dance celebration</a></strong></p>

<p>For this splendid inning, he was honoured with the man of the match award.</p>

<p>With such brilliant performance under pressure, he definitely deserves to be in the playing XI of India team.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What a great knock by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DineshKartik?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DineshKartik</a> ..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TakeaBow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TakeaBow</a> ..made <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indiavsbangladesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indiavsbangladesh</a> nail biting death over match ..???? <a href="https://t.co/FQbsYSDplU">pic.twitter.com/FQbsYSDplU</a></p>
&mdash; Jaswanth chowdary (@Jaswanth1001) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaswanth1001/status/975582572469202944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


32-year-old Karthik is all set to display his captaincy skills in the 11the edition of Indian Premier League as he will lead the Kolkata squad

Dinesh Karthik who emerged as a hero and inspired a mesmerising victory in the finals of Nidahas Trophy T20 tri-series was playing the 19th T20 match of his career at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. He had begun playing for India before MS Dhoni and has worked really hard to mark a comeback in the team. Dinesh Karthik made his debut before Dhoni. But he is still only 32 and batting better than ever before. Could well be a wonderful second wind for him if he can keep his form from the last 2 years — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 18, 2018 × 32-year-old Karthik is all set to display his captaincy skills in the 11the edition of Indian Premier League as he will lead Kolkata squad. He was purchased by Kolkata Knight Riders during the auction for an amount of INR 7.4 Cr. In the final match of T20 tri-series, Dinesh played at a strike rate of 362.50 and scored 29 crucial runs in just 8 balls and finished the nail-biting match by hitting six runs on the last ball. Watch the last ball six from Dinesh Karthik in HD | https://t.co/Rq3fEZ9hJ0#dineshkarthik #INDvBAN #indiavsbangladesh pic.twitter.com/kVqQiulQKn — twdownload (@twdownload) March 18, 2018 × At a moment when Manish Pandey lost his wicket and India needed 34 runs with 2 overs remaining, it was looking next to impossible to win from there but Dinesh Karthik came in and outplayed Bangladeshi bowlers. See Funny Twitter reactions to Bangladesh 'Nagin' dance celebration For this splendid inning, he was honoured with the man of the match award. With such brilliant performance under pressure, he definitely deserves to be in the playing XI of India team. What a great knock by #DineshKartik ..#TakeaBow ..made #indiavsbangladesh nail biting death over match ..???? pic.twitter.com/FQbsYSDplU — Jaswanth chowdary (@Jaswanth1001) March 19, 2018 ×

Dinesh Karthik, hero of Nidahas Trophy finale, has played only 19 T20 games in 11 years

<p>Pedro Rodriguez came off the bench to keep Chelsea&#39;s chances of silverware this season alive with an extra-time winner in a 2-1 victory at Leicester on Sunday to reach the FA Cup semi-finals.</p>

<p>Alvaro Morata&#39;s first goal since Boxing Day on his return to the Chelsea starting line-up put the visitors on course to bounce back from their Champions League elimination at the hands of Barcelona in midweek.</p>

<p>However, Jamie Vardy&#39;s equaliser 15 minutes from time made them do it the hard way in an extra 30 minutes.</p>

<p>Yet, for all Antonio Conte&#39;s complaints this season about his side&#39;s strength in depth, the Italian was able to call on Pedro to turn the game in Chelsea&#39;s favour when he headed home former Leicester favourite N&#39;Golo Kante&#39;s cross.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We are on semi-finals! Great job, team!! Come on Blues!! / Estamos en semifinales!!! Gran trabajo, equipo! ???????????????????? <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Chelseafc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FACup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FACup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LEICHE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LEICHE</a> <a href="https://t.co/8rU9dJTl5K">pic.twitter.com/8rU9dJTl5K</a></p>
&mdash; Pedro Rodr&iacute;guez (@_Pedro17_) <a href="https://twitter.com/_Pedro17_/status/975450617543086080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>And Conte hailed his players&#39; physical and mental strength to shrug off their Champions League disappointment.</p>

<p>&quot;After a game like Barcelona game -- don&#39;t forget we spent a lot of energy -- to play 120 minutes tonight with this weather it wasn&#39;t easy,&quot; said Conte of his side&#39;s resolve in freezing conditions.</p>

<p>&quot;We showed a great desire, great will to fight, great will to reach the semi-finals and to go for the second time in a row to Wembley.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Happy for the win and the qualification!! There&#39;s only one way: work, work and more work!! Go Chelsea!! ????⚽️ <a href="https://t.co/Vfj0XiUpUM">pic.twitter.com/Vfj0XiUpUM</a></p>
&mdash; &Aacute;lvaro Morata (@AlvaroMorata) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlvaroMorata/status/975460688830353414?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Chelsea had lost three of their past four matches to fall behind in the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League as well as their European exit.</p>

<p>But they will fancy their chances of reaching the final for the second time in as many years under Conte after drawing Premier League strugglers Southampton in the last four.</p>

<p><strong>Morata ends drought</strong></p>

<p>Yet, the biggest plus of all for Conte going forward may be Morata&#39;s return to form after a torrid time in 2018 as both form and fitness have deserted Chelsea&#39;s &pound;70 million club record buy from Real Madrid.</p>

<p>Morata had a point to prove after being left out of the Spain squad on Friday just three months ahead of the World Cup.</p>

<p>And he looked keen to make the most of just his second start since the sides last met in a 0-0 draw in early January.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hard cup fight over 120 minutes ???????????? In the end we&#39;re through to the semi finals ???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hustle?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hustle</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wembleycalling?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wembleycalling</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlwaysBelieve?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AlwaysBelieve</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FACup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FACup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChelseaFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/GDt5VS8bhc">pic.twitter.com/GDt5VS8bhc</a></p>
&mdash; Antonio R&uuml;diger (@ToniRuediger) <a href="https://twitter.com/ToniRuediger/status/975462680726327297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;For sure, for the striker is very important to score,&quot; said Conte.</p>

<p>&quot;I think for Alvaro was very important to score, but at the same time I am very pleased for his performance.</p>

<p>&quot;He showed great character, he showed to be strong. I think this goal will be very important for the future for us.&quot;</p>

<p>Morata had stung the palms of Kasper Schmeichel from the edge of the box and hit the outside of the post from the narrowest of angles before putting Chelsea in front three minutes before half-time.</p>

<p>Much of the credit must go to Willian, though, who surged through the heart of the Leicester midfield on the counter-attack before feeding the Spaniard.</p>

<p>And Morata coolly clipped the ball beyond the advancing Schmeichel with an assuredness unbefitting of a striker who had gone 13 games without a goal.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wembley, here we come! Well done boys and thanks to our fans for the amazing support ???????????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LEICHE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LEICHE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChelseaFC</a><br />
<br />
Vamos a Wembley! Grande equipo y espectacular apoyo de nuestra afici&oacute;n ???????????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LEICHE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LEICHE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChelseaFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/pYJEPWjFTU">pic.twitter.com/pYJEPWjFTU</a></p>
&mdash; Marcos Alonso (@marcosalonso03) <a href="https://twitter.com/marcosalonso03/status/975476305683763200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The visitors were happy to take their chances on the counter-attack in the second period as they began to feel the after-effects of their run around at Barcelona in midweek.</p>

<p>Leicester&#39;s search for an equaliser was largely laboured and, even when a big chance did arise, Vardy headed wastefully over when completely unmarked inside the area.</p>

<p>However, the England international made amends 15 minutes from time when he forced the ball home at the third attempt after Vicente Iborra&#39;s first two efforts were blocked and then saved by Willy Caballero.</p>

<p>&quot;I&#39;m a bit upset at the moment because I think we deserved another result,&quot; said Leicester manager Claude Puel.</p>

<p>&quot;They found a good clinical edge. Morata&#39;s goal was the only chance of the first half. It was harsh to concede just before half-time, but we came back with more calm and more quality.&quot;</p>

<p>Crucially, though, Conte was able to refresh his side as Pedro, Gary Cahill and Olivier Giroud were all introduced in the first half of extra time.</p>

<p>And it was Pedro who proved the match-winner in unfamiliar fashion as he rose to outjump Schmeichel and nod into an unguarded net.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Pedro Rodriguez came off the bench to keep Chelsea's chances of silverware this season alive with an extra-time winner in a 2-1 victory at Leicester

Pedro Rodriguez came off the bench to keep Chelsea's chances of silverware this season alive with an extra-time winner in a 2-1 victory at Leicester on Sunday to reach the FA Cup semi-finals. Alvaro Morata's first goal since Boxing Day on his return to the Chelsea starting line-up put the visitors on course to bounce back from their Champions League elimination at the hands of Barcelona in midweek. However, Jamie Vardy's equaliser 15 minutes from time made them do it the hard way in an extra 30 minutes. Yet, for all Antonio Conte's complaints this season about his side's strength in depth, the Italian was able to call on Pedro to turn the game in Chelsea's favour when he headed home former Leicester favourite N'Golo Kante's cross. We are on semi-finals! Great job, team!! Come on Blues!! / Estamos en semifinales!!! Gran trabajo, equipo! ???????????????????? @Chelseafc #CFC #FACup #LEICHE pic.twitter.com/8rU9dJTl5K — Pedro Rodríguez (@_Pedro17_) March 18, 2018 × And Conte hailed his players' physical and mental strength to shrug off their Champions League disappointment. "After a game like Barcelona game -- don't forget we spent a lot of energy -- to play 120 minutes tonight with this weather it wasn't easy," said Conte of his side's resolve in freezing conditions. "We showed a great desire, great will to fight, great will to reach the semi-finals and to go for the second time in a row to Wembley." Happy for the win and the qualification!! There's only one way: work, work and more work!! Go Chelsea!! ????⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Vfj0XiUpUM — Álvaro Morata (@AlvaroMorata) March 18, 2018 × Chelsea had lost three of their past four matches to fall behind in the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League as well as their European exit. But they will fancy their chances of reaching the final for the second time in as many years under Conte after drawing Premier League strugglers Southampton in the last four. Morata ends drought Yet, the biggest plus of all for Conte going forward may be Morata's return to form after a torrid time in 2018 as both form and fitness have deserted Chelsea's £70 million club record buy from Real Madrid. Morata had a point to prove after being left out of the Spain squad on Friday just three months ahead of the World Cup. And he looked keen to make the most of just his second start since the sides last met in a 0-0 draw in early January. Hard cup fight over 120 minutes ???????????? In the end we're through to the semi finals ???????? #Hustle #wembleycalling #AlwaysBelieve #FACup @ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/GDt5VS8bhc — Antonio Rüdiger (@ToniRuediger) March 18, 2018 × "For sure, for the striker is very important to score," said Conte. "I think for Alvaro was very important to score, but at the same time I am very pleased for his performance. "He showed great character, he showed to be strong. I think this goal will be very important for the future for us." Morata had stung the palms of Kasper Schmeichel from the edge of the box and hit the outside of the post from the narrowest of angles before putting Chelsea in front three minutes before half-time. Much of the credit must go to Willian, though, who surged through the heart of the Leicester midfield on the counter-attack before feeding the Spaniard. And Morata coolly clipped the ball beyond the advancing Schmeichel with an assuredness unbefitting of a striker who had gone 13 games without a goal. Wembley, here we come! Well done boys and thanks to our fans for the amazing support ???????????? #LEICHE @ChelseaFC Vamos a Wembley! Grande equipo y espectacular apoyo de nuestra afición ???????????? #LEICHE @ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/pYJEPWjFTU — Marcos Alonso (@marcosalonso03) March 18, 2018 × The visitors were happy to take their chances on the counter-attack in the second period as they began to feel the after-effects of their run around at Barcelona in midweek. Leicester's search for an equaliser was largely laboured and, even when a big chance did arise, Vardy headed wastefully over when completely unmarked inside the area. However, the England international made amends 15 minutes from time when he forced the ball home at the third attempt after Vicente Iborra's first two efforts were blocked and then saved by Willy Caballero. "I'm a bit upset at the moment because I think we deserved another result," said Leicester manager Claude Puel. "They found a good clinical edge. Morata's goal was the only chance of the first half. It was harsh to concede just before half-time, but we came back with more calm and more quality." Crucially, though, Conte was able to refresh his side as Pedro, Gary Cahill and Olivier Giroud were all introduced in the first half of extra time. And it was Pedro who proved the match-winner in unfamiliar fashion as he rose to outjump Schmeichel and nod into an unguarded net.

FA Cup: Pedro keeps Chelsea in the hunt for FA Cup glory

<p>Barcelona moved 11 points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday after beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at home with a goal from Paco Alcacer and a thumping strike from Lionel Messi in the first half.</p>

<p>Alcacer took the place of suspended striker Luis Suarez in the starting line-up and scored a first goal in three months to put Barca ahead in the eighth minute, side-footing home a pass from Jordi Alba after Messi had cut in from the left.</p>

<p>The Argentine scored for the sixth game in a row in all competitions and for the 25th time in this league campaign when he doubled Barca&#39;s lead in the 30th minute with a deadly strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ca">⏰ Final whistle!<br />
FC Barcelona 2-0 Athletic Club<br />
⚽ Alc&aacute;cer and Messi<br />
???????????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/For%C3%A7aBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#For&ccedil;aBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aAthletic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bar&ccedil;aAthletic</a> <a href="https://t.co/Chvqy0YjYW">pic.twitter.com/Chvqy0YjYW</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/975419594440691712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? Best photos from the win over Athletic ???? <a href="https://t.co/cvSLLTjxLu">https://t.co/cvSLLTjxLu</a> ???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aAthletic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bar&ccedil;aAthletic</a> <a href="https://t.co/ExI4sWte9z">pic.twitter.com/ExI4sWte9z</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/975451807064514560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Barca lead the standings on 75 points, 11 ahead of nearest challengers Atletico Madrid who were visiting Villarreal later on Sunday, with champions Real Madrid hosting Girona.</p>

<p>The Catalans were missing injured midfield linchpin Sergio Busquets as well as Suarez. However, they were rampant in the first half and could have taken a heavier lead into the break as Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho hit the woodwork twice and his compatriot Paulinho struck a post.</p>

<p>The unbeaten league leaders slowed down in the second half and Athletic came into the game for the first time but despite numerous forays into Barca&#39;s area they rarely got close to troubling goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">???? <a href="https://twitter.com/LaLiga?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaLiga</a><br />
???????? <a href="https://t.co/tXlafQ7Sw7">pic.twitter.com/tXlafQ7Sw7</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/975493321509474304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Barcelona moved 11 points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday after beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0

Barcelona moved 11 points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday after beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at home with a goal from Paco Alcacer and a thumping strike from Lionel Messi in the first half. Alcacer took the place of suspended striker Luis Suarez in the starting line-up and scored a first goal in three months to put Barca ahead in the eighth minute, side-footing home a pass from Jordi Alba after Messi had cut in from the left. The Argentine scored for the sixth game in a row in all competitions and for the 25th time in this league campaign when he doubled Barca's lead in the 30th minute with a deadly strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the area. ⏰ Final whistle! FC Barcelona 2-0 Athletic Club ⚽ Alcácer and Messi ???????????? #ForçaBarça #BarçaAthletic pic.twitter.com/Chvqy0YjYW — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 18, 2018 × ???? Best photos from the win over Athletic ???? https://t.co/cvSLLTjxLu ???????? #BarçaAthletic pic.twitter.com/ExI4sWte9z — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 18, 2018 × Barca lead the standings on 75 points, 11 ahead of nearest challengers Atletico Madrid who were visiting Villarreal later on Sunday, with champions Real Madrid hosting Girona. The Catalans were missing injured midfield linchpin Sergio Busquets as well as Suarez. However, they were rampant in the first half and could have taken a heavier lead into the break as Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho hit the woodwork twice and his compatriot Paulinho struck a post. The unbeaten league leaders slowed down in the second half and Athletic came into the game for the first time but despite numerous forays into Barca's area they rarely got close to troubling goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen. ???? @LaLiga ???????? pic.twitter.com/tXlafQ7Sw7 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 18, 2018 ×

La Liga: Messi magic prevails as Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao

<p>India defeated Bangladesh in the finals of Nidahas Trophy T20 tri-series at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.</p>

<p>All credit goes to wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik who blasted 29 off just 8 balls and finished the nail-biting match by hitting&nbsp;six runs on the last ball.</p>

<p>In the third match of the tournament, which &#39;the Tigers&#39; won by 5 wickets against Sri Lanka, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/amit-shah-amitabh-bachchan-compliment-dinesh-karthiks-match-winning-knock-36288">Bangladeshi</a> wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim found a new and unusual way of celebration.</p>

<p>He did the famous &#39;Nagin dance&#39; after hitting the winning runs, the dance which went on to become the signature move for Bangladeshi fans and followers.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/amit-shah-amitabh-bachchan-compliment-dinesh-karthiks-match-winning-knock-36288">Also read:&nbsp;Amit Shah, Amitabh Bachchan compliment Dinesh Karthik&#39;s match-winning knock</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">From Getting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aadhaar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aadhaar</a> To Learning The Nagin Dance, Bangladeshis Are Evolving To Be Indians. ????????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SLvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SLvBAN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BANvsSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BANvsSL</a> Mushfiqur Rahim <a href="https://t.co/GM3YA5W8sz">pic.twitter.com/GM3YA5W8sz</a></p>
&mdash; Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) <a href="https://twitter.com/SirJadeja/status/972554074892546048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>As Bangladesh failed to strategise the last overs properly and the jinx of not winning T20 match against India continues.</p>

<p>When it comes to India and cricket, Indian fans&nbsp;go extra miles to showcase their love as well as anger but India&#39;s performance in the T20 tri-series was brilliant.</p>

<p>Especially, Dinesh Karthik&#39;s magnificent knock in the final match was a massive reason to celebrate and display love for the team.</p>

<p>See how Indian&nbsp;fans <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/amit-shah-amitabh-bachchan-compliment-dinesh-karthiks-match-winning-knock-36288">reacted</a> to the famous &#39;Nagin dance&#39; of Bangladeshi players when &#39;Men in Blue&#39; clinched the&nbsp;Nidahas Trophy in the last ball&nbsp;thriller.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today dinesh karthik ???????????????? <a href="https://t.co/7ZR5yWeu83">pic.twitter.com/7ZR5yWeu83</a></p>
&mdash; சுந்தர் ???? (@ramsunder4) <a href="https://twitter.com/ramsunder4/status/975431638946430977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dinesh karthik to whole nation : <a href="https://t.co/zaFVqh9B3r">pic.twitter.com/zaFVqh9B3r</a></p>
&mdash; That Sarcastic Singh (@SardarManpreet5) <a href="https://twitter.com/SardarManpreet5/status/975424066302525440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dinesh Karthik after saving Vijay Shankar&#39;s career. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> <a href="https://t.co/cd5Uj87qjx">pic.twitter.com/cd5Uj87qjx</a></p>
&mdash; SAGAR (@sagarcasm) <a href="https://twitter.com/sagarcasm/status/975440913546686464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pic 1: What Indians think of Dinesh Karthik.<br />
<br />
Pic 2: What Bangladeshis think of Dinesh Karthik now<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> <a href="https://t.co/5WW7dVIIL7">pic.twitter.com/5WW7dVIIL7</a></p>
&mdash; Mathematician (@rajivv1390) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajivv1390/status/975420211347288064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How Dinesh Karthik played today...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DineshKarthik?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DineshKarthik</a> <a href="https://t.co/5YuJX77Zjw">pic.twitter.com/5YuJX77Zjw</a></p>
&mdash; IndiaGlitz - Tamil (@igtamil) <a href="https://twitter.com/igtamil/status/975420912961863680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Take a bow, Dinesh Karthik???????????? <a href="https://t.co/O9gy8NTH6P">pic.twitter.com/O9gy8NTH6P</a></p>
&mdash; All India Bakchod (@AllIndiaBakchod) <a href="https://twitter.com/AllIndiaBakchod/status/975422352702894080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sunil Gavaskar Doing Nagin Dance To Troll <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bangladesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bangladesh</a> Just Won Our Heart. ???????????????????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DineshKarthik?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DineshKarthik</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsBAN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BANvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BANvsIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NidahasTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NidahasTrophy</a> <a href="https://t.co/lOT0DRvJDc">pic.twitter.com/lOT0DRvJDc</a></p>
&mdash; Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) <a href="https://twitter.com/SirJadeja/status/975473338133897216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dinesh Karthik like a boss ???????????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> <a href="https://t.co/HMtOE8gWu1">pic.twitter.com/HMtOE8gWu1</a></p>
&mdash; Deepak (@deepuzoomout) <a href="https://twitter.com/deepuzoomout/status/975419409555628032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pic 1: Bangladesh fans before the match<br />
<br />
Pic 2: Bangladesh fans after the match<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dinesh_karthik?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dinesh_karthik</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karthik?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karthik</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DineshKarthik?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DineshKarthik</a> <a href="https://t.co/P1xakngkUz">pic.twitter.com/P1xakngkUz</a></p>
&mdash; Mast Malang ^_^ (@sanket_daksha) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanket_daksha/status/975420545578754048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is what Dinesh Karthik has done with Bangladesh<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DineshKarthik?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DineshKarthik</a> <a href="https://t.co/hjIB7Whiv4">pic.twitter.com/hjIB7Whiv4</a></p>
&mdash; Sorry (@RitikRai619) <a href="https://twitter.com/RitikRai619/status/975420802362327041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is how Dinesh Kartik came to Batting crease.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> <a href="https://t.co/x2iuwBNnLZ">pic.twitter.com/x2iuwBNnLZ</a></p>
&mdash; Dr. Dang (@Trozanmind) <a href="https://twitter.com/Trozanmind/status/975435800622940161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> Tiger Or Snake Is Temporary, Losing And Crying Is Permanent. ???????????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsBAN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NidahasTrophy2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NidahasTrophy2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NidahasTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NidahasTrophy</a> Nagin Dance<br />
Dinesh Karthik Team India <a href="https://t.co/Lj93Lq1oqQ">pic.twitter.com/Lj93Lq1oqQ</a></p>
&mdash; Pranay Prakash (@EncountersSam) <a href="https://twitter.com/EncountersSam/status/975446189163163649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NidahasTrophy2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NidahasTrophy2018</a><br />
Dinesh Karthik in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> match be like : <a href="https://t.co/galjyqCepg">pic.twitter.com/galjyqCepg</a></p>
&mdash; ⏩????ஜோக்கர்????⏩ (@sabariboss2194) <a href="https://twitter.com/sabariboss2194/status/975445597607018497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rubel hossain to Dinesh karthik <a href="https://t.co/MgHWJMQSiH">pic.twitter.com/MgHWJMQSiH</a></p>
&mdash; Miheer Parashare (@the_miheer) <a href="https://twitter.com/the_miheer/status/975422326765510657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Indian fans reacted to the famous 'Nagin dance' of Bangladeshi players when 'Men in Blue' clinched the Nidahas Trophy

India defeated Bangladesh in the finals of Nidahas Trophy T20 tri-series at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. All credit goes to wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik who blasted 29 off just 8 balls and finished the nail-biting match by hitting six runs on the last ball. In the third match of the tournament, which 'the Tigers' won by 5 wickets against Sri Lanka, Bangladeshi wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim found a new and unusual way of celebration. He did the famous 'Nagin dance' after hitting the winning runs, the dance which went on to become the signature move for Bangladeshi fans and followers. Also read: Amit Shah, Amitabh Bachchan compliment Dinesh Karthik's match-winning knock From Getting #Aadhaar To Learning The Nagin Dance, Bangladeshis Are Evolving To Be Indians. ????????#SLvBAN #BANvsSL Mushfiqur Rahim pic.twitter.com/GM3YA5W8sz — Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) March 10, 2018 × As Bangladesh failed to strategise the last overs properly and the jinx of not winning T20 match against India continues. When it comes to India and cricket, Indian fans go extra miles to showcase their love as well as anger but India's performance in the T20 tri-series was brilliant. Especially, Dinesh Karthik's magnificent knock in the final match was a massive reason to celebrate and display love for the team. See how Indian fans reacted to the famous 'Nagin dance' of Bangladeshi players when 'Men in Blue' clinched the Nidahas Trophy in the last ball thriller. Today dinesh karthik ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/7ZR5yWeu83 — சுந்தர் ???? (@ramsunder4) March 18, 2018 × Dinesh karthik to whole nation : pic.twitter.com/zaFVqh9B3r — That Sarcastic Singh (@SardarManpreet5) March 18, 2018 × Dinesh Karthik after saving Vijay Shankar's career. #INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/cd5Uj87qjx — SAGAR (@sagarcasm) March 18, 2018 × Pic 1: What Indians think of Dinesh Karthik. Pic 2: What Bangladeshis think of Dinesh Karthik now#INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/5WW7dVIIL7 — Mathematician (@rajivv1390) March 18, 2018 × How Dinesh Karthik played today...#INDvBAN #DK #DineshKarthik pic.twitter.com/5YuJX77Zjw — IndiaGlitz - Tamil (@igtamil) March 18, 2018 × Take a bow, Dinesh Karthik???????????? pic.twitter.com/O9gy8NTH6P — All India Bakchod (@AllIndiaBakchod) March 18, 2018 × Sunil Gavaskar Doing Nagin Dance To Troll #Bangladesh Just Won Our Heart. ???????????????????? #DineshKarthik #INDvBAN #INDvsBAN #BANvsIND #NidahasTrophy pic.twitter.com/lOT0DRvJDc — Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) March 18, 2018 × Dinesh Karthik like a boss ???????????? #INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/HMtOE8gWu1 — Deepak (@deepuzoomout) March 18, 2018 × Pic 1: Bangladesh fans before the match Pic 2: Bangladesh fans after the match#INDvBAN#Dinesh_karthik#Karthik#DineshKarthik pic.twitter.com/P1xakngkUz — Mast Malang ^_^ (@sanket_daksha) March 18, 2018 × This is what Dinesh Karthik has done with Bangladesh#INDvBAN #DineshKarthik pic.twitter.com/hjIB7Whiv4 — Sorry (@RitikRai619) March 18, 2018 × This is how Dinesh Kartik came to Batting crease.#INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/x2iuwBNnLZ — Dr. Dang (@Trozanmind) March 18, 2018 × #INDvBAN Tiger Or Snake Is Temporary, Losing And Crying Is Permanent. ???????????? #INDvsBAN #NidahasTrophy2018 #NidahasTrophy Nagin Dance Dinesh Karthik Team India pic.twitter.com/Lj93Lq1oqQ — Pranay Prakash (@EncountersSam) March 18, 2018 × #NidahasTrophy2018 Dinesh Karthik in #INDvBAN match be like : pic.twitter.com/galjyqCepg — ⏩????ஜோக்கர்????⏩ (@sabariboss2194) March 18, 2018 × Rubel hossain to Dinesh karthik pic.twitter.com/MgHWJMQSiH — Miheer Parashare (@the_miheer) March 18, 2018 ×

Funny Twitter reactions to Bangladesh 'Nagin' dance celebration

<p>Dinesh Karthik blasted 29 off just 8 balls and inspired team India to win the finals of Nidahas Trophy T20 tri-series at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.</p>

<p>He played at an average of 362.50 and was honoured with the man of the match award.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-india-bangladesh-nidahas-trophy-tri-series-final-t20-rohit-sharma-shakib-al-hasan-yuzvendra-chahal-shikhar-dhawan-score-updates-36273">Also read:&nbsp;India win nail-biting thriller as Dinesh Karthik hits match-winning six</a></strong></p>

<p>At a moment when Manish Pandey lost his wicket and India needed 34 runs with 2 overs remaining, it was looking next to impossible to win from there but Dinesh Karthik emerged as a champion and finished the nail-biting match by hitting a six on the last ball.</p>

<p>Bangladesh failed to strategise the last overs properly as the jinx of not winning T20 match against India continues.</p>

<p>See how Twitterati reacted to Dinesh magnificent innings.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What a thrilling game! Superb finish by Dinesh Kartik led to smashing victory&nbsp;against Bangladesh. Congratulations to the entire team for winning the&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NidahasTrophy2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NidahasTrophy2018</a>&nbsp;T20 tri-series final.</p>
&mdash; Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/975431701831630848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">T 2747 - INDIA WINS !! T20 in the TRI championship VS BanglaDesh .. what a thriller .. BD had us on the ropes .. and Dinesh Kartik, you beauty .. a brilliant knock .. 24 needed in last 2 overs .. 5 runs and 1 ball left and he hits a 6 ! INCREDIBLE ! CONGRATULATIONS !! <a href="https://t.co/je0WyaWzpe">pic.twitter.com/je0WyaWzpe</a></p>
&mdash; Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) <a href="https://twitter.com/SrBachchan/status/975433887261184005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Amazing victory by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>. Superb batting by <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DineshKarthik</a>. A great knock by <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImRo45</a> to set the platform.<br />
<br />
What a finish to a final!!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NidahasTrophy2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NidahasTrophy2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsBAN</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZYDl6jzVWl">pic.twitter.com/ZYDl6jzVWl</a></p>
&mdash; Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/975422188323930113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle said, &quot;This is the best he has been batting in his career.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dinesh Karthik made his debut before Dhoni. But he is still only 32 and batting better than ever before. Could well be a wonderful second wind for him if he can keep his form from the last 2 years</p>
&mdash; Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/975420809551335425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Easily the best hand Dinesh Karthik has played in his career. Been saying it for a while, this is the best he has been batting in his career</p>
&mdash; Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/975418995342901250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Been harping on this for a while -<br />
Dinesh Karthik is a very competent batsman and team man.<br />
No way he shouldn&#39;t be 2nd or minimum 3rd keeper.<br />
Should have played those two tests in South Africa.</p>
&mdash; Sorabh Pant (@hankypanty) <a href="https://twitter.com/hankypanty/status/975435920265551872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">DINESH KARTHIK, YOU BEAUTY!????????????????????????????????????????????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NidahasOnDSport?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NidahasOnDSport</a></p>
&mdash; Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanjaymanjrekar/status/975422751136669696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dinesh Karthik has just played the knock of his life. Has had quite a few utility performances in supporting role over the years, but this is one for folklore.. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> .. Cool and calm as you like with 5 needed.. wowzaaa</p>
&mdash; Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) <a href="https://twitter.com/jatinsapru/status/975419258682429440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">UNBELIEVABLE!!!!! DINESH KARTIK OH MY GOD !!!!!!!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????</p>
&mdash; Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/RanveerOfficial/status/975418876837158912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Finishes with a SIX. Dinesh Karthik, you beauty. Brought India back from the dead. One of the key gains from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NidahasTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NidahasTrophy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a></p>
&mdash; Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketaakash/status/975419145670950913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What a finish!!! Well played big guy <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DineshKarthik</a>. Outstanding effort by the team. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/topstuff?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#topstuff</a></p>
&mdash; Jasprit bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaspritbumrah93/status/975424654943899648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Well done Team India <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> . What an amazing win. <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DineshKarthik</a> what a knock under pressure. This is a bunch of youngsters and they&#39;ve done so well on this tour. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a></p>
&mdash; Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamyusufpathan/status/975420417635770368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Top inn <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DineshKarthik</a> very well done.. special hitting.. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indvsBang?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indvsBang</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> captain <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImRo45</a> ????????????</p>
&mdash; Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/975420255530094593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Remarkable win boys <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bcci</a> ???? pretty much typifies the brand of cricket we play ???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDVBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDVBAN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Champions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Champions</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/supremacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#supremacy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NidahasTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NidahasTrophy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NidahasTrophyFinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NidahasTrophyFinal</a> <a href="https://t.co/ewUKclUX29">pic.twitter.com/ewUKclUX29</a></p>
&mdash; Murali Vijay (@mvj888) <a href="https://twitter.com/mvj888/status/975418962094600194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Dinesh Karthik played at a strike rate of 362.50 and was honoured with the man of the match award

Dinesh Karthik blasted 29 off just 8 balls and inspired team India to win the finals of Nidahas Trophy T20 tri-series at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. He played at an average of 362.50 and was honoured with the man of the match award. Also read: India win nail-biting thriller as Dinesh Karthik hits match-winning six At a moment when Manish Pandey lost his wicket and India needed 34 runs with 2 overs remaining, it was looking next to impossible to win from there but Dinesh Karthik emerged as a champion and finished the nail-biting match by hitting a six on the last ball. Bangladesh failed to strategise the last overs properly as the jinx of not winning T20 match against India continues. See how Twitterati reacted to Dinesh magnificent innings. What a thrilling game! Superb finish by Dinesh Kartik led to smashing victory against Bangladesh. Congratulations to the entire team for winning the #NidahasTrophy2018 T20 tri-series final. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 18, 2018 × T 2747 - INDIA WINS !! T20 in the TRI championship VS BanglaDesh .. what a thriller .. BD had us on the ropes .. and Dinesh Kartik, you beauty .. a brilliant knock .. 24 needed in last 2 overs .. 5 runs and 1 ball left and he hits a 6 ! INCREDIBLE ! CONGRATULATIONS !! pic.twitter.com/je0WyaWzpe — Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) March 18, 2018 × Amazing victory by #TeamIndia. Superb batting by @DineshKarthik. A great knock by @ImRo45 to set the platform. What a finish to a final!!#NidahasTrophy2018 #INDvsBAN pic.twitter.com/ZYDl6jzVWl — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 18, 2018 × Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle said, "This is the best he has been batting in his career." Dinesh Karthik made his debut before Dhoni. But he is still only 32 and batting better than ever before. Could well be a wonderful second wind for him if he can keep his form from the last 2 years — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 18, 2018 × Easily the best hand Dinesh Karthik has played in his career. Been saying it for a while, this is the best he has been batting in his career — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 18, 2018 × Been harping on this for a while - Dinesh Karthik is a very competent batsman and team man. No way he shouldn't be 2nd or minimum 3rd keeper. Should have played those two tests in South Africa. — Sorabh Pant (@hankypanty) March 18, 2018 × DINESH KARTHIK, YOU BEAUTY!????????????????????????????????????????????#NidahasOnDSport — Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) March 18, 2018 × Dinesh Karthik has just played the knock of his life. Has had quite a few utility performances in supporting role over the years, but this is one for folklore.. #INDvBAN .. Cool and calm as you like with 5 needed.. wowzaaa — Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) March 18, 2018 × UNBELIEVABLE!!!!! DINESH KARTIK OH MY GOD !!!!!!!!! #INDvBAN ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? — Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) March 18, 2018 × Finishes with a SIX. Dinesh Karthik, you beauty. Brought India back from the dead. One of the key gains from #NidahasTrophy #INDvBAN — Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 18, 2018 × What a finish!!! Well played big guy @DineshKarthik. Outstanding effort by the team. #INDvBAN #topstuff — Jasprit bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) March 18, 2018 × Well done Team India @BCCI . What an amazing win. @DineshKarthik what a knock under pressure. This is a bunch of youngsters and they've done so well on this tour. #INDvBAN — Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) March 18, 2018 × Top inn @DineshKarthik very well done.. special hitting.. #indvsBang @BCCI congratulations #TeamIndia captain @ImRo45 ???????????? — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) March 18, 2018 × Remarkable win boys @bcci ???? pretty much typifies the brand of cricket we play ???????? #INDVBAN #Champions #TeamIndia #supremacy #NidahasTrophy #NidahasTrophyFinal pic.twitter.com/ewUKclUX29 — Murali Vijay (@mvj888) March 18, 2018 ×

Amit Shah, Amitabh Bachchan compliment Dinesh Karthik's match-winning knock

<p>Former US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro stunned top-ranked Roger Federer 6-4, 6-7 (8/10), 7-6 (7/2) Sunday to win his first Indian Wells title and second consecutive ATP crown.</p>

<p>The 29-year-old from Argentina handed Federer his first match defeat of 2018 and extended his own win streak to 11 matches, including a title run earlier this month at Acapulco.</p>

<p>&quot;I&#39;m still shaking,&quot; Del Potro said. &quot;It&#39;s difficult to describe with words. It&#39;s like a dream.&quot;</p>

<p>Del Potro, nagged by wrist injuries throughout his career, survived three match points before claiming the championship in a third-set tie-breaker, ending a two hour, 42 minute marathon contest.</p>

<p>&quot;I cannot believe I won this tournament, beating Roger in a great final and this level of tennis. We played great tennis today,&quot; Del Potro said.</p>

<p>&quot;I just want to keep winning titles like this if I can.&quot;</p>

<p>Del Potro won the first five points of the deciding tie-breaker then closed it out when Swiss superstar Federer, who had won a career-best 17 straight matches to start the year, smacked a forehand long.</p>

<p>It was an emotional match for both players as each took turns questioning the chair umpire. Del Potro urged him to stop the pro-Federer crowd from making noise on his serve and an irritated Federer also had a couple of lively conversations with the umpire.</p>

<p>&quot;I don&#39;t remember half of it,&quot; said Federer. &quot;I was trying to pump myself up more, get energy for me. It had no effect on the outcome.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Del Potro was competing in his first Indian Wells final since 2013 when he lost to Spaniard Rafael Nadal.</p>

<p>It was Del Potro&#39;s seventh victory over Federer in 25 career meetings, one of those wins coming in the 2009 US Open final.</p>

<p>&quot;I always play good against him. I won a couple of finals and lost a couple of finals. In the end, I was lucky to win. We played great tennis today,&quot; Del Potro said.</p>

<p>World number eight Del Potro is back in the rankings top 10 after dropping to 1,045th before beginning his comeback from three left wrist surgeries in 2016.</p>

<p>&quot;I am excited to see what is next,&quot; he said. &quot;I am still surprising myself and I want to keep surprising the tennis tour,&quot; Del Potro said.</p>

<p>Federer blasted 10 aces but had five double faults and his serve was broken twice.</p>

<p><strong>&#39;It should sting&#39;</strong></p>

<p>He said it is going to take a little longer than normal to get over this one.</p>

<p>&quot;It should sting,&quot; Federer said. &quot;The question is how long? It is disappointing talking about a great match like this and losing.</p>

<p>&quot;You move on. There&#39;s no time to dwell over it. I see the positives at the end of the day.&quot;</p>

<p>Federer survived a match point in the second set tiebreaker to force the third.</p>

<p>&quot;It was a lot of chances at either end,&quot; he said. &quot;He should have maybe closed it first in the second set I believe. Even early in the second set I think he had break point chances.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;But I was able to find my game and get out of that game.&quot;</p>

<p>In the 10th game of the third set, Federer returned the favour with three match points of his own but Del Potro timed his forehand shots perfectly. &nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;It was disappointing,&quot; Federer said. &quot;Juan Martin was a bit better at the end. It was maybe a point here or there, maybe a shot, maybe a forehand, maybe a chip.&quot;</p>

<p>Federer, the oldest world number one in ATP history at 36, entered the final having dropped just one set, in a difficult semi-final test from Croatia&#39;s Borna Coric.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Federer&#39;s five Indian Wells titles included last year when he beat fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Former US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro defeated top-ranked Roger Federer 6-4, 6-7 (8/10), 7-6 (7/2) Sunday to win his first Indian Wells title and second consecutive ATP crown

Former US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro stunned top-ranked Roger Federer 6-4, 6-7 (8/10), 7-6 (7/2) Sunday to win his first Indian Wells title and second consecutive ATP crown. The 29-year-old from Argentina handed Federer his first match defeat of 2018 and extended his own win streak to 11 matches, including a title run earlier this month at Acapulco. "I'm still shaking," Del Potro said. "It's difficult to describe with words. It's like a dream." Del Potro, nagged by wrist injuries throughout his career, survived three match points before claiming the championship in a third-set tie-breaker, ending a two hour, 42 minute marathon contest. "I cannot believe I won this tournament, beating Roger in a great final and this level of tennis. We played great tennis today," Del Potro said. "I just want to keep winning titles like this if I can." Del Potro won the first five points of the deciding tie-breaker then closed it out when Swiss superstar Federer, who had won a career-best 17 straight matches to start the year, smacked a forehand long. It was an emotional match for both players as each took turns questioning the chair umpire. Del Potro urged him to stop the pro-Federer crowd from making noise on his serve and an irritated Federer also had a couple of lively conversations with the umpire. "I don't remember half of it," said Federer. "I was trying to pump myself up more, get energy for me. It had no effect on the outcome." Del Potro was competing in his first Indian Wells final since 2013 when he lost to Spaniard Rafael Nadal. It was Del Potro's seventh victory over Federer in 25 career meetings, one of those wins coming in the 2009 US Open final. "I always play good against him. I won a couple of finals and lost a couple of finals. In the end, I was lucky to win. We played great tennis today," Del Potro said. World number eight Del Potro is back in the rankings top 10 after dropping to 1,045th before beginning his comeback from three left wrist surgeries in 2016. "I am excited to see what is next," he said. "I am still surprising myself and I want to keep surprising the tennis tour," Del Potro said. Federer blasted 10 aces but had five double faults and his serve was broken twice. 'It should sting' He said it is going to take a little longer than normal to get over this one. "It should sting," Federer said. "The question is how long? It is disappointing talking about a great match like this and losing. "You move on. There's no time to dwell over it. I see the positives at the end of the day." Federer survived a match point in the second set tiebreaker to force the third. "It was a lot of chances at either end," he said. "He should have maybe closed it first in the second set I believe. Even early in the second set I think he had break point chances. "But I was able to find my game and get out of that game." In the 10th game of the third set, Federer returned the favour with three match points of his own but Del Potro timed his forehand shots perfectly. "It was disappointing," Federer said. "Juan Martin was a bit better at the end. It was maybe a point here or there, maybe a shot, maybe a forehand, maybe a chip." Federer, the oldest world number one in ATP history at 36, entered the final having dropped just one set, in a difficult semi-final test from Croatia's Borna Coric. Federer's five Indian Wells titles included last year when he beat fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka.

Del Potro stuns Roger Federer to win Indian Wells title

<p>Liverpool forward Mohamed&nbsp;Salah&nbsp;is on his way to reaching the elite level of Lionel Messi but has no interest in being compared to the prodigious Barcelona striker, manager Juergen Klopp has said.</p>

<p>Salah, 25, struck four goals in Liverpool&#39;s 5-0 thrashing of Watford that lifted them back into third place in the Premier League on Saturday.</p>

<p>The Egypt international moved to 28 league goals, four goals clear of Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane in the race for the Golden Boot. He has 36 in all competitions this season, the most by a Liverpool player in a debut campaign for the club.</p>

<p>Asked about the similarities in&nbsp;Salah&nbsp;and Messi&#39;s style of play, Klopp said: &quot;Mo is on the way, that&#39;s good. I don&#39;t think that Mo or anybody else wants to be compared with Lionel Messi.</p>

<p>&quot;He (Messi) has been doing what he&#39;s been doing for what feels like 20 years or so... the last player I know who had the same influence on a team performance was Diego Maradona.&quot;</p>

<p>The last player to score four goals in a Liverpool shirt was Messi&#39;s current strike partner at Barcelona Luis Suarez.</p>

<p>The Uruguay international netted a first-half hat-trick before adding another after the break in a 5-1 league victory over Norwich City in 2013.</p>

<p>&quot;Mo is on a fantastic way... but how it always is in life, if you have the skills then you have to show it constantly,&quot; Klopp added.</p>

<p>&quot;His consistency is good for us. He helps us a lot, the boys love playing with him, he loves playing with them, so it&#39;s good.&quot;</p>

<p>Liverpool moved to 63 points from 31 games, two behind second-placed Manchester United who have a game in hand.</p>


Mohamed Salah is on his way to reaching the elite level of Lionel Messi but has no interest in being compared to the prodigious Barcelona striker

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is on his way to reaching the elite level of Lionel Messi but has no interest in being compared to the prodigious Barcelona striker, manager Juergen Klopp has said. Salah, 25, struck four goals in Liverpool's 5-0 thrashing of Watford that lifted them back into third place in the Premier League on Saturday. The Egypt international moved to 28 league goals, four goals clear of Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane in the race for the Golden Boot. He has 36 in all competitions this season, the most by a Liverpool player in a debut campaign for the club. Asked about the similarities in Salah and Messi's style of play, Klopp said: "Mo is on the way, that's good. I don't think that Mo or anybody else wants to be compared with Lionel Messi. "He (Messi) has been doing what he's been doing for what feels like 20 years or so... the last player I know who had the same influence on a team performance was Diego Maradona." The last player to score four goals in a Liverpool shirt was Messi's current strike partner at Barcelona Luis Suarez. The Uruguay international netted a first-half hat-trick before adding another after the break in a 5-1 league victory over Norwich City in 2013. "Mo is on a fantastic way... but how it always is in life, if you have the skills then you have to show it constantly," Klopp added. "His consistency is good for us. He helps us a lot, the boys love playing with him, he loves playing with them, so it's good." Liverpool moved to 63 points from 31 games, two behind second-placed Manchester United who have a game in hand.

Salah 'on his way' to Messi comparisons: Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp

<p>Australia is currently on the tour of South Africa to play a four-match Test series.</p>

<p>Australia won the first match took the lead but South Africa levelled the series 1-1 by winning the second Test match.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kagiso-rabada-faces-suspension-for-disrespecting-steve-smith-35308">Kagiso Rabada</a>&nbsp;had faced a level two charge by the match referee Jeff Crowe in the second match due to the incident when Rabada made a shoulder contact with Australian skipper Steve Smith after sending him off.</p>

<p>Rabada earned <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kagiso-rabada-faces-suspension-for-disrespecting-steve-smith-35308">3 demerit points</a>&nbsp;which took him to the eight-point threshold which triggers an automatic two-match ban which Rabada is contesting currently.</p>

<p>His&nbsp;appeal against a&nbsp;ban for the last two Tests of the series will be heard by New Zealand judicial commissioner Michael Heron by teleconference on Monday, with a verdict due to be announced within 48 hours.</p>

<p>The third Test match is scheduled to take place from March 22 at St George&#39;s Park, Port Elizabeth for which&nbsp;South Africa has announced its squad&nbsp;list in which Kagiso Rabada has been included along with two other fast bowlers&nbsp;in case he loses his appeal against a ban.</p>

<p>Duanne Olivier and Chris Morris have been included in a 17-man squad for the test that starts at Newlands on Thursday.</p>

<p><strong>South African squad:</strong></p>

<p>Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen (wkt), Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Vernon Philander and <strong>Kagiso Rabada</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Duanne Olivier and Chris Morris have been included in a 17-man squad in case Kagiso Rabada loses his appeal against a ban

Australia is currently on the tour of South Africa to play a four-match Test series. Australia won the first match took the lead but South Africa levelled the series 1-1 by winning the second Test match. Kagiso Rabada had faced a level two charge by the match referee Jeff Crowe in the second match due to the incident when Rabada made a shoulder contact with Australian skipper Steve Smith after sending him off. Rabada earned 3 demerit points which took him to the eight-point threshold which triggers an automatic two-match ban which Rabada is contesting currently. His appeal against a ban for the last two Tests of the series will be heard by New Zealand judicial commissioner Michael Heron by teleconference on Monday, with a verdict due to be announced within 48 hours. The third Test match is scheduled to take place from March 22 at St George's Park, Port Elizabeth for which South Africa has announced its squad list in which Kagiso Rabada has been included along with two other fast bowlers in case he loses his appeal against a ban. Duanne Olivier and Chris Morris have been included in a 17-man squad for the test that starts at Newlands on Thursday. South African squad: Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen (wkt), Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada

Despite ban, Kagiso Rabada named in South Africa's squad against Australia

<p>Dinesh Karthik, the hero of the match, played exceptionally well as India beat Bangladesh in the finals of Nidahas Trophy T20 tri-series at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.</p>

<p>At a moment when&nbsp;Manish Pandey lost his wicket and&nbsp;India needed 34 runs with 2 overs remaining, it was looking next to impossible to win from there but Dinesh Karthik came in and outplayed Bangladeshi bowlers.</p>

<p>Dinesh played at an average of 362.50 and scored 29 crucial runs in just 8 balls. For this splendid inning, he was honoured&nbsp;with the man of the match award.</p>

<p>Washington Sundar received Man of the Series award for his brilliant performance in the series.</p>

<p>Bangladesh failed to strategise the last overs properly as the jinx of not winning T20 match against India continues.</p>

<p>In the beginning, India lost its first wicket in the form of opener Shikhar Dhawan in the third over.</p>

<p>Just after that, Suresh Raina lost his wicket by edging the ball in the hands of wicket-keeper&nbsp;Mushfiqur Rahim and returned to the pavilion at a duck.</p>

<p>The ball was declared as a wide ball but skipper&nbsp;Shakib Al Hasan contested the decision and took a successful review.</p>

<p>Rohit Sharma found a determined ally in KL Rahul to achieve the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-india-bangladesh-nidahas-trophy-tri-series-final-t20-rohit-sharma-shakib-al-hasan-score-updates-36260">set target</a> of 167 runs but the latter lost his wicket after scoring 24 runs for the team.</p>

<p>Rohit salvaged Indian innings but sliced the ball in the hands of a fielder at long-on. He was going for a big hit but the bowler delivered a full-length ball without giving enough room so that Rohit could not stretch his hands.</p>

<p>Manish Pandey tried to push the run rate and scored 28 runs for the team but due&nbsp;to the pressure of hitting more, he lost his wicket by giving an easy catch at long-on in the hands of&nbsp;Sabbir Rahman.</p>

<p>Role of Vijay Shankar cannot be snubbed as being a non-batsman he helped with his bat and scored very important 17 runs for the team and kept rotating the strike.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-india-bangladesh-nidahas-trophy-tri-series-final-t20-rohit-sharma-shakib-al-hasan-score-updates-36260">Also read: The report of first innings</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier, India won the toss and opted to bowl against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/nidahas-trophy-rejuvenated-bangladesh-aim-to-break-t20-hoodoo-against-india-in-final-36246">Bangladesh</a> in the final of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/nidahas-trophy-rejuvenated-bangladesh-aim-to-break-t20-hoodoo-against-india-in-final-36246">Nidahas Trophy T20 tri-series</a> at the R&nbsp;Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Playing first <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/nidahas-trophy-rejuvenated-bangladesh-aim-to-break-t20-hoodoo-against-india-in-final-36246">Bangladesh</a> had a crashing start as Washington Sundar sent the first warning by dismissing opener Liton Das (11) in fourth over.</p>

<p>Spinner Yuzvendra Chahal thrashed Bangladeshi top batting order by two taking quick wickets of Tamim Iqbal (15) and Soumya Sarkar (1) in the fifth&nbsp;over.</p>

<p>Then Shabbir Rahman came at number 3 and salvaged the innings by hitting 77 runs but got bowled at on a brilliant delivery of Indian pacer Jaydev Unadkat.</p>

<p>Chahal struck again and saw off wicket-keeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim at a low score of 9 runs.</p>

<p>Mahmudullah (21) and skipper Shakib Al Hasan (7) fell short in running between the wickets returned to the pavilion.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Dinesh Karthik scored 29 crucial runs in just 8 balls and was honoured with the 'Man of the Match award

Dinesh Karthik, the hero of the match, played exceptionally well as India beat Bangladesh in the finals of Nidahas Trophy T20 tri-series at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. At a moment when Manish Pandey lost his wicket and India needed 34 runs with 2 overs remaining, it was looking next to impossible to win from there but Dinesh Karthik came in and outplayed Bangladeshi bowlers. Dinesh played at an average of 362.50 and scored 29 crucial runs in just 8 balls. For this splendid inning, he was honoured with the man of the match award. Washington Sundar received Man of the Series award for his brilliant performance in the series. Bangladesh failed to strategise the last overs properly as the jinx of not winning T20 match against India continues. In the beginning, India lost its first wicket in the form of opener Shikhar Dhawan in the third over. Just after that, Suresh Raina lost his wicket by edging the ball in the hands of wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim and returned to the pavilion at a duck. The ball was declared as a wide ball but skipper Shakib Al Hasan contested the decision and took a successful review. Rohit Sharma found a determined ally in KL Rahul to achieve the set target of 167 runs but the latter lost his wicket after scoring 24 runs for the team. Rohit salvaged Indian innings but sliced the ball in the hands of a fielder at long-on. He was going for a big hit but the bowler delivered a full-length ball without giving enough room so that Rohit could not stretch his hands. Manish Pandey tried to push the run rate and scored 28 runs for the team but due to the pressure of hitting more, he lost his wicket by giving an easy catch at long-on in the hands of Sabbir Rahman. Role of Vijay Shankar cannot be snubbed as being a non-batsman he helped with his bat and scored very important 17 runs for the team and kept rotating the strike. Also read: The report of first innings Earlier, India won the toss and opted to bowl against Bangladesh in the final of the Nidahas Trophy T20 tri-series at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. Playing first Bangladesh had a crashing start as Washington Sundar sent the first warning by dismissing opener Liton Das (11) in fourth over. Spinner Yuzvendra Chahal thrashed Bangladeshi top batting order by two taking quick wickets of Tamim Iqbal (15) and Soumya Sarkar (1) in the fifth over. Then Shabbir Rahman came at number 3 and salvaged the innings by hitting 77 runs but got bowled at on a brilliant delivery of Indian pacer Jaydev Unadkat. Chahal struck again and saw off wicket-keeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim at a low score of 9 runs. Mahmudullah (21) and skipper Shakib Al Hasan (7) fell short in running between the wickets returned to the pavilion.

Nidahas Trophy: India win nail-biting thriller as Dinesh Karthik hits match-winning six

<p>Mark Hughes enjoyed the ideal start to his Southampton reign as the struggling Premier League club reached the FA Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 win at Wigan on Sunday.</p>

<p>Hughes was hired as Southampton manager this week to replace the sacked Mauricio Pellegrino and the former Saints striker had an immediate impact on his new team.</p>

<p>Hughes&#39; main goal is to help Southampton preserve their top-flight status and they dropped into the relegation zone on Saturday as Crystal Palace won in the league while the Saints were preparing for their quarter-final.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nevertheless, a trip to Wembley in the semi-finals could provide a welcome tonic as the new manager tries to make his presence felt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was essential Southampton avoided following in the footsteps of Manchester City, West Ham and Bournemouth -- top-flight sides who had all perished against third-tier giant-killers Wigan in the FA Cup this season.</p>

<p>They achieved that aim thanks to second-half goals from Pierre Emile Hojbjerg and Cedric Soares.</p>

<p>Southampton joined Tottenham and Manchester United in the semi-finals, with Leicester and Chelsea meeting in the last quarter-final later on Sunday.</p>

<p>It will be Saints&#39; first appearance in the last four in 15 years.</p>

<p>&quot;It was an important day for the players today. I have been really impressed with the quality of the talent I have,&quot; said Hughes, who was sacked by Stoke earlier this season.</p>

<p>&quot;They have lost a bit of confidence recently but they are good players.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;We stood up to Wigan. It was a statement of intent and a start.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;We have work to do in the Premier League, but we will enjoy this moment.&quot;</p>

<p>After a scrappy first half, Southampton took the lead in the 62nd minute.</p>

<p>Dusan Tadic&#39;s corner was stabbed goalwards by Hojbjerg and Wigan&#39;s Dan Burn couldn&#39;t react quick enough to clear off the line.</p>

<p>Manolo Gabbiadini had a chance to double Southampton&#39;s advantage in the 73rd minute when he got past Burn and the Wigan centre-back brought him down in the penalty area.</p>

<p>But Wigan goalkeeper Christian Walton plunged to his left and pushed Gabbiadini&#39;s powerful spot-kick around the post.</p>

<p>Wigan, FA Cup winners in 2013, applied plenty of pressure in the closing stages, but couldn&#39;t emulate their epic fifth round success against Premier League leaders City.</p>

<p>In the first minute of stoppage-time, Southampton right-back Soares surged into the area before side-footing past Walton.</p>

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Hughes was hired as Southampton manager this week to replace the sacked Mauricio Pellegrino and the former Saints striker had an immediate impact on his new team

Mark Hughes enjoyed the ideal start to his Southampton reign as the struggling Premier League club reached the FA Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 win at Wigan on Sunday. Hughes was hired as Southampton manager this week to replace the sacked Mauricio Pellegrino and the former Saints striker had an immediate impact on his new team. Hughes' main goal is to help Southampton preserve their top-flight status and they dropped into the relegation zone on Saturday as Crystal Palace won in the league while the Saints were preparing for their quarter-final. Nevertheless, a trip to Wembley in the semi-finals could provide a welcome tonic as the new manager tries to make his presence felt. It was essential Southampton avoided following in the footsteps of Manchester City, West Ham and Bournemouth -- top-flight sides who had all perished against third-tier giant-killers Wigan in the FA Cup this season. They achieved that aim thanks to second-half goals from Pierre Emile Hojbjerg and Cedric Soares. Southampton joined Tottenham and Manchester United in the semi-finals, with Leicester and Chelsea meeting in the last quarter-final later on Sunday. It will be Saints' first appearance in the last four in 15 years. "It was an important day for the players today. I have been really impressed with the quality of the talent I have," said Hughes, who was sacked by Stoke earlier this season. "They have lost a bit of confidence recently but they are good players. "We stood up to Wigan. It was a statement of intent and a start. "We have work to do in the Premier League, but we will enjoy this moment." After a scrappy first half, Southampton took the lead in the 62nd minute. Dusan Tadic's corner was stabbed goalwards by Hojbjerg and Wigan's Dan Burn couldn't react quick enough to clear off the line. Manolo Gabbiadini had a chance to double Southampton's advantage in the 73rd minute when he got past Burn and the Wigan centre-back brought him down in the penalty area. But Wigan goalkeeper Christian Walton plunged to his left and pushed Gabbiadini's powerful spot-kick around the post. Wigan, FA Cup winners in 2013, applied plenty of pressure in the closing stages, but couldn't emulate their epic fifth round success against Premier League leaders City. In the first minute of stoppage-time, Southampton right-back Soares surged into the area before side-footing past Walton.

Mark Hughes marks shining start as Southampton reach FA Cup semis

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