TEST MATCH
Bangladesh dominate day 1
Bangladesh yesterday dominated day 1 of the first Test against Sri Lanka, powering their way to 302-2 in Kandy on the back of Nazmul Shanto’s unbeaten century. Opener Tamim Iqbal missed out on his own ton when he was caught by Lahiru Thirimanne off the bowling of Vishwa Fernando (2-61) for 90, while Saif Hassan was the first to go, out LBW to Fernando without scoring. The other unbeaten batsman was Mominul Haque on 64. Shanto supported Iqbal during their 144-run stand for the second wicket and had added 150 runs for the third wicket with his captain. He was on 126 at the close of play after bringing up his maiden Test century.
T20 INTERNATIONAL
Zimbabwe fall short
Zimbabwe fell 11 runs short of a surprise win over Pakistan in the first Twenty20 in Harare yesterday. Pakistan batting first profited through opener Mohammad Rizwan, who batted through the 20 overs to finish on 82 not out. He bolstered that total in the final over, plundering 20 runs off Richard Ngarava(1-48) to lift the visitors to 149-7. That finish proved crucial as Zimbabwe’s Tinashe Kamunhukamwe (29) and Craig Ervine (34) left them needing 68 from eight overs. Luke Jongwe’s 30 not out pulled them within range, but despite some big hitting, Pakistan’s death bowlers completed the job. Usman Qadir picked up 3-29. The second match of the three-game series is tomorrow.
IPL
Sunrisers get first win
Sunrisers Hyderabad picked up their first win of the season yesterday, defeating the Punjab Kings by nine wickets. The Sunrisers’ bowlers restricted the Kings to 120, which left a relatively comfortable chase for David Warner (37), Jonny Bairstow (63 not out) and Kane Williamson (16 not out). On Tuesday, Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma urged his batsmen to step up after yet another listless performance in the middle overs saw the Indian Premier League (IPL) champions suffer their second defeat of their campaign. Opting to bat first against the Delhi Capitals, Mumbai had reached 67-1 in the seventh over at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, but lost their way, ending up with a paltry 137-9 from their 20 overs. Rohit’s side had defended low totals in their previous two matches against the Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders, but failed to do so on Tuesday as Delhi registered a six-wicket victory. “After the start we got, I thought we could have very batted well in the middle overs, which we didn’t do,” Rohit said at the presentation ceremony. “That’s something we need to focus on. It’s been happening time and again.” Mumbai had been cruising at 86-1 against Eoin Morgan’s Kolkata before being bundled out for 152, while they raised 55 for the opening partnership against Hyderabad, but could not capitalize on the brisk start and managed 150-5. On Tuesday, Delhi leg-spinner Amit Mishra did the damage with 4-24, including the wickets of Rohit, and hard-hitting middle-order batsmen Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard. “We are just not being able to capitalize on the start that we are getting in the powerplay,” said Rohit, who scored 44 and added 58 for the second wicket with Suryakumar Yadav. “This is something we need to understand as a batting unit. That is something we failed to do again, but you have got to give credit to Delhi bowlers.”
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely