Mithali Raj, captain of the Indian women&#39;s cricket team, created history by becoming the highest run-getter in the history of women&#39;s ODI.

She crossed the 6000-run milestone against Australia during the ICC Worl Cup match against Australia. &nbsp;

Mithali joined another record holder Jhulan&nbsp;Goswami who is the lead wicket taker in the 50-over format.

Mithali replaced former England captain Charlotte Edwards who had scored 5992 runs.

She notched up the milestone in style with a huge six off leg-break bowler Kirsten Beams.

Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli congratulated Mithali on achieving this feat. &nbsp;

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Congratulations, <a href="https://twitter.com/M_Raj03">@M_Raj03</a>! Becoming the highest run scorer in Women&#39;s ODIs is a huge achievement. Also, superb knock today!
&mdash; sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/885123790467981314">July 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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A great moment for Indian Cricket, <a href="https://twitter.com/M_Raj03">@M_Raj03</a> becomes the highest run scorer in Women&#39;s ODI Cricket History today. Champion Stuff! ????
&mdash; Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/885123767994896385">July 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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She crossed the 6000-run milestone against Australia during the ICC Worl Cup match against Australia

Mithali Raj, captain of the Indian women's cricket team, created history by becoming the highest run-getter in the history of women's ODI. She crossed the 6000-run milestone against Australia during the ICC Worl Cup match against Australia. Mithali joined another record holder Jhulan Goswami who is the lead wicket taker in the 50-over format. Mithali replaced former England captain Charlotte Edwards who had scored 5992 runs. She notched up the milestone in style with a huge six off leg-break bowler Kirsten Beams. Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli congratulated Mithali on achieving this feat. Congratulations, @M_Raj03! Becoming the highest run scorer in Women's ODIs is a huge achievement. Also, superb knock today! — sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 12, 2017 × A great moment for Indian Cricket, @M_Raj03 becomes the highest run scorer in Women's ODI Cricket History today. Champion Stuff! ???? — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) July 12, 2017 ×

Indian women's cricket captain Mithali Raj makes history, becomes highest run-getter in limited overs format

India&#39;s captain Virat Kohli led from the front to hit an unbeaten 111 to lead India to a series victory over hosts West Indies in the fifth and final one-day international at Sabina Park on Thursday.

India reached West Indies target of 205/9 in just 37 overs losing just two wickets as captain Virat Kohli stayed till the end to take India home.

India lost opener&nbsp;Shikhar Dhawan in the first over to fast bowler Alzarri Joseph but &nbsp;Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli combined to put on a solid 79-run partnership to set the foundation for India&#39;s eight-wicket victory in the final one-day international.

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India celebrates their victory and winning of the series after finishing the fifth One Day International (ODI) match between West Indies and India at the Sabina Park Cricket Ground in Kingston, Jamaica. (AFP)
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Ajinkya Rahane fell leg before to spinner Devendra Bishoo after scoring a well-crafted 39 in 51 balls with five boundaries.

Dinesh Karthik then&nbsp;joined skipper Kohli in the 19th over and both batsmen stayed till the&nbsp;end to share a 122-run partnership as India finished the ODI tournament on high, after their embarrassing 11-run loss to West Indies in the fourth ODI at Antigua.&nbsp;

Kohli&#39;s 28th ODI century off just 108 deliveries with two sixes and 12 boundaries&nbsp;was the highlight of the match.&nbsp;Karthik at the other end reached his 50 in just 52 balls hitting 5 boundaries to share an unbroken third-wicket partnership as India cruised to victory with 13 overs to spare as skipper Kohli finished the match with his second six off Roston Chase.

Earlier, opening bowlers Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav shared seven wickets in restricting the West Indies after they were well poised at 76 for one in the 16th over.

West Indies batsman Shai top-scored with 51, while Kyle contributed 46 and all-rounders Holder and Rovman Powell hit&nbsp;36 and 31 respectively but West Indies failed to capitalise as Indian bowlers held their line and length and struck at regular intervals.

Shami finished with match figures of four for 48 while Yadav completed his ten-over spell with three wickets at a cost of 53 runs.

India will&nbsp;conclude their Caribbean visit on Sunday when they take on the West Indies in a T20 international at the same venue.

Stung by an 11-run defeat in the fourth match in Antigua, Team India was in no mood to relent at Sabina Park

India's captain Virat Kohli led from the front to hit an unbeaten 111 to lead India to a series victory over hosts West Indies in the fifth and final one-day international at Sabina Park on Thursday. India reached West Indies target of 205/9 in just 37 overs losing just two wickets as captain Virat Kohli stayed till the end to take India home. India lost opener Shikhar Dhawan in the first over to fast bowler Alzarri Joseph but Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli combined to put on a solid 79-run partnership to set the foundation for India's eight-wicket victory in the final one-day international. India celebrates their victory and winning of the series after finishing the fifth One Day International (ODI) match between West Indies and India at the Sabina Park Cricket Ground in Kingston, Jamaica. (AFP) × Ajinkya Rahane fell leg before to spinner Devendra Bishoo after scoring a well-crafted 39 in 51 balls with five boundaries. Dinesh Karthik then joined skipper Kohli in the 19th over and both batsmen stayed till the end to share a 122-run partnership as India finished the ODI tournament on high, after their embarrassing 11-run loss to West Indies in the fourth ODI at Antigua. Kohli's 28th ODI century off just 108 deliveries with two sixes and 12 boundaries was the highlight of the match. Karthik at the other end reached his 50 in just 52 balls hitting 5 boundaries to share an unbroken third-wicket partnership as India cruised to victory with 13 overs to spare as skipper Kohli finished the match with his second six off Roston Chase. Earlier, opening bowlers Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav shared seven wickets in restricting the West Indies after they were well poised at 76 for one in the 16th over. West Indies batsman Shai top-scored with 51, while Kyle contributed 46 and all-rounders Holder and Rovman Powell hit 36 and 31 respectively but West Indies failed to capitalise as Indian bowlers held their line and length and struck at regular intervals. Shami finished with match figures of four for 48 while Yadav completed his ten-over spell with three wickets at a cost of 53 runs. India will conclude their Caribbean visit on Sunday when they take on the West Indies in a T20 international at the same venue.

Virat Kohli slams ton as India beat West Indies by 8 wickets, clinch series 3-1

Ravi Shastri on Monday applied formally for the job of head coach of the Indian cricket team.&nbsp;

Media reports said he was a favourite for the job, and that captain Virat Kohli keen on having him as coach.&nbsp;

Another notable application on Monday was that of former West Indies opener Phil Simmons.

&quot;Yes, Ravi has applied and so has Phil Simmons,&quot; PTI reported a BCCI official as saying.

The others who have thrown their hat into the ring are Virender Sehwag, Tom Moody, Venkatesh Prasad, Richard Pybus, Dodda Ganesh and Lalchand Rajput.

The deadline for applying is July 9.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Interviews of the applicants will be conducted the following day by the Cricket Advisory Committee&nbsp;comprising Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, and Sachin Tendulkar.

Media reports It was Tendulkar who had asked Shastri to apply for the job.&nbsp;

Just as interestingly, it is thought Ganguly had backed ex-coach Anil Kumble for the job over Shastri last year.&nbsp;

Kumble had finally had to go because of differences with captain Virat Kohli.&nbsp;

Another notable application Monday was that of former West Indies opener Phil Simmons

Ravi Shastri on Monday applied formally for the job of head coach of the Indian cricket team. Media reports said he was a favourite for the job, and that captain Virat Kohli keen on having him as coach. Another notable application on Monday was that of former West Indies opener Phil Simmons. "Yes, Ravi has applied and so has Phil Simmons," PTI reported a BCCI official as saying. The others who have thrown their hat into the ring are Virender Sehwag, Tom Moody, Venkatesh Prasad, Richard Pybus, Dodda Ganesh and Lalchand Rajput. The deadline for applying is July 9. Interviews of the applicants will be conducted the following day by the Cricket Advisory Committee comprising Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, and Sachin Tendulkar. Media reports It was Tendulkar who had asked Shastri to apply for the job. Just as interestingly, it is thought Ganguly had backed ex-coach Anil Kumble for the job over Shastri last year. Kumble had finally had to go because of differences with captain Virat Kohli.

Ravi Shastri formally applies for India cricket coach job

Former cricketer Ravi Shastri will reportedly apply&nbsp;for the post of Indian cricket team&#39;s head coach.

Ravi Shastri was the director of the Indian team between 2014 and 2016 during which time he led the Men in Blue to the semi-finals of the World Cup and 2015 World T20. The 55-year-old had also applied for the job in 2016 but legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble was chosen over him by Board of Control for Cricket in India&#39;s (BCCI) Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC).The head coach position has been vacant since Anil Kumble&#39;s resignation following India&#39;s 180-run defeat against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Champions Trophy final at the Oval on June 18.

Earlier,&nbsp;Kumble informed that skipper Virat Kohli had reservations about his work &quot;style&quot;&nbsp;and his extension as the head coach, which prompted him to resign. In a strongly worded letter, Kumble took to Twitter to reveal the reason behind his surprising decision. Former Indian cricketer Lalchand Rajput, Dodda Ganesh, Richard Pybus and Tom Moody and former Indian opener Virender Sehwag have all applied for the post.

The BCCI has already stated that Team India will get its new head coach before their tour to Sri Lanka beginning July 26.

(ANI) 
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The head coach position has been vacant since Anil Kumble's resignation following India's 180-run defeat against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Champions Trophy

Former cricketer Ravi Shastri will reportedly apply for the post of Indian cricket team's head coach. Ravi Shastri was the director of the Indian team between 2014 and 2016 during which time he led the Men in Blue to the semi-finals of the World Cup and 2015 World T20. The 55-year-old had also applied for the job in 2016 but legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble was chosen over him by Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC).The head coach position has been vacant since Anil Kumble's resignation following India's 180-run defeat against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Champions Trophy final at the Oval on June 18. Earlier, Kumble informed that skipper Virat Kohli had reservations about his work "style" and his extension as the head coach, which prompted him to resign. In a strongly worded letter, Kumble took to Twitter to reveal the reason behind his surprising decision. Former Indian cricketer Lalchand Rajput, Dodda Ganesh, Richard Pybus and Tom Moody and former Indian opener Virender Sehwag have all applied for the post. The BCCI has already stated that Team India will get its new head coach before their tour to Sri Lanka beginning July 26. (ANI)

Ravi Shastri applies for position of Team India coach: Reports

Shikhar Dhawan extended his excellent Champions Trophy form to the start of the West Indies tour but heavy rain was threatening to ruin the opening one-day international of a five-match series at the Queen&rsquo;s Park Oval in Trinidad on Friday.

Dhawan stroked an assured 87 and featured in an opening stand of 132 with Ajinkya Rahane (62) as the tourists reached 199 for three off 39.2 batting first when torrential midday showers curtailed their innings.

Such was the intensity of the rainfall that a complete abandonment looked likely. However conditions have since improved, and although India&rsquo;s innings has been declared closed, it remains to be seen if time will allow for a minimum of 20 overs to be faced by the West Indies in reply to constitute a match.

Should only 20 overs be possible, the home side will be required to reach a target of 169.

After West Indies captain Jason Holder chose to field on winning the toss on a bright warm morning, India&rsquo;s openers laid the foundation for a formidable total.&nbsp;

They dominated a bowling attack that lacked for genuine potency in the absence of injured fast bowler Shannon Gabriel, who has been ruled out of consideration for the first two games after breaking down during the series against Afghanistan two weeks earlier.

Rahane made the most of his opportunity with the experienced Rohit Sharma rested from this campaign following the Champions Trophy.&nbsp;

He was first to the half-century but was also the first wicket to fall, deceived by a slower delivery from fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and offering a simple catch to Holder at mid-on.

Dhawan was then joined by captain Virat Kohil and looked certain to complete an 11th ODI hundred only to fall leg-before to Devendra Bishoo 13 runs short of the landmark.&nbsp;

Leg-spinner Bishoo, who was not considered for any of the three ODIs against the Afghans, was the pick of the bowlers with figures of one for 39 from his allotment of ten overs.

As the skies clouded over India lost another wicket in attempting to accelerate with Yuvraj Singh becoming Joseph&rsquo;s second wicket. Kohli and former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni were playing with greater urgency when the showers first arrived with India at 189 for three off 38 overs.

They resumed after half an hour but managed just another eight deliveries before the players were again chased off the field by a downpour that has now left the match in jeopardy.

Apart from the recall of Rahane, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav is making his ODI debut in this match for India.

(AFP)

Should only 20 overs be possible, the home side will be required to reach a target of 169

Shikhar Dhawan extended his excellent Champions Trophy form to the start of the West Indies tour but heavy rain was threatening to ruin the opening one-day international of a five-match series at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad on Friday. Dhawan stroked an assured 87 and featured in an opening stand of 132 with Ajinkya Rahane (62) as the tourists reached 199 for three off 39.2 batting first when torrential midday showers curtailed their innings. Such was the intensity of the rainfall that a complete abandonment looked likely. However conditions have since improved, and although India’s innings has been declared closed, it remains to be seen if time will allow for a minimum of 20 overs to be faced by the West Indies in reply to constitute a match. Should only 20 overs be possible, the home side will be required to reach a target of 169. After West Indies captain Jason Holder chose to field on winning the toss on a bright warm morning, India’s openers laid the foundation for a formidable total. They dominated a bowling attack that lacked for genuine potency in the absence of injured fast bowler Shannon Gabriel, who has been ruled out of consideration for the first two games after breaking down during the series against Afghanistan two weeks earlier. Rahane made the most of his opportunity with the experienced Rohit Sharma rested from this campaign following the Champions Trophy. He was first to the half-century but was also the first wicket to fall, deceived by a slower delivery from fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and offering a simple catch to Holder at mid-on. Dhawan was then joined by captain Virat Kohil and looked certain to complete an 11th ODI hundred only to fall leg-before to Devendra Bishoo 13 runs short of the landmark. Leg-spinner Bishoo, who was not considered for any of the three ODIs against the Afghans, was the pick of the bowlers with figures of one for 39 from his allotment of ten overs. As the skies clouded over India lost another wicket in attempting to accelerate with Yuvraj Singh becoming Joseph’s second wicket. Kohli and former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni were playing with greater urgency when the showers first arrived with India at 189 for three off 38 overs. They resumed after half an hour but managed just another eight deliveries before the players were again chased off the field by a downpour that has now left the match in jeopardy. Apart from the recall of Rahane, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav is making his ODI debut in this match for India. (AFP)

India vs West Indies ODI cut short due to torrential rain

With Anil Kumble having stepped down as coach of the Indian cricket team, captain Virat Kohli has said he has &quot;total respect for Kumble...&quot;&nbsp;

What was interesting was that he said he had total respect for him as a cricketer.&nbsp;

Kohli left out what he thought of Kumble as a coach.&nbsp;

Kumble stepped down as coach because of differences with Kohli.&nbsp;

ANI reported Kohli as saying on the eve of the first ODI against the West Indies: &quot;It&#39;s his opinion, which I respect. I have total respect for him as a cricketer and what he has achieved [for the] nation. All the years that he has played. There&#39;s no taking away that aspect of him at all. And we all respect him totally.&quot;&nbsp;

Kohli added: &quot;It&#39;s (Kumble&#39;s resignation) something that has happened right after the (Champions Trophy) tournament. One thing for sure is that I have had 11 press conferences that have happened during the Champions Trophy. We have created a culture over the last three-four years that whatever happens in the change room, we&#39;ve tried to maintain the sanctity of the change room throughout.

&quot;That is what the whole team believes in. For us that is paramount. I&#39;ve always respected that and we have continued to maintain that as well.&quot;&nbsp;

ANI said Kohli did not say anything more, saying the &quot;sanctity of the dressing room&quot; had to be maintained.&nbsp;

Kumble however had said a certain amount -- in a most dignified manner -- earlier.&nbsp;

He posted this letter (below) on his Twitter account on June 20.&nbsp;

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Thank you! <a href="https://t.co/eF5qVzdBRj">pic.twitter.com/eF5qVzdBRj</a>
&mdash; Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) <a href="https://twitter.com/anilkumble1074/status/877218428318351361">June 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The Indian cricket captain however did not say what he thought of as Kumble as a coach

With Anil Kumble having stepped down as coach of the Indian cricket team, captain Virat Kohli has said he has "total respect for Kumble..." What was interesting was that he said he had total respect for him as a cricketer. Kohli left out what he thought of Kumble as a coach. Kumble stepped down as coach because of differences with Kohli. ANI reported Kohli as saying on the eve of the first ODI against the West Indies: "It's his opinion, which I respect. I have total respect for him as a cricketer and what he has achieved [for the] nation. All the years that he has played. There's no taking away that aspect of him at all. And we all respect him totally." Kohli added: "It's (Kumble's resignation) something that has happened right after the (Champions Trophy) tournament. One thing for sure is that I have had 11 press conferences that have happened during the Champions Trophy. We have created a culture over the last three-four years that whatever happens in the change room, we've tried to maintain the sanctity of the change room throughout. "That is what the whole team believes in. For us that is paramount. I've always respected that and we have continued to maintain that as well." ANI said Kohli did not say anything more, saying the "sanctity of the dressing room" had to be maintained. Kumble however had said a certain amount -- in a most dignified manner -- earlier. He posted this letter (below) on his Twitter account on June 20. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/eF5qVzdBRj — Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) June 20, 2017 ×

Kohli: Have total respect for Kumble

Anil Kumble has stepped down as Team India&#39;s head coach after serving out his year-long contract.&nbsp;Anil Kumble&#39;s contract with Team India ran out today.

Hours after stepping down, Kumble conceded the differences with Indian captain Virat Kohli as the primary reason for stepping down.

Although Kohli had played down rumours of a rift with Kumble during the Champions Trophy, the former leg-spinner put up a written statement on Twitter saying that the skipper had &quot;reservations&quot; with his style.

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Thank you! <a href="https://t.co/eF5qVzdBRj">pic.twitter.com/eF5qVzdBRj</a>
&mdash; Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) <a href="https://twitter.com/anilkumble1074/status/877218428318351361">June 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&quot;I am honoured by the confidence reposed in me by the CAC, in asking me to continue as head coach. The credit for the achievements of the last one year goes to the captain, the entire team, coaching and support staff,&quot; Kumble said. &quot;Post this intimation, I was informed for the first time yesterday by the BCCI that the captain had reservations with my &#39;style&#39;&nbsp;and about my continuing as the head coach.&quot; 
 
&quot;I was surprised since I have always respected the role boundaries between captain and coach. Though the BCCI attempted to resolve the misunderstandings between the captain and me, it was apparent that the partnership was untenable, and I therefore believe it is best for me to move on,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

On Tuesday evening, the&nbsp;Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed the media about Kumble&#39;s decision to quit as the Indian coach despite being given an extension.

Former India captain Kumble was put in charge last June despite having never coached a team.&nbsp;

BCCI&#39;s Cricket Advisory Committee comprising former cricketers&nbsp;Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman have the remit to choose the next coach.

Virender Sehwag, Tom Moody and English cricket coach Richard Pybus are the frontrunners to bag India&#39;s coaching role. &nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/virender-sehwag-among-top-contenders-for-team-india-coach-bcci-16328">Also Read:&nbsp;Virender Sehwag among top contenders for Team India coach: BCCI</a>

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The former Indian cricket coach put up a statement on Twitter, confirming differences between him and captain Virat Kohli

Anil Kumble has stepped down as Team India's head coach after serving out his year-long contract. Anil Kumble's contract with Team India ran out today. Hours after stepping down, Kumble conceded the differences with Indian captain Virat Kohli as the primary reason for stepping down. Although Kohli had played down rumours of a rift with Kumble during the Champions Trophy, the former leg-spinner put up a written statement on Twitter saying that the skipper had "reservations" with his style. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/eF5qVzdBRj — Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) June 20, 2017 × "I am honoured by the confidence reposed in me by the CAC, in asking me to continue as head coach. The credit for the achievements of the last one year goes to the captain, the entire team, coaching and support staff," Kumble said. "Post this intimation, I was informed for the first time yesterday by the BCCI that the captain had reservations with my 'style' and about my continuing as the head coach." "I was surprised since I have always respected the role boundaries between captain and coach. Though the BCCI attempted to resolve the misunderstandings between the captain and me, it was apparent that the partnership was untenable, and I therefore believe it is best for me to move on," he added. On Tuesday evening, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed the media about Kumble's decision to quit as the Indian coach despite being given an extension. Former India captain Kumble was put in charge last June despite having never coached a team. BCCI's Cricket Advisory Committee comprising former cricketers Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman have the remit to choose the next coach. Virender Sehwag, Tom Moody and English cricket coach Richard Pybus are the frontrunners to bag India's coaching role. Also Read: Virender Sehwag among top contenders for Team India coach: BCCI

Kohli had reservations with my style, says Kumble

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

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

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

Champions Trophy final: India lose to Pakistan by 180 runs

India captain Virat Kohli said staying &quot;close to reality&quot; was the best way to carry the hopes of a cricket-crazy nation heading into a Champions Trophy final against arch-rivals Pakistan.

Sunday&#39;s showpiece match at the Oval in London is a 24,500 sell-out, with millions more around the world expected to watch the high-profile match.&nbsp;

Reigning champions India are the favourites, having launched their title-defence with a 124-run thrashing of Pakistan at Birmingham&#39;s Edgbaston on June 4.

A lone loss to Sri Lanka apart, India have been in commanding form.

Kohli&#39;s own performances at the Champions Trophy have seen him return to the top of the one-day international batting rankings.

His four innings, including three not outs, have left him with a colossal tournament batting average of 253 heading into the final.

This week also saw the 28-year-old Kohli become the fastest man to score 8,000 ODI runs, reaching the landmark in 175 innings -- seven fewer than South Africa star AB de Villiers&#39;s 182.

Kohli already has 27 ODI centuries to his name, with a career strike-rate in excess of 91, and such has been the passionate drive with which he has led India that his fortunes and those of the team as a whole now seem indivisible.

&quot;I know there are expectations, I know there are people that expect the team and me to do well every time we play,&quot; Kohli told reporters at the Oval on Saturday. &quot;But I understand as a player and as a person that it&#39;s not possible.&quot;

He added: &quot;You have to be close to reality.

&quot;This (pressure) is a part of being an Indian cricketer, you have to find a way to deal with it. You can&#39;t ignore it.

&quot;You have to maintain a balance and then focus on what you need to do on the field.

&quot;I think I&#39;ve been able to strike a good balance until now and I&#39;m sure I&#39;ll be fine tomorrow.&quot;

Meanwhile Kohli said it was important for players to ration their use of sites such as Twitter.&nbsp;

&quot;The biggest thing is to stay off social media,&quot; he said.

&quot;If you&#39;re too distracted listening to too many suggestions or players or criticism, then you can&#39;t focus on what you need to think as a sportsman first to be able to lead the team and then help the others in the team as well.

&quot;The more relaxed you stay in these situations it&#39;s a good thing, because it helps you take better decisions when you are composed and calm mentally.&quot;

Kohli&#39;s cool temperament has often been seen to good effect in many a run chase, a quality which could yet prove useful on Sunday.&nbsp;

&quot;If you are thinking &#39;we are three down and I might get out&#39;, then you will get out,&quot; he said.

&quot;If you&#39;re thinking &#39;we&#39;re three down, I&#39;m going to counter-attack and get the team back on track&#39;, it ends up happening, because you&#39;re convinced about it.

&quot;That&#39;s something I work on. I visualise a lot, and I see myself in difficult situations and actually convincing myself that I can pull the team out in those situations.

&quot;It won&#39;t happen every time, but eight out of 10 times it will end up happening because you&#39;re so convinced about it.&quot;

Meanwhile Kohli played down the importance of a group win against a Pakistan side who have since defeated top-ranked South Africa and Sri Lanka in pool play before thrashing previously unbeaten tournament hosts England by eight wickets in the semi-finals. &nbsp;

&quot;On their day they can beat any side in the world,&quot; said Kohli of Pakistan.

&quot;That&#39;s the kind of players they have, we&#39;re quite aware of that,&quot; added Kohli, with India hammering Bangladesh by nine wickets in Thursday&#39;s second semi-final at Edgbaston.

&quot;But, at the same time, neither are we too intimidated nor are we too arrogant about what we are doing.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

Reigning champions India are the favourites, having launched their title-defence with a 124-run thrashing of Pakistan on June 4

India captain Virat Kohli said staying "close to reality" was the best way to carry the hopes of a cricket-crazy nation heading into a Champions Trophy final against arch-rivals Pakistan. Sunday's showpiece match at the Oval in London is a 24,500 sell-out, with millions more around the world expected to watch the high-profile match. Reigning champions India are the favourites, having launched their title-defence with a 124-run thrashing of Pakistan at Birmingham's Edgbaston on June 4. A lone loss to Sri Lanka apart, India have been in commanding form. Kohli's own performances at the Champions Trophy have seen him return to the top of the one-day international batting rankings. His four innings, including three not outs, have left him with a colossal tournament batting average of 253 heading into the final. This week also saw the 28-year-old Kohli become the fastest man to score 8,000 ODI runs, reaching the landmark in 175 innings -- seven fewer than South Africa star AB de Villiers's 182. Kohli already has 27 ODI centuries to his name, with a career strike-rate in excess of 91, and such has been the passionate drive with which he has led India that his fortunes and those of the team as a whole now seem indivisible. "I know there are expectations, I know there are people that expect the team and me to do well every time we play," Kohli told reporters at the Oval on Saturday. "But I understand as a player and as a person that it's not possible." He added: "You have to be close to reality. "This (pressure) is a part of being an Indian cricketer, you have to find a way to deal with it. You can't ignore it. "You have to maintain a balance and then focus on what you need to do on the field. "I think I've been able to strike a good balance until now and I'm sure I'll be fine tomorrow." Meanwhile Kohli said it was important for players to ration their use of sites such as Twitter. "The biggest thing is to stay off social media," he said. "If you're too distracted listening to too many suggestions or players or criticism, then you can't focus on what you need to think as a sportsman first to be able to lead the team and then help the others in the team as well. "The more relaxed you stay in these situations it's a good thing, because it helps you take better decisions when you are composed and calm mentally." Kohli's cool temperament has often been seen to good effect in many a run chase, a quality which could yet prove useful on Sunday. "If you are thinking 'we are three down and I might get out', then you will get out," he said. "If you're thinking 'we're three down, I'm going to counter-attack and get the team back on track', it ends up happening, because you're convinced about it. "That's something I work on. I visualise a lot, and I see myself in difficult situations and actually convincing myself that I can pull the team out in those situations. "It won't happen every time, but eight out of 10 times it will end up happening because you're so convinced about it." Meanwhile Kohli played down the importance of a group win against a Pakistan side who have since defeated top-ranked South Africa and Sri Lanka in pool play before thrashing previously unbeaten tournament hosts England by eight wickets in the semi-finals. "On their day they can beat any side in the world," said Kohli of Pakistan. "That's the kind of players they have, we're quite aware of that," added Kohli, with India hammering Bangladesh by nine wickets in Thursday's second semi-final at Edgbaston. "But, at the same time, neither are we too intimidated nor are we too arrogant about what we are doing." (AFP)

Have to be close to reality, says Virat Kohli ahead of India-Pakistan final

India will play arch-rivals Pakistan in the Champions Trophy final after winning handsomely against Bangladesh by nine wickets.

India achieved the target of 265 with ten overs to spare.&nbsp;

Indian captain Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma shared a partnership of 178 runs to power the title-holders to the finals of Champions Trophy.

Rohit Sharma completed his century and was not out on 123 while Virat Kohli remained not out on 96.

Fielding first, the Indian side restricted Bangladesh to a total of 264. Kedar Jadhav, the part time off-spinner, removed Bangladesh top scorer Tamim Iqbal on 70 and Mushfiqur Rahim on 61.

India achieved the target of 265 with ten overs to spare

India will play arch-rivals Pakistan in the Champions Trophy final after winning handsomely against Bangladesh by nine wickets. India achieved the target of 265 with ten overs to spare. Indian captain Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma shared a partnership of 178 runs to power the title-holders to the finals of Champions Trophy. Rohit Sharma completed his century and was not out on 123 while Virat Kohli remained not out on 96. Fielding first, the Indian side restricted Bangladesh to a total of 264. Kedar Jadhav, the part time off-spinner, removed Bangladesh top scorer Tamim Iqbal on 70 and Mushfiqur Rahim on 61.

India thrash Bangladesh by 9 wickets, will face Pakistan in final of Champions Trophy

Talking to the media in Birmingham today -- ahead of India&#39;s Champions&#39; Trophy semi-final against Bangladesh tomorrow -- India captain Virat Kohli said they would not be &quot;taking anything for granted&quot;. &nbsp;&nbsp;

&quot;There is no guarantee in these sports. A lot of teams have surprised their oppositions in the lower stages too. We are not going according to the past results and we will go into this game the way we treated the last one,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

&quot;Bangladesh has taken huge strides in cricket, in the last few years, they themselves say that. In the world cup 2015, they were really very good. We are not taking anything for granted,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

Watch video below:&nbsp;

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LIVE: Virat Kohli addresses the media at Birmingham ahead of the semi-final match against Bangladesh <a href="https://t.co/v0YkEv2gPC">https://t.co/v0YkEv2gPC</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/874960371299139584">June 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Things were a little &quot;lighter&quot;&nbsp;though during an earlier practice session, with some of the Indian stars breaking out into&nbsp;impromptu jigs. Have a look at the video below:

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a> Team India players share light moments during practice session in Birmingham <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsTrophy2017?src=hash">#ChampionsTrophy2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/I2Xhl5tFLx">pic.twitter.com/I2Xhl5tFLx</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/874966705285365761">June 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India play Bangladesh in the second Champions' Trophy semi-final tomorrow

Talking to the media in Birmingham today -- ahead of India's Champions' Trophy semi-final against Bangladesh tomorrow -- India captain Virat Kohli said they would not be "taking anything for granted". "There is no guarantee in these sports. A lot of teams have surprised their oppositions in the lower stages too. We are not going according to the past results and we will go into this game the way we treated the last one," he said. "Bangladesh has taken huge strides in cricket, in the last few years, they themselves say that. In the world cup 2015, they were really very good. We are not taking anything for granted," he added. Watch video below: LIVE: Virat Kohli addresses the media at Birmingham ahead of the semi-final match against Bangladesh https://t.co/v0YkEv2gPC — ANI (@ANI_news) June 14, 2017 × Things were a little "lighter" though during an earlier practice session, with some of the Indian stars breaking out into impromptu jigs. Have a look at the video below: #WATCH Team India players share light moments during practice session in Birmingham #ChampionsTrophy2017 pic.twitter.com/I2Xhl5tFLx — ANI (@ANI_news) June 14, 2017 ×

Watch: India captain Virat Kohli says 'not taking anything for granted' against Bangladesh

It&#39;s official!&nbsp;Bollywood star Anushka Sharma&nbsp;will be the lead in the&nbsp;upcoming movie &quot;Pari&quot;. Anushka tweeted the poster of her upcoming movie this morning.

The film will be directed by debutant Prosit Roy. The cast includes another Bengali star Parambarata Chatterjee.

The film is produced by Clean State Films owned by Anushka herself&nbsp;and her brother Karnesh Sharma And KriArj Entertainment.

&nbsp;

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Pari...First Look <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialCSFilms">@OfficialCSFilms</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/kriarj">@kriarj</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/paramspeak">@paramspeak</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PariFirstLook?src=hash">#PariFirstLook</a> <a href="https://t.co/GvO6YfjIjz">pic.twitter.com/GvO6YfjIjz</a>
&mdash; Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnushkaSharma/status/874474600461197312">June 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The movie is produced by Clean State Films owned by Anushka herself?and her brother Karnesh Sharma

It's official! Bollywood star Anushka Sharma will be the lead in the upcoming movie "Pari". Anushka tweeted the poster of her upcoming movie this morning. The film will be directed by debutant Prosit Roy. The cast includes another Bengali star Parambarata Chatterjee. The film is produced by Clean State Films owned by Anushka herself and her brother Karnesh Sharma And KriArj Entertainment. Pari...First Look @OfficialCSFilms @kriarj @paramspeak #PariFirstLook pic.twitter.com/GvO6YfjIjz — Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) June 13, 2017 ×

First look: Anushka Sharma's spooky movie 'Pari'

Indian cricketers had a field day against South Africa in the Champions Trophy on Sunday. Delhi batsmen Shikhar Dhawan led from the front as Indians made merry at the Oval in London.

Team India was quick to celebrate on social media with Shikhar Dhawan celebrating with his teammates. Dhawan&#39;s 78 off just 83 balls(12 boundaries, 1 Six) set the stage for India&#39;s big win, the Indian opener will be the man to watch out for in the semis against Bangladesh.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-trophy-india-beat-south-africa-to-enter-semis-16704">Also Read:&nbsp;Champions Trophy: India beat South Africa to enter semis</a>

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Happy times after winning d match!! Rabb da shukrana ada karte hue!! Rabb rakha ????????????<a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli">@imVkohli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/y_umesh">@y_umesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/oqI09FoHL9">pic.twitter.com/oqI09FoHL9</a>
&mdash; Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) <a href="https://twitter.com/SDhawan25/status/873948410939822080">June 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Hardik Pandya who helped run-out AB de Villeirs&nbsp;was being actively tracked on on his Twitter handle by none other than the great Jonty Rhodes:

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My pleasure <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7">@hardikpandya7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSA%D9%90?src=hash">#INDvSA?</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CT17?src=hash">#CT17</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/runout?src=hash">#runout</a>
&mdash; Jonty Rhodes (@JontyRhodes8) <a href="https://twitter.com/JontyRhodes8/status/873939510211555330">June 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&macr;\_??_/&macr; <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7">@hardikpandya7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CT17?src=hash">#CT17</a> <a href="https://t.co/ltfLMpZTe4">pic.twitter.com/ltfLMpZTe4</a>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/873900219770994690">June 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/indias-cricket-team-off-the-field-257">Also See:&nbsp;India&#39;s cricket team off the field</a>

India will now take on Bangladesh in the semi-final to be played on Thursday(June 15) at Edgbaston, Birmingham. &nbsp;

Watch this space for more....

&nbsp;

Delhi batsmen Shikhar Dhawan led from the front as Indians made merry at the Oval in London

Indian cricketers had a field day against South Africa in the Champions Trophy on Sunday. Delhi batsmen Shikhar Dhawan led from the front as Indians made merry at the Oval in London. Team India was quick to celebrate on social media with Shikhar Dhawan celebrating with his teammates. Dhawan's 78 off just 83 balls(12 boundaries, 1 Six) set the stage for India's big win, the Indian opener will be the man to watch out for in the semis against Bangladesh. Also Read: Champions Trophy: India beat South Africa to enter semis Happy times after winning d match!! Rabb da shukrana ada karte hue!! Rabb rakha ????????????@imVkohli @y_umesh pic.twitter.com/oqI09FoHL9 — Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) June 11, 2017 × Hardik Pandya who helped run-out AB de Villeirs was being actively tracked on on his Twitter handle by none other than the great Jonty Rhodes: My pleasure @hardikpandya7 #INDvSA? #CT17 #runout — Jonty Rhodes (@JontyRhodes8) June 11, 2017 × ¯\_??_/¯ @hardikpandya7 #CT17 pic.twitter.com/ltfLMpZTe4 — ICC (@ICC) June 11, 2017 × Also See: India's cricket team off the field India will now take on Bangladesh in the semi-final to be played on Thursday(June 15) at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Watch this space for more....

Twitter trail: Shikhar Dhawan, Pandya celebrate victory over SA

Anil Kumble will remain India&#39;s coach for the tour of West Indies subject to his acceptance, Committee of Administrators (COA) chairman Vinod Rai said today, insisting that only the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) will decide the next head coach.

&quot;Coach selection has been entrusted to the CAC which selected Anil Kumble last year for a one-year contract. Now the process has to be followed. But since the process has been delayed, Kumble, subject to his accepting, will be there for the West Indies tour,&quot; Rai told reporters after a meeting of the COA here.

&quot;The CAC is meeting in London to decide upon the road ahead,&quot; he added.

India will tour the West Indies for a five-ODI series starting June 23 followed by a lone Twenty20 match on July 9.

The COA, now a three-member panel after the controversial exit of historian Ramachandra Guha, had a day long meeting in New Delhi.

Asked whether coach recruitment could have been handled better by the BCCI, Rai said the matter has been blown out of proportion with reports claiming a rift between captain Virat Kohi and Kumble.

&quot;The fact is that it was a one year contract so a process was followed. I don&#39;t know why is this controversy. I have spoken to both of them (Kohli and Kumble)and neither of them have confirmed what has come out,&quot; he said.

The CAC -- comprising Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly -- is currently in London and is in touch with both the captain and the coach on the sidelines of the ongoing Champions Trophy.

The CAC, which is in favour of retaining Kumble, has sought more time ahead of the BCCI SGM on June 26.

&quot;We have left it to the CAC, they are legends, they know what is best for Indian cricket,&quot; said Rai, who also rubbished a report claiming that CAC has asked to be paid for the honorary job.

Guha, in his scathing resignation letter, had lashed out at the BCCI&#39;s functioning besides alleging conflict of interest in the case of Rahul Dravid who is India A coach and also a mentor of the Delhi Daredevils IPL franchise.

The former batsman had sought more clarity on the subject so that he can take an informed decision.

To address a host of conflict of interest issues, the BCCI will soon have an ethics officer.

&quot;All issues regarding COI will be referred to ethics officer appointed by the BCCI. He will be appointed soon. A lot of complaints regarding COI have been received,&quot; said Rai.

He further said that Guha&#39;s resignation will be forwarded to the Supreme Court.

The COA was formed mainly to carry out reforms recommended by the SC-appointed Lodha Committee. As expected, some of the recommendations, including one state and one vote and tenure of office-bearers, were met with stiff resistance by the state associations.

However, Rai insisted that reforms are on track and will be placed before the state associations at the SGM.

&quot;The reforms are on track. They will be entrusted to the SGM which is meeting on June 26. It is going to be placed before them but in all our conversations with them, they have expressed their willingness to accept the reforms,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

India will tour the West Indies for a five-ODI series starting June 23 followed by a lone Twenty20 match on July 9

Anil Kumble will remain India's coach for the tour of West Indies subject to his acceptance, Committee of Administrators (COA) chairman Vinod Rai said today, insisting that only the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) will decide the next head coach. "Coach selection has been entrusted to the CAC which selected Anil Kumble last year for a one-year contract. Now the process has to be followed. But since the process has been delayed, Kumble, subject to his accepting, will be there for the West Indies tour," Rai told reporters after a meeting of the COA here. "The CAC is meeting in London to decide upon the road ahead," he added. India will tour the West Indies for a five-ODI series starting June 23 followed by a lone Twenty20 match on July 9. The COA, now a three-member panel after the controversial exit of historian Ramachandra Guha, had a day long meeting in New Delhi. Asked whether coach recruitment could have been handled better by the BCCI, Rai said the matter has been blown out of proportion with reports claiming a rift between captain Virat Kohi and Kumble. "The fact is that it was a one year contract so a process was followed. I don't know why is this controversy. I have spoken to both of them (Kohli and Kumble)and neither of them have confirmed what has come out," he said. The CAC -- comprising Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly -- is currently in London and is in touch with both the captain and the coach on the sidelines of the ongoing Champions Trophy. The CAC, which is in favour of retaining Kumble, has sought more time ahead of the BCCI SGM on June 26. "We have left it to the CAC, they are legends, they know what is best for Indian cricket," said Rai, who also rubbished a report claiming that CAC has asked to be paid for the honorary job. Guha, in his scathing resignation letter, had lashed out at the BCCI's functioning besides alleging conflict of interest in the case of Rahul Dravid who is India A coach and also a mentor of the Delhi Daredevils IPL franchise. The former batsman had sought more clarity on the subject so that he can take an informed decision. To address a host of conflict of interest issues, the BCCI will soon have an ethics officer. "All issues regarding COI will be referred to ethics officer appointed by the BCCI. He will be appointed soon. A lot of complaints regarding COI have been received," said Rai. He further said that Guha's resignation will be forwarded to the Supreme Court. The COA was formed mainly to carry out reforms recommended by the SC-appointed Lodha Committee. As expected, some of the recommendations, including one state and one vote and tenure of office-bearers, were met with stiff resistance by the state associations. However, Rai insisted that reforms are on track and will be placed before the state associations at the SGM. "The reforms are on track. They will be entrusted to the SGM which is meeting on June 26. It is going to be placed before them but in all our conversations with them, they have expressed their willingness to accept the reforms," he said.

Anil Kumble to continue as India coach till West Indies Series: COA

India crushed South Africa by eight wickets on Sunday to reach the Champions Trophy semi-finals and knock the world`s top-ranked team out of the tournament.

South Africa crumbled from 116 for one to 191 all out in good batting conditions at The Oval before Shikhar Dhawan (78) and Virat Kohli (76 not out) shared a fluent partnership of 128 to lead India to victory with 12 overs to spare.

The defending champions followed hosts England and Bangladesh into the last four and they will be joined by the winners of Monday`s final Group B game between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.&nbsp;

South Africa started cautiously after being sent in to bat as Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock added 76 for the first wicket without undue alarm.

Amla raised the tempo with a six over mid-wicket but, on 35, he tried to cut spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and nicked a sharp catch to wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

South Africa were 94 for one after 20 overs and De Kock reached a tidy half-century off 68 balls before he was deceived by spinner Ravindra Jadeja and bowled for 53.

South Africa then pressed the self-destruct button with two run-outs in quick succession.

AB de Villiers, on 16, perished trying to pinch a quick single and David Miller (one) was dismissed in farcical circumstances with both batsmen stranded at the same end to leave South Africa struggling at 142 for four.

Their hopes of a substantial total rested on the shoulders of Faf du Plessis but his scratchy knock of 36 ended when he dragged a ball from medium-pacer Hardik Pandya on to his stumps.

Chris Morris, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada and Morne Morkel soon joined him back in the pavilion and the innings petered out in the 45th over when Imran Tahir became the third run-out victim.

India began their reply positively and both openers had struck sixes before Rohit Sharma drove loosely at Morkel and was caught by wicketkeeper De Kock for 12.

Kohli joined Dhawan and after surviving hostile spells from Morkel and Rabada the pair started to play with more freedom.

Dhawan crunched Morris over mid-on for his eighth four to reach his 50 and the left-hander played some brutal strokes before he skied Tahir to Du Plessis at long-off.

Kohli remained in total control, however, and Yuvraj Singh hoisted JP Duminy over mid-wicket for a huge six to complete the most comfortable of wins for his team.

(Reuters)

India chased down South Africa's 191 with loss of two wickets

India crushed South Africa by eight wickets on Sunday to reach the Champions Trophy semi-finals and knock the world`s top-ranked team out of the tournament. South Africa crumbled from 116 for one to 191 all out in good batting conditions at The Oval before Shikhar Dhawan (78) and Virat Kohli (76 not out) shared a fluent partnership of 128 to lead India to victory with 12 overs to spare. The defending champions followed hosts England and Bangladesh into the last four and they will be joined by the winners of Monday`s final Group B game between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. South Africa started cautiously after being sent in to bat as Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock added 76 for the first wicket without undue alarm. Amla raised the tempo with a six over mid-wicket but, on 35, he tried to cut spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and nicked a sharp catch to wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. South Africa were 94 for one after 20 overs and De Kock reached a tidy half-century off 68 balls before he was deceived by spinner Ravindra Jadeja and bowled for 53. South Africa then pressed the self-destruct button with two run-outs in quick succession. AB de Villiers, on 16, perished trying to pinch a quick single and David Miller (one) was dismissed in farcical circumstances with both batsmen stranded at the same end to leave South Africa struggling at 142 for four. Their hopes of a substantial total rested on the shoulders of Faf du Plessis but his scratchy knock of 36 ended when he dragged a ball from medium-pacer Hardik Pandya on to his stumps. Chris Morris, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada and Morne Morkel soon joined him back in the pavilion and the innings petered out in the 45th over when Imran Tahir became the third run-out victim. India began their reply positively and both openers had struck sixes before Rohit Sharma drove loosely at Morkel and was caught by wicketkeeper De Kock for 12. Kohli joined Dhawan and after surviving hostile spells from Morkel and Rabada the pair started to play with more freedom. Dhawan crunched Morris over mid-on for his eighth four to reach his 50 and the left-hander played some brutal strokes before he skied Tahir to Du Plessis at long-off. Kohli remained in total control, however, and Yuvraj Singh hoisted JP Duminy over mid-wicket for a huge six to complete the most comfortable of wins for his team. (Reuters)

Champions Trophy: India beat South Africa to enter semis

India must tighten up their fielding and be &quot;ruthless&quot; when they face Sri Lanka in the Champions Trophy at the Oval on Thursday, skipper Virat Kohli said.

The defending champions opened their Group B account with an emphatic 124-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday, but drew criticism for their lacklustre fielding performance.

&quot;Sometimes, starting with the tournament, creating momentum as a team, you can misfield, you can get overexcited,&quot; Kohli told a news conference on Wednesday.

&quot;There can be lapses as well, especially when the team is seven or eight down and you know that the game is going to end soon. We have addressed the guys and have asked them to be ruthless and finish games off.&quot;

Kohli also told his teammates not to get carried away by the praise that has come their way since they beat Pakistan. Despite the occasional fielding error, India dominated the rain-shortened match.

&quot;I don&#39;t think when you are playing good cricket, you should look too much into the praise factor,&quot; he added.

&quot;As a team, we really don&#39;t focus on these things and we try to maintain the same kind of intensity and momentum regardless of how we are playing.

&quot;At this moment we are playing some good cricket but that doesn&#39;t mean that we play with arrogance... In this sport, anyone can upset anyone on their given day... you certainly cannot even think of taking anyone lightly.&quot;

Both India and South Africa have two points apiece having won their opening encounters, but India top the group thanks to their superior run rate.

(Reuters)

Kohli also told his teammates not to get carried away by the praise that has come their way since they beat Pakistan

India must tighten up their fielding and be "ruthless" when they face Sri Lanka in the Champions Trophy at the Oval on Thursday, skipper Virat Kohli said. The defending champions opened their Group B account with an emphatic 124-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday, but drew criticism for their lacklustre fielding performance. "Sometimes, starting with the tournament, creating momentum as a team, you can misfield, you can get overexcited," Kohli told a news conference on Wednesday. "There can be lapses as well, especially when the team is seven or eight down and you know that the game is going to end soon. We have addressed the guys and have asked them to be ruthless and finish games off." Kohli also told his teammates not to get carried away by the praise that has come their way since they beat Pakistan. Despite the occasional fielding error, India dominated the rain-shortened match. "I don't think when you are playing good cricket, you should look too much into the praise factor," he added. "As a team, we really don't focus on these things and we try to maintain the same kind of intensity and momentum regardless of how we are playing. "At this moment we are playing some good cricket but that doesn't mean that we play with arrogance... In this sport, anyone can upset anyone on their given day... you certainly cannot even think of taking anyone lightly." Both India and South Africa have two points apiece having won their opening encounters, but India top the group thanks to their superior run rate. (Reuters)

Virat Kohli: India must be ruthless in finishing games off

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

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

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

India is set to take on arch rival&nbsp;Pakistan in the Champions Trophy one-day cricket tournament on Sunday. The two are in a tough group with South Africa and Sri Lanka, so winning the ODI encounter will be crucial to qualify for the semi-finals. Captain Virat Kohli will no doubt feel the pressure on Sunday, so what can the history of&nbsp;India and Pakistan cricket rivalry tell us about who will win this weekend? WION uncovers the facts.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/infamous-odi-encounter-when-indian-skipper-bishen-bedi-conceded-a-match-to-pakistan-15954">India first played Pakistan in a one-day international on October 1</a>, 1978 in Quetta, Pakistan. India may have won that match by four runs, but Pakistan has&nbsp;been dominant since, winning 55% of the matches between the two sides.

<img src="http://i.imgur.com/dyWml1u.png" style="margin:0 auto;width: 350px;height:auto;" />

A lot of India-Pakistan matches have been very close, one of the closest being the recent clash&nbsp;on March 2, 2014 in the Asia Cup. India scored 245/8 but Pakistan scored 249/9 to win by one wicket with two balls to spare.

<img src="http://i.imgur.com/sPDsIKC.png" style="margin:0 auto;width: 350px;height:auto;" />

If we look at past matches, the team batting first has historically won more times.

<img src="http://i.imgur.com/buZfjQX.png" style="margin:0 auto;width: 350px;height:auto;" />

This will be the first India-Pakistan one-day match in two years, but there was a time in the late &#39;90s when India and Pakistan played each other at least seven times a year. We also see from the chart below how India has slowly started dominating Pakistan since the mid-2000s.

<img src="http://i.imgur.com/bYO0Ggm.png" style="margin:0 auto;width: 350px;height:auto;" />

India and Pakistan have played<a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/infamous-cricket-matches-between-india-and-pakistan-india-plays-in-virtual-darkness-at-sharjah-15900"> each other a lot outside the subcontinent, especially in the UAE.</a> Interestingly, they&#39;ve also played each other in Canada 16 times. This happened over a three-year period from 1996 to 1998 when the Canadian city Toronto was hosting an annual one-day series between the two countries.

<img src="http://i.imgur.com/YKzjrVm.png" style="margin:0 auto;width: 350px;height:auto;" />

(WION)

India will be playing Pakistan this weekend in a one-day match for the first time in two years. Here are some graphics to help you understand the history of this encounter.

India is set to take on arch rival Pakistan in the Champions Trophy one-day cricket tournament on Sunday. The two are in a tough group with South Africa and Sri Lanka, so winning the ODI encounter will be crucial to qualify for the semi-finals. Captain Virat Kohli will no doubt feel the pressure on Sunday, so what can the history of India and Pakistan cricket rivalry tell us about who will win this weekend? WION uncovers the facts. India first played Pakistan in a one-day international on October 1, 1978 in Quetta, Pakistan. India may have won that match by four runs, but Pakistan has been dominant since, winning 55% of the matches between the two sides. A lot of India-Pakistan matches have been very close, one of the closest being the recent clash on March 2, 2014 in the Asia Cup. India scored 245/8 but Pakistan scored 249/9 to win by one wicket with two balls to spare. If we look at past matches, the team batting first has historically won more times. This will be the first India-Pakistan one-day match in two years, but there was a time in the late '90s when India and Pakistan played each other at least seven times a year. We also see from the chart below how India has slowly started dominating Pakistan since the mid-2000s. India and Pakistan have played each other a lot outside the subcontinent, especially in the UAE. Interestingly, they've also played each other in Canada 16 times. This happened over a three-year period from 1996 to 1998 when the Canadian city Toronto was hosting an annual one-day series between the two countries. (WION)

Infographic: India-Pakistan ODIs since 1978

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly sent three of its officials to England to resolve the alleged differences between Team India captain Virat Kohli and coach Anil Kumble, a media report claimed on Thursday.

The two officials, chief of the BCCI Committee of Administrators Vinod Rai and&nbsp;general manager (cricket operations) Dr MV Sridhar, are making an unscheduled trip to England ahead of India&#39;s Champions Trophy opener 
against Pakistan on June 4.

Acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary&#39;s visit to England was planned in advance while Dr MV Sridhar&#39;s visit has been scheduled now, official sources told Indian daily mid-day.com.

Sridhar, who has played 97 first-class matches, is highly respected by the players and may facilitate Vinod Rai&#39;s interactions with the coach and captain.&nbsp;

The BCCI officials will reach Birmingham today and will return after India&#39;s match with&nbsp;Pakistan match on Sunday.

Meanwhile, historian Ramachandra Guha, who was appointed by the Supreme Court as one of the four administrators of BCCI, informed the top court today that he had resigned from the post due to personal reasons.

Guha had been appointed by the top court to run the affairs of BCCI and implement court-approved recommendations on reforms in the cash-rich cricket body.

The speculation surrounding Kumble, whose&nbsp;&nbsp;future has become a matter of conjecture after reports of the rift with Kohli are suspected to be one of the reasons for Guha&#39;s exit. 
 
(WION) 
&nbsp;

The BCCI officials arrive in Birmingham today and will return after India's match with?Pakistan match on Sunday

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly sent three of its officials to England to resolve the alleged differences between Team India captain Virat Kohli and coach Anil Kumble, a media report claimed on Thursday. The two officials, chief of the BCCI Committee of Administrators Vinod Rai and general manager (cricket operations) Dr MV Sridhar, are making an unscheduled trip to England ahead of India's Champions Trophy opener against Pakistan on June 4. Acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary's visit to England was planned in advance while Dr MV Sridhar's visit has been scheduled now, official sources told Indian daily mid-day.com. Sridhar, who has played 97 first-class matches, is highly respected by the players and may facilitate Vinod Rai's interactions with the coach and captain. The BCCI officials will reach Birmingham today and will return after India's match with Pakistan match on Sunday. Meanwhile, historian Ramachandra Guha, who was appointed by the Supreme Court as one of the four administrators of BCCI, informed the top court today that he had resigned from the post due to personal reasons. Guha had been appointed by the top court to run the affairs of BCCI and implement court-approved recommendations on reforms in the cash-rich cricket body. The speculation surrounding Kumble, whose future has become a matter of conjecture after reports of the rift with Kohli are suspected to be one of the reasons for Guha's exit. (WION)

BCCI sends peacemakers to England to resolve differences between Virat Kohli, coach Kumble: Report

Virender Sehwag today became the most notable applicant for the Indian cricket team&#39;s chief coach&#39;s post, which would be technically vacant when Anil Kumble&#39;s term comes to an end after the Champions Trophy.

&nbsp;Others in the fray are former Australian cricketer Tom Moody and English cricket coach Richard Pybus, who has coached Pakistan earlier.

The two Indians among the applicants are former fast bowler Dodda Ganesh and former India A coach Lalchand Rajput.

Moody and Rajput had applied for the chief coach&#39;s job last year also but it was Kumble who got the nod.

However, the entry of Sehwag -- considered to be one of India&#39;s greatest ever game changers -- makes the battle for the position very interesting.

One of India&#39;s biggest match-winners and a part of two-time World Cup winning team, Sehwag played 104 Tests and 251 ODIs for India, scoring 8586 and 8273 runs.

He doesn&#39;t have any prior coaching experience apart from mentoring IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab recently, it was the BCCI top brass that convinced him to apply for the post.

It&#39;s the same kind of scenario when Ravi Shastri seemed all set to be retained as coach and Kumble was asked to throw his hat in the ring at the eleventh hour.

The BCCI joint secretary Amitabh Chaudhary today on record denied any rift between Kumble and captain Virat Kohli.

However, the fact that a player of Sehwag&#39;s stature has applied gives enough indication that everything is not right in the Indian dressing room.

Sehwag will only apply when he knows that he is a serious contender for the top job.

It will be interesting if Kumble finally appears for the interview knowing that Sehwag has applied for the post.

However many in BCCI feel that Sehwag, who is also a social media sensation, may demand an astronomical salary and then Moody, who gave a good presentation last time also, could come into the fray.

It may well happen that Moody, a proven international and IPL coach (Sri Lanka and Sunrisers Hyderabad) may be considered for the job.

Moody has been compared to John Wright and Gary Kirsten, two of the successful coaches of India. He is soft-spoken, more of a backroom man with a pleasing personality.

A two-time World Cup winner (1987 and 1999), 52-year-old Moody was an important member of Australia&#39;s limited overs side till the late 90&#39;s, representing the country in 76 ODIs.

Pybus doesn&#39;t have great cricketing pedigree, having played only one first-class match but is rated highly as a strategist. He has coached the Pakistan national side twice.

Rajput and Ganesh could at best be the fillers with the latter being an aspirant for the fast bowling coach&#39;s job.

However if Zaheer Khan is ever keen to take up the job, then BCCI may not look elsewhere.

The interviews are supposed to be held in England only. A few may join the interview via Skype.

Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman, part of the cricket advisory committee, and Sehwag are currently in England as part of the commentary team for the Star Sports in the Champions Trophy. 
 
(PTI)

Others in the fray are former Australian cricketer Tom Moody and English cricket coach Richard Pybus, who has coached Pakistan earlier.

Virender Sehwag today became the most notable applicant for the Indian cricket team's chief coach's post, which would be technically vacant when Anil Kumble's term comes to an end after the Champions Trophy. Others in the fray are former Australian cricketer Tom Moody and English cricket coach Richard Pybus, who has coached Pakistan earlier. The two Indians among the applicants are former fast bowler Dodda Ganesh and former India A coach Lalchand Rajput. Moody and Rajput had applied for the chief coach's job last year also but it was Kumble who got the nod. However, the entry of Sehwag -- considered to be one of India's greatest ever game changers -- makes the battle for the position very interesting. One of India's biggest match-winners and a part of two-time World Cup winning team, Sehwag played 104 Tests and 251 ODIs for India, scoring 8586 and 8273 runs. He doesn't have any prior coaching experience apart from mentoring IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab recently, it was the BCCI top brass that convinced him to apply for the post. It's the same kind of scenario when Ravi Shastri seemed all set to be retained as coach and Kumble was asked to throw his hat in the ring at the eleventh hour. The BCCI joint secretary Amitabh Chaudhary today on record denied any rift between Kumble and captain Virat Kohli. However, the fact that a player of Sehwag's stature has applied gives enough indication that everything is not right in the Indian dressing room. Sehwag will only apply when he knows that he is a serious contender for the top job. It will be interesting if Kumble finally appears for the interview knowing that Sehwag has applied for the post. However many in BCCI feel that Sehwag, who is also a social media sensation, may demand an astronomical salary and then Moody, who gave a good presentation last time also, could come into the fray. It may well happen that Moody, a proven international and IPL coach (Sri Lanka and Sunrisers Hyderabad) may be considered for the job. Moody has been compared to John Wright and Gary Kirsten, two of the successful coaches of India. He is soft-spoken, more of a backroom man with a pleasing personality. A two-time World Cup winner (1987 and 1999), 52-year-old Moody was an important member of Australia's limited overs side till the late 90's, representing the country in 76 ODIs. Pybus doesn't have great cricketing pedigree, having played only one first-class match but is rated highly as a strategist. He has coached the Pakistan national side twice. Rajput and Ganesh could at best be the fillers with the latter being an aspirant for the fast bowling coach's job. However if Zaheer Khan is ever keen to take up the job, then BCCI may not look elsewhere. The interviews are supposed to be held in England only. A few may join the interview via Skype. Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman, part of the cricket advisory committee, and Sehwag are currently in England as part of the commentary team for the Star Sports in the Champions Trophy. (PTI)

Virender Sehwag among top contenders for Team India coach: BCCI

India announced the 15-member squad for next month&#39;s Champions Trophy, after days of ambivalence over its participation.

Opener Shikhar Dhawan and middle-order batsman Manish Pandey made a comeback but warhorses Harbhajan Singh and Gautam Gambhir failed to make the list.

Rohit Sharma, who was out injured since last November due to a thigh injury, has also been included in the squad.

But KL Rahul continues to remain on the sidelines due to an injury he sustained in his shoulder.

Ashwin, who has not participated in the tenth edition of the lucrative Indian Premier League due to a hernia injury, has made himself available for the ICC event.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a>: BCCI selection committee addressing media in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/b7NAVFQj2x">https://t.co/b7NAVFQj2x</a>
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&quot;Ashwin&#39;s selection was not a difficult decision. He&#39;s had rest, isn&#39;t out of form. We&#39;ve been preparing him for the Champions Trophy&quot; said MSK Prasad, the chairman of selectors.

Up-and-coming Rishabh Pant did not find a place either, though Prasad said the selection team are &quot;completely impressed&quot; with his rich vein of form in the ongoing IPL season.

Pant has scored 972 runs at an average of 81 in the tournament.

India will start their Champions Trophy campaign against their rivals Pakistan on June 4.

As reported earlier, the Indian team was announced on Monday morning following days of uncertainty.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India -- the country&#39;s cricket administrators -- had threatened to pull out of this year&#39;s Champions Trophy as it was unhappy with the revamped revenue-sharing model.

Squad:&nbsp;Virat Kohli (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane (vice captain), MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Md. Shami,&nbsp;Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Manish Pandey and Jasprit Bumrah

(WION)

Manish Pandey also made a comeback but veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh misses out

India announced the 15-member squad for next month's Champions Trophy, after days of ambivalence over its participation. Opener Shikhar Dhawan and middle-order batsman Manish Pandey made a comeback but warhorses Harbhajan Singh and Gautam Gambhir failed to make the list. Rohit Sharma, who was out injured since last November due to a thigh injury, has also been included in the squad. But KL Rahul continues to remain on the sidelines due to an injury he sustained in his shoulder. Ashwin, who has not participated in the tenth edition of the lucrative Indian Premier League due to a hernia injury, has made himself available for the ICC event. #WATCH: BCCI selection committee addressing media in Delhi https://t.co/b7NAVFQj2x — ANI (@ANI_news) May 8, 2017 × "Ashwin's selection was not a difficult decision. He's had rest, isn't out of form. We've been preparing him for the Champions Trophy" said MSK Prasad, the chairman of selectors. Up-and-coming Rishabh Pant did not find a place either, though Prasad said the selection team are "completely impressed" with his rich vein of form in the ongoing IPL season. Pant has scored 972 runs at an average of 81 in the tournament. India will start their Champions Trophy campaign against their rivals Pakistan on June 4. As reported earlier, the Indian team was announced on Monday morning following days of uncertainty. The Board of Control for Cricket in India -- the country's cricket administrators -- had threatened to pull out of this year's Champions Trophy as it was unhappy with the revamped revenue-sharing model. Squad: Virat Kohli (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane (vice captain), MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Md. Shami, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Manish Pandey and Jasprit Bumrah (WION)

India announce Champions Trophy squad; Dhawan returns, Pant misses cut

Skipper Rohit Sharma played a sublime knock to lead Mumbai Indians to a five-wicket win over laggards Royal Challengers Bangalore, ensuring themselves of a berth at the IPL play-offs, here today. 
 
RCB, opting to bat, put up 162 for eight with Ab de Villiers hammering 43 off 27 balls. 
 
It was a rather straightforward chase for Mumbai as the home team reeled off 59 runs in the last six overs, courtesy some crisp hitting from Rohit, who ended with 56 off 37 balls. 
 
Hardik Pandya remained unbeaten with the captain, scoring 14 off nine balls. 
 
With the win at Wankhede, Mumbai moved to the top of the points table with eight wins out of 10 games fetching them 16 points. 
 
On the other hand, it was another disappointing performance from the star-studded RCB, who are very much out of contention for a play-off berth. The loss was their eighth in 11 matches. 
 
Fittingly, Rohit hit the winning runs, a cracking drive past mid-off. It was one of the six boundaries he hit alongside a maximum. 
 
The quick start to the chase was provided by Jos Buttler (33 off 21) and Nitish Rana (27 off 28) after Parthiv Patel was out for a first ball duck. 
 
Earlier, Mitchell McClenaghan claimed three wickets as Mumbai Indians produced a disciplined bowling performance to restrict RCB to a modest total. 
 
Besides McClenaghan (3/34), Krunal Pandya (2/34) took two wickets, while Karn Sharma (1/23) and Jasprit Bumrah (1/33) accounted for wicket apiece. 
 
For RCB, de Villiers emerged as the top-scorer after he blasted three fours and as many sixes during his 27-ball innings, while Pawan Negi (35) and Kedar Jadhav (28) provided the late charge to take the team past the 150-mark. 
 
RCB lost their first wicket in the fourth over when Mandeep Singh (17) went for the slog sweep and was caught by Hardik. 
 
In the sixth over, McClenaghan removed Virat Kohli (20) when the RCB skipper flicked a slower ball straight to short midwicket and Rohit took a simple catch, reducing the visitors slipped to 40 for two. 
 
De Villiers then blasted McClenaghan over backward point for a four before sending him over sweeper cover for a maximum as RCB scored 52-2 in the powerplay overs. 
 
The South African gave Krunal Pandya the same treatment as RCB accumulated 13 runs off the ninth over. 
 
After 10 overs, they were 80 for 2 but Travis Head (12) holed out to Hardik at deep midwicket and RCB slumped to 85-3. 
 
De Villiers brought up the 100 with a six off Krunal over the square leg boundary but was dismissed in the next delivery by the same bowler for the fourth time in as many meetings. 
 
Shane Watson&#39;s poor run continued and he went down cheaply again to leave RCB struggling at 108-5 in 13.4 overs. 
 
Negi and Jadhav then steadied the innings, taking ones and twos to keep the scoreboard ticking. 
 
Negi finally exploded in the 18th over, producing a couple of sixes off Lasith Malinga over extra cover and long- off, before smashing a six over long-on boundary in the next over to bring up the 150. 
 
The final over yielded just five runs as McClenaghan dismissed Negi and Jadhav in successive deliveries, while S Aravind ran himself out while looking for a single.

(PTI)

Rohit Sharma played a captain's knock to chase the target set by Virat Kohli's team

Skipper Rohit Sharma played a sublime knock to lead Mumbai Indians to a five-wicket win over laggards Royal Challengers Bangalore, ensuring themselves of a berth at the IPL play-offs, here today. RCB, opting to bat, put up 162 for eight with Ab de Villiers hammering 43 off 27 balls. It was a rather straightforward chase for Mumbai as the home team reeled off 59 runs in the last six overs, courtesy some crisp hitting from Rohit, who ended with 56 off 37 balls. Hardik Pandya remained unbeaten with the captain, scoring 14 off nine balls. With the win at Wankhede, Mumbai moved to the top of the points table with eight wins out of 10 games fetching them 16 points. On the other hand, it was another disappointing performance from the star-studded RCB, who are very much out of contention for a play-off berth. The loss was their eighth in 11 matches. Fittingly, Rohit hit the winning runs, a cracking drive past mid-off. It was one of the six boundaries he hit alongside a maximum. The quick start to the chase was provided by Jos Buttler (33 off 21) and Nitish Rana (27 off 28) after Parthiv Patel was out for a first ball duck. Earlier, Mitchell McClenaghan claimed three wickets as Mumbai Indians produced a disciplined bowling performance to restrict RCB to a modest total. Besides McClenaghan (3/34), Krunal Pandya (2/34) took two wickets, while Karn Sharma (1/23) and Jasprit Bumrah (1/33) accounted for wicket apiece. For RCB, de Villiers emerged as the top-scorer after he blasted three fours and as many sixes during his 27-ball innings, while Pawan Negi (35) and Kedar Jadhav (28) provided the late charge to take the team past the 150-mark. RCB lost their first wicket in the fourth over when Mandeep Singh (17) went for the slog sweep and was caught by Hardik. In the sixth over, McClenaghan removed Virat Kohli (20) when the RCB skipper flicked a slower ball straight to short midwicket and Rohit took a simple catch, reducing the visitors slipped to 40 for two. De Villiers then blasted McClenaghan over backward point for a four before sending him over sweeper cover for a maximum as RCB scored 52-2 in the powerplay overs. The South African gave Krunal Pandya the same treatment as RCB accumulated 13 runs off the ninth over. After 10 overs, they were 80 for 2 but Travis Head (12) holed out to Hardik at deep midwicket and RCB slumped to 85-3. De Villiers brought up the 100 with a six off Krunal over the square leg boundary but was dismissed in the next delivery by the same bowler for the fourth time in as many meetings. Shane Watson's poor run continued and he went down cheaply again to leave RCB struggling at 108-5 in 13.4 overs. Negi and Jadhav then steadied the innings, taking ones and twos to keep the scoreboard ticking. Negi finally exploded in the 18th over, producing a couple of sixes off Lasith Malinga over extra cover and long- off, before smashing a six over long-on boundary in the next over to bring up the 150. The final over yielded just five runs as McClenaghan dismissed Negi and Jadhav in successive deliveries, while S Aravind ran himself out while looking for a single. (PTI)

IPL: Mumbai seal playoffs spot after win over Bangalore

Royal Challengers Bangalore led by India captain Virat Kohli has become the&nbsp;first team to be thrown out of contention for play-offs after a humiliating 61-run defeat against Rising Pune Supergiant in the&nbsp;Indian Premier League today.

Skipper Steven Smith who was embroiled in a long drawn battle with Virat Kohli during Australia&#39;s tour to India finally extracted some &quot;revenge&quot;.

Although the RCB bowlers managed to keep the Pune batsmen under a tight leash restricting them to 157 for three but another shoddy batting performance saw them finish at a dismal 96 for 9 after 20 overs.

While Pune kept themselves in contention with their fifth win in nine games, RCB are practically out of the tournament with their seventh defeat in 10 games and only five points in their kitty.

Pune bowlers rose to the occasion defending a sub-par total with a controlled bowling performance.&nbsp;Imran Tahir was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/18 from four overs, while Lockie Ferguson claimed 2/7 in four overs to claim the Man of the match award.

Jaydev Unadkat, Daniel Christian and Washington Sundar took one wicket each.&nbsp;This is one of the rarest occasions when a team has been bundled out below 100 runs twice in the Indian Premier League.

RCB were shot out for 49 by KKR in an earlier game in the tournament.

Chasing a modest 158, Bangalore just kept losing wickets despite skipper Kohli holding his ground at one end.&nbsp;Apart from Kohli, who came up with an uncharacteristic 48-ball-55, studded with four boundaries and a six, none of the other RCB batsmen could reach the double-digit mark.

Though not in his usual aggressive self, Kohli single-handedly tried his best to bail the team out of trouble but just did not find an able partner at the other end.&nbsp;The highest partnership of just 21 runs tells the dismal saga of a vaunted batting line-up.&nbsp;The visitors were gasping at 48 for five in the 10th over and there was no time when RCB showed any signs of revival. 
Kohli only reduced the margin of defeat with a gritty knock.

Earlier, RCB bowlers dominated the proceedings from the word go after inviting the Pune outfit to take first strike, with left-arm spinner Pawan Negi returning with impressive figures of 1/18 from his 4 overs.

Stuart Binny (1/17) and Samuel Badree (1/31) chipped in with wicket apiece.

Despite losing just three wickets, Pune batsmen could not upped the ante even though the pitch was reasonably batting- friendly.

Skipper Steven Smith top-scored with 32-ball-45 that included five boundaries and a six, while Manoj Tiwary (44 no, 35 balls) and opener Rahul Tripathi (37) also made important contributions. 
However, Pune could bring up 100 runs only in the 14th over.

Even Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who hit a huge six and a boundary during his unbeaten 21 off 17 failed to increase the tempo in the final overs. Dhoni and Tiwary could put up only 46 runs in the last five overs.

Despite three 40-plus partnerships, Pune batsmen simply failed to get going, even as the bowlers maintained a consistent line and length to tightened the noose.

Having lost Ajinkya Rahane (6) early, opener Tripathi and Smith stitched 40 runs for the second wicket, before the skipper joined hands with Tiwary for a 50-run stand for the third wicket. 
Tiwary then couple with Dhoni for an unbroken fourth- wicket partnership of 49.

(PTI) 
&nbsp;

Royal Challengers Bangalore led by India captain Virat Kohli has become the?first team to be thrown out of contention for play-offs.

Royal Challengers Bangalore led by India captain Virat Kohli has become the first team to be thrown out of contention for play-offs after a humiliating 61-run defeat against Rising Pune Supergiant in the Indian Premier League today. Skipper Steven Smith who was embroiled in a long drawn battle with Virat Kohli during Australia's tour to India finally extracted some "revenge". Although the RCB bowlers managed to keep the Pune batsmen under a tight leash restricting them to 157 for three but another shoddy batting performance saw them finish at a dismal 96 for 9 after 20 overs. While Pune kept themselves in contention with their fifth win in nine games, RCB are practically out of the tournament with their seventh defeat in 10 games and only five points in their kitty. Pune bowlers rose to the occasion defending a sub-par total with a controlled bowling performance. Imran Tahir was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/18 from four overs, while Lockie Ferguson claimed 2/7 in four overs to claim the Man of the match award. Jaydev Unadkat, Daniel Christian and Washington Sundar took one wicket each. This is one of the rarest occasions when a team has been bundled out below 100 runs twice in the Indian Premier League. RCB were shot out for 49 by KKR in an earlier game in the tournament. Chasing a modest 158, Bangalore just kept losing wickets despite skipper Kohli holding his ground at one end. Apart from Kohli, who came up with an uncharacteristic 48-ball-55, studded with four boundaries and a six, none of the other RCB batsmen could reach the double-digit mark. Though not in his usual aggressive self, Kohli single-handedly tried his best to bail the team out of trouble but just did not find an able partner at the other end. The highest partnership of just 21 runs tells the dismal saga of a vaunted batting line-up. The visitors were gasping at 48 for five in the 10th over and there was no time when RCB showed any signs of revival. Kohli only reduced the margin of defeat with a gritty knock. Earlier, RCB bowlers dominated the proceedings from the word go after inviting the Pune outfit to take first strike, with left-arm spinner Pawan Negi returning with impressive figures of 1/18 from his 4 overs. Stuart Binny (1/17) and Samuel Badree (1/31) chipped in with wicket apiece. Despite losing just three wickets, Pune batsmen could not upped the ante even though the pitch was reasonably batting- friendly. Skipper Steven Smith top-scored with 32-ball-45 that included five boundaries and a six, while Manoj Tiwary (44 no, 35 balls) and opener Rahul Tripathi (37) also made important contributions. However, Pune could bring up 100 runs only in the 14th over. Even Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who hit a huge six and a boundary during his unbeaten 21 off 17 failed to increase the tempo in the final overs. Dhoni and Tiwary could put up only 46 runs in the last five overs. Despite three 40-plus partnerships, Pune batsmen simply failed to get going, even as the bowlers maintained a consistent line and length to tightened the noose. Having lost Ajinkya Rahane (6) early, opener Tripathi and Smith stitched 40 runs for the second wicket, before the skipper joined hands with Tiwary for a 50-run stand for the third wicket. Tiwary then couple with Dhoni for an unbroken fourth- wicket partnership of 49. (PTI)

IPL: Steven Smith's Pune has the last laugh, Kohli's RCB fails again

Gujarat Lions notched up a comfortable seven-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bangalore to revive their IPL play-off hopes, here today. 
 
Chasing 135 to win, Gujarat lost both openers -- Ishan Kishan (16) and Brendon McCullum (3) -- to be reduced to 23-2 but Finch blasted 5 fours and 6 sixes in his scintillating 34 -ball 72-run innings as the visitors romped home with 6.1 overs to spare. 
 
Earlier, Tye returned with a three-wicket haul to trigger a top-order collapse as Royal Challengers Bangalore were bowled out for 134 by Gujarat Lions after electing to bowl in their eighth match of IPL 10. 
 
Tye, who had taken a hat-trick on IPL debut against Rising Pune Supergiant at Rajkot, struck twice in two balls and returned with figures of 4-0-12-3 to leave the hosts at 22-3 in the fifth over. 
 
Besides Tye, Ravindra Jadeja (2/28) snapped two wickets and Basil Thampi (1/34) and Ankit Soni (1/28) picked up one wicket each as Lions dished out a disciplined bowling performance. 
 
For RCB, Pawan Negi (32) and Kedar Jadhav (31) were the top scorers. 
 
This is only the third victory in the season for Gujarat Lions, who had gathered just four points from seven games to be languishing at the bottom of the table. 
 
With this loss, the door is fast closing for RCB, who has just five points from nine matches.

(PTI)

Aaron Finch-led Gujarat Lions romped home with 37 balls to spare

Gujarat Lions notched up a comfortable seven-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bangalore to revive their IPL play-off hopes, here today. Chasing 135 to win, Gujarat lost both openers -- Ishan Kishan (16) and Brendon McCullum (3) -- to be reduced to 23-2 but Finch blasted 5 fours and 6 sixes in his scintillating 34 -ball 72-run innings as the visitors romped home with 6.1 overs to spare. Earlier, Tye returned with a three-wicket haul to trigger a top-order collapse as Royal Challengers Bangalore were bowled out for 134 by Gujarat Lions after electing to bowl in their eighth match of IPL 10. Tye, who had taken a hat-trick on IPL debut against Rising Pune Supergiant at Rajkot, struck twice in two balls and returned with figures of 4-0-12-3 to leave the hosts at 22-3 in the fifth over. Besides Tye, Ravindra Jadeja (2/28) snapped two wickets and Basil Thampi (1/34) and Ankit Soni (1/28) picked up one wicket each as Lions dished out a disciplined bowling performance. For RCB, Pawan Negi (32) and Kedar Jadhav (31) were the top scorers. This is only the third victory in the season for Gujarat Lions, who had gathered just four points from seven games to be languishing at the bottom of the table. With this loss, the door is fast closing for RCB, who has just five points from nine matches. (PTI)

IPL: Gujarat register facile win over Bangalore

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