El Tri stars leave ahead of USMNT clash
Only two players based in Europe will be eligible for Mexico’s friendly Tuesday against the United States, with Hirving Lozano, Erick Gutierrez and Guillermo Ochoa not traveling to Nashville.All three players took part in Mexico’s 4-1 loss Friday to Uruguay but will fly back to Europe from Houston rather than make the trip to Tennessee for the second match of the FIFA window. Ochoa was the starting goalkeeper for the World Cup and played all 90 minutes of the loss to Uruguay, conceding a pair of set-piece goals to a phenomenal Luis Suarez. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Man Utd ready to spend big on Sancho and Haaland in January Who is Marcus Thuram? Lilian’s son who is top of the Bundesliga with Borussia Monchengladbach Brazil, beware! Messi and Argentina out for revenge after Copa controversy Best player in MLS? Zlatan wasn’t even the best player in LA! Gutierrez played an hour of the contest, though PSV directors may have been nervous while watching. The Dutch champions signed Ryan Thomas to fill their need in the midfield during the offseason but saw Thomas go down to a knee injury during his first week in training.Gutierrez was signed as a replacement after PSV’s progression in the Champions League freed up more cash for the club but is yet to make his debut. He’ll join Lozano in Eindhoven where his countryman has become one of the club’s most important players since arriving in summer 2017. “Chucky” played 72 minutes against Uruguay, winning a penalty. Mexico interim manager Ricardo “Tuca” Ferretti had hinted that he would make changes to his roster after the Uruguay game, though he said the team would still look to utilize more or less the same tactics as it did against the South Americans.”I’m going to talk and plan with my players to put together a tactical plan. Players in the starting lineup for Tuesday, yes, you’re going to see a lot of changes,” Ferretti said. “You’re going to see a lot of changes because I want to see all the elements brought in for these two international matches. I’m also going to count on the others if I need to make a change or there’s some other situation.”The United States made a similar change, with center back John Brooks heading back to Wolfsburg after the Americans’ 2-0 loss to Brazil. However, a dozen players who represent European clubs still remain in the U.S. squad.
‘Lewandowski was never Real Madrid’s first choice’
Robert Lewandowski was “never the first choice” for Real Madrid, the Bayern Munich striker’s former agent has claimed.The Poland international has long been linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, with his prolific form marking him out as one of the most fearsome forwards in Europe.A ‘Galactico’ transfer policy in Madrid has often seen Lewandowski’s name mentioned with a possible big-money move, but Bayern have understandably been reluctant to part with such a prized asset. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Man Utd ready to spend big on Sancho and Haaland in January Who is Marcus Thuram? Lilian’s son who is top of the Bundesliga with Borussia Monchengladbach Brazil, beware! Messi and Argentina out for revenge after Copa controversy Best player in MLS? Zlatan wasn’t even the best player in LA! It was suggested that 2018 could be the year in which a deal was done, with the 30-year-old having turned to so-called ‘super agent’ Pini Zahavi back in February to manage his career.Cesary Kucharski was the man whose services were parted with, but he claims a switch to Spain was never on the cards, telling Sport1: “For Real Madrid, Robert was never the first choice.”Lewandowski has expressed his disappointment at not being granted a move away from Bayern, with over 150 goals in four seasons considered to have been enough at the Allianz Arena.Kucharski claims the Pole’s “attitude to money became a problem” towards the end of his association with a proven performer, with his focus being shifted away from football.He is, however, adamant that strike action would never have been taken in an effort to force a transfer, adding: “A strike would do nothing but damage his image in Germany.”Kucharski also believes that Lewandowski, who has a contract in Bavaria until 2021, will find it impossible to force the hand of the board at Bayern and get them to agree to a sale.“Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Uli Hoeness have a lot of experience, they were footballers themselves and can therefore understand the perspective and responsibility of the footballer,” he said.“They understand that footballers are different from those who have to make decisions.“Robert is a professional and likes to play at Bayern.”
Report: Leicester City 1 West Ham 1
Wilfred Ndidi’s late deflected strike salvaged a 1-1 Premier League draw for Leicester City against 10-man West Ham at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.Fabian Balbuena had earlier handed the Hammers a first-half lead, scoring his first goal for the club following his move from Corinthians with a close-range finish.Their cause was made more difficult in the 38th minute when Mark Noble received a straight red card for raking his studs down Ndidi’s calf.Manuel Pellegrini’s side looked like they would withstand Noble’s moment of madness, but Ndidi’s 89th-minute strike took a significant deflection off Balbuena and spun into Lukasz Fabianski’s top corner to ensure a share of the spoils. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Man Utd ready to spend big on Sancho and Haaland in January Who is Marcus Thuram? Lilian’s son who is top of the Bundesliga with Borussia Monchengladbach Brazil, beware! Messi and Argentina out for revenge after Copa controversy Best player in MLS? Zlatan wasn’t even the best player in LA! Ndidi’s late goal earns #lcfc a point at King Power Stadium.#LeiWhu pic.twitter.com/rwsOoOsybY— Leicester City (@LCFC) October 27, 2018Leicester started brightly – Kelechi Iheanacho seeing a strike ruled out for offside after just two minutes – but it was West Ham who carved out the first effort on target, Kasper Schmeichel keeping out Felipe Anderson’s low drive.Robert Snodgrass flashed wide midway through the half from a tight angle, before Balbuena took advantage of some generous Leicester defending to give the Hammers a 30th-minute lead. The Paraguayan reacted quicker than the sluggish Harry Maguire after his initial header cannoned back off the post and prodded past Schmeichel from close range.Noble then received his marching orders eight minutes later and the hosts almost immediately made their numerical superiority count, Fabianski repelling Vincente Iborra’s header.The Foxes carved out a host of chances shortly after the hour mark, Marc Albrighton’s fierce volley kept out by Fabianski, substitute Jamie Vardy heading over from close range and Maguire thumping his own header against the crossbar.Leicester looked flat in the closing stages, but Ndidi’s strike from distance took a wicked deflection off Balbuena to prevent his side from slipping to a third consecutive defeat.What does it mean? Noble’s red proves costly for HammersIt might not be enough to prevent discussion around Claude Puel’s future as Leicester boss, but Ndidi’s late goal at least prevents the Frenchman from suffering a third defeat on the spin. West Ham, meanwhile, end their own run of two straight defeats, but will be ruing Noble’s costly challenge in the first half, which surely prevented them from taking all three points.Rice continues heady ascentIt is hard to believe Declan Rice is still only 19. The defensive midfielder has already caught the eye this season and he delivered another assured display in front of the Hammers’ backline to frustrate Leicester until Ndidi’s late intervention.Noble’s moment of madnessThe Hammers midfielder can have no complaints about referee Michael Oliver’s decision to dismiss him seven minutes before the interval. His challenge on Ndidi was late, high and reckless – a recipe for a red card.What’s next?Leicester are in EFL Cup action on Tuesday when Southampton visit the King Power Stadium, while West Ham host Tottenham in the same competition a day later, having emerged victorious at Wembley in the same tie last season. read more
Christian Benteke’s brace earns Crystal Palace 2-1 win on return to Liverpool
Christian Benteke scored twice on his return to former club Liverpool to earn Crystal Palace a 2-1 win that boosted its survival hopes in the Premier League on Sunday.Benteke was sold by Liverpool for 27 million pounds ($34.6 million) in August as he didn’t fit into coach Juergen Klopp’s plans, but he is proving the ideal striker for Palace in its late run to safety.Christian Benteke: “I said to myself that if I scored I wouldnt celebrate as I respect @LFC. What happened to me here is behind me” #LIVCRY pic.twitter.com/JNI7wh3RB8- Premier League (@premierleague) April 23, 2017It is now five goals in his last five games for the tall Belgium striker, who equalized at Anfield in the 42nd minute with a sidefooted finish before stooping to head home the winner from a corner in the 74th. (Arsenal beat Manchester City 2-1 to reach FA Cup final with Chelsea)Philippe Coutinho put Liverpool ahead in the 24th minute with a curling free kick from 25 meters (yards), and spurned a number of opportunities early in the second half before Benteke struck for the second time. (Wayne Rooney scores on return as Manchester United close in on Manchester City)Liverpool stayed in third place as it seeks a top-four finish to qualify for the Champions League, but is only two points clear of Manchester City and three ahead of Manchester United. Both City and United have two games in hand over Liverpool, which has four matches left.After its third straight win at Anfield, Palace moved seven points clear of the relegation zone, which could well be enough to secure its top-flight status for another season.advertisementPalace brought Sam Allardyce in as manager in late December because of his history in keeping teams in the Premier League, and it has proved to be a shrewd appointment. The London team has beaten Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool in its last five games.Palace even achieved victory without star defender Mamadou Sakho, who is on loan from Liverpool and wasn’t allowed to play against his former club.The last team to complete three wins in a row at Anfield was Chelsea in 2005.
IPL 2017: Royal Challengers Bangalore under pressure to move up the table, says Sreenath Arvind
Hosts Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) would be under huge pressure when they take on Gujarat Lions (GL) in the Indian Premier League (IPL-10) tie here on Thursday, said their medium pacer Sreenath Arvind on Wednesday.”Certainly, it will be a pressure game, as we have to bounce back. We have to be positive to win not only this game, but also all other games to stay in contest,” admitted Arvind at a pre-match presser here.With five points from eight games, including one point from the rain-hit abandoned tie on Tuesday against title holder Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), it’s a deja vu for RCB as it was in the same situation last year when they went on to win four games on trot to enter the final but lost to SRH by eight runs here on May 29, 2016.”We were waiting for the game to start. Unfortunately, the rain didn’t stop though we were expecting to play at least for five overs,” recalled Arvind after the team suffered a 82-run humiliating defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Sunday at Kolkata, with the tournament’s lowest score of 49 runs in 9.3 overs.”We are looking forward to play positive after what happened in Kolkata. Though we have a bunch of good players, we didn’t play as a unit in some games. We know that we are in pressure to get back to winning ways,” reiterated the local lad.Of the eight games, RCB played, including three away games, they won only two — against Delhi Daredevils (DD) by 15 runs here on April 8 and against Gujarat Lions (GL) at Rajkot by 21 runs on April 18.advertisementThe home team lost five, including three away games against SRH on April 5 by 35 runs in Hyderabad, against Kings XI Punjab on April 10 by 8 wickets at Indore and against KKR on April 23 by 82 runs in Kolkata and two on the home turf against MI on April 14 by 4 wickets and RPS on April 16 by 27 runs.”Some of the games we lost were close. But saying about wrong things does not help. We have to play as a unit and be positive to win every game if we have to make to the plays-offs as we did last year,” noted Arvind.On the home pitch, which has slowed down and has been difficult for any team to score high this season, Arvind said it (pitch) was not as good as it was for batsmen.”Though it has become a bit slow, it is a competitive pitch for batsmen as well as bowlers,” added Arvind.Admitting that their best player Chris Gayle had not fired in all games played so far except against Gujarat at Rajkot, Arvind said the Jamaican was not in a great form as he was last year.”It is very difficult for any batsman to be in peak form every year. It happens in cricket though he is a master batsman,” reiterated Arvind.
Wrestler Sushil Kumar supports PETA
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Bagan meet Maldives Maziya in AFC Cup without Sony, Duffy
Male (Maldives), May 2 (PTI) Shrugging off the disappointment of missing out on a coveted I-League title by a whisker, a depleted Mohun Bagan will look to regroup quickly and give a strong performance when they take on Maldives Maziya Sports and Recreation Club in their away match tomorrow. Such has been the gloom in the ranks of Kolkata giants that coach Sanjoy Sen is not travelling with the team. The official word is that Sen is not well. Instead, it will be the assistant Shankarlal Chakraborty who will be guiding the side. With an eye on the Federation Cup, Mohun Bagan have also decided to rest their top goal-poachers Sony Norde and Darryl Duffy. Brazilian defender Eduardo and senior striker Balwant Singh have also not travelled with the team. Bagan will be dependant on their Japanese midfielder Katsumi Yusa and India international Jeje Lalphekhlua in their bid to stay in the second tier continental championship. Its not easy to motivate themselves having put in all their energies in the I-League, which was eventually won by Aizawl FC. Mohun Bagan are placed third in group E with their single victory against Abahani Limited of Bangladesh while losing to Bengaluru FC and Maziya. Maziya have won two games and are second in the group. Bagan need to win their remaining three matches as only one team qualifies for next stage from each group. Bengaluru are sitting pretty at the top with 9 points from three games. In fact, it is a sort of grudge match for Bagan after losing 0-1 to Maziya in their home game last month. After the Maziya game, Mohun Bagan will face Bengaluru at home on May 17 followed by an away encounter against Abahani. PTI KHS PDS PDSadvertisement
IPL 2017, Mumbai Indians (MI) vs Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) Highlights: How Punjab won a high-scoring thriller to keep playoffs hope alive
Mohit Sharma bowled one of the best final overs under pressure with Kings XI Punjab living to fight another day, edging out Mumbai Indians by 7 runs in a high-scoring IPL thriller to keep their playoff chances alive. (POINTS TABLE | LIVE SCORECARD)Put into bat, Kings XI Punjab piled up a mammoth 230/3 in 20 overs riding on Wriddhiman Saha’s belligerent unbeaten 93 off 55 balls.In reply, Mumbai Indians nearly pulled off the highest ever chase in IPL before being restricted to 223/6 in 20 overs. HIGHLIGHTS: 00.03 IST: Mumbai skipper, Rohit Sharma calls it disappointing. Calls it a great effort from the boys. Says that he thought the match was evenly poised when Hardik and Pollard were batting. Adds that the fresh wicket helped the batsman, it played really nicely. Mentions that he does not want to be too harsh on his bowlers. Further says that they can get better and take positives from the game. Credits Guptill, Maxwell and Saha for their knocks. Ends up saying that they want to improve in all three departments of the game. Thanks the crowd for their tremendous support throughout the tournament and says that they have played good cricket to entertain them.23.58 IST: Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya however had different plans. They together stitched 55 runs in just 21 balls before the latter departed. The big Wets Indian remained calm and took his team close to the target along with Karn Sharma. 16 runs were needed off the last over and last match’s hero for Punjab, Mohit Sharma had the ball in his hand. He was up against the mighty Pollard but the Indian kept calm and bowled exceptionally to seal the deal for Punjab.advertisement23.56 IST: What a thriller we have witnessed tonight and it’s Punjab who have kept their nerves to stay alive in the tournament. To begin, Punjab put up a humongous total of 230 on board. Parthiv Patel and Lendl Simmons gave Mumbai a superb start. The latter got to his 11th Indian T20 League fifty but departed after that. After his wicket Mumbai started losing the plot as the flow of runs stopped and they lost a couple of wickets quickly.23.54 IST: Punjab (230/3) beat Mumbai (223/6) by 7 runs to keep their playoff hopes alive. Pollard 50*, Harbhajan 2*23.51 IST: SIX! Is that the game! Good length on off, slower in pace, Pollard gets under it and clubs it over mid-wicket for a biggie. That should ease their nerves a touch. Mumbai need 9 more in 4 balls.23.50 IST: Big moment! Fuller outside off, Pollard hits it towards long on for a couple of runs. The throw from Maxwell is a poor one and that allows them through as Pollard was struggling. He looks tired. The umpire has signaled it one short as Pollard had not crossed over while completing the single. Mumbai need 15 more in 5 balls.23.50 IST: Mohit to bowl the last over.23.49 IST: MI 215/6 from 19 overs in chase of 231 vs KXIP (230/3). Pollard 42*, Harbhajan 2*. MI need 16 off 6 balls23.45 IST: Sandeep to bowl the 19th.23.42 IST: Harbhajan in for Mumbai.23.40 IST: OUT! Wicket at last for Punjab! Spears in full and on the stumps, Karn looks to go across the line but misses it altogether. The ball crashes into the stumps. Karn has done his job there. Karn goes for 19 off 6 balls. MI 207/6 from 17.5 overs in chase of 231. Mumbai need 24 more in 13 balls.23.39 IST: FOUR! Edged! Fortune favours the brave! Full toss outside off, Karn throws his bat at it. The ball goes off the edge and into the third man fence. Mumbai need 24 more in 14 balls.23.38 IST: FOUR! Up and over! Short and outside off, Karn gets under it and punches it over point for a boundary. 200 up for Mumbai!23.38 IST: SIX! What have you done, Maxwell! SIX! Fuller outside off, Karn looks to go big. He seems to have found Maxwell at long off but the ball goes through his fingers for a maximum. What a moment in the game. The Australian is not happy.23.36 IST: Mohit back on for KXIP.23.34 IST: MI 192/4 after 17 overs in chase of 231 vs KXIP (230/3). Pollard 36*, Karn 5* 23.34 IST: FOUR! Low full toss on off, Karn gets under it and dispatches it towards long on. Maxwell gets across from long on and looks to keep the ball in play. The ball though touches the fence eventually. Mumbai need 39 more in 18 balls.23.33 IST: SIX! There is a mid on in place along with a long on? No worries for Pollard as he gets under the fuller length ball and hits it over the fence for a biggie. 82m maximum, that.23.33 IST: FOUR! BANG! Fuller on off and middle, Pollard gets under it and thumps it over the head of the bowler for a boundary. Superb shot.advertisement23.31 IST: Karn Sharma walks in to bat.23.29 IST: OUT! What a grab, Saha! Full and outside off, Pandya looks to drive but gets an edge. Saha dives full length to his right and takes it inches off the ground. That is a big wicket for Punjab as he was hitting the big sixes. Mumbai need 55 more in 23 balls. Sandeep gets Hardik for 30. MI 176/5 from 16.1 overs in chase of 231. Pollard 25*23.27 IST: MI 175/4 after 16 overs in chase of 231 vs KXIP (230/3). Hardik 30*, Pollard 25*23.27 IST: SIX! Pandya takes off! Full toss from Henry, Hardik Pandya gets under it and hammers it over long on for another maximum. Fourth six in the over!23.25 IST: SIX! Carved! Full outside off, Pandya gets under it and carves it over extra cover for a biggie. 20 runs off the over already.23.25 IST: SIX! Two in two! Shorter and on the body, Pollard gets under it and pulls it over backward square leg for a maximum. Good start to the over for Mumbai.23.24 IST: SIX! Into the crowd! Henry bowls it on a length outside off, Pollard goes hard at it. He gets it off the toe end over the long on fence for a maximum.23.23 IST: Matt Henry back on.23.21 IST: MI 148/4 after 15 overs in chase of 231 vs KXIP (230/3). Hardik 17*, Pollard 12*23.21 IST: SIX! Just over the ropes! Fuller around off and middle, Pandya gets under it and clubs it over long on for a biggie. Good end to the over. 11 runs from it. Mumbai need 83 more in 30 balls.23.19 IST: Axar to continue.23.17 IST: Time out signaled. The hosts are struggling now after the good start. They need 94 more in 36 balls. This can still be done but will take some, some, mad hitting.23.16 IST: MI 137/4 after 14 overs in chase of 231 vs KXIP (230/3). Pollard 10*, Hardik 8*23.14 IST: SIX! Take that! Lands it wide outside off, Pollard winds up for the big one and packs it over the head of the bowler for a 85m maximum.23.13 IST: SIX! Over the ropes! Fuller around off, Pandya gets under it and launches it over the head of the bowler for a maximum. They need a lot more of these.23.12 IST: 13 gone. MI 123/4 in chase of 231. Pollard 4*, Hardik 1*23.11 IST: OUT! Rana falls for the cause, he was never catching that! Patel bowls it outside off, Rana looks to go over mid-wicket but has not hit that well at all. Guptill takes another catch, his third one in the innings. Nitish’s struggling knock comes to an end.23.08 IST: 12 overs gone. MI 120/3 in chase of 231. 23.08 IST: OUT! Rohit holes out! Shorter on the stumps, Rohit looks to go big over long on but does not hit it well at all. The ball flies down to long on for a simple catch. Guptill takes the catch and that is a big wicket for the visitors. They check upstairs to check on the no ball but the bowler was fine there. Mumbai need 112 more in 50 balls.advertisement23.03 IST: Rahul Tewatia into the attack.23.01 IST: MI 117/2 after 11 overs in chase of 231 vs KXIP (230/3). Rana 11*, Rohit 4*23.01 IST: CHANCE GONE! Angles it on the stumps, Rohit clips it to deep mid-wicket. They risk the second. Tewatia fires a throw at the bowler’s end. Ishant makes a meal of it and allows the ball through. They get another one on the throw. Maxwell is not happy one bit. Not sure how he missed that one, Ishant.22.59 IST: FOUR! Lucky runs! Hurls it outside off on a length, Rana looks to heave but gets it off the inside edge past the diving keeper for a boundary.22.58 IST: Ishant to continue. 22.56 IST: Rohit Sharma comes out to bat.22.54 IST: OUT! Incredible catch from Martin Guptill! Simmons dances down the ground and looks to clear long on but gets it off the toe end. The ball is traveling and seem to be going over the ropes but Guptill has different plans. He in the deep, jumps, stretches his right hand and takes an absolute stunner. It reminds me of the catch Daniel Vettorie took in the4 2015 World Cup. That’s a big wicket and Punjab on the top now. Tow new batsmen out there for Mumbai.22.52 IST: Maxwell to continue.22.50 IST: Nine overs gone. MI 104/1 after 9 overs in chase of 231 vs KXIP (230/3). Simmons 58*, Rana 4* 22.49 IST: Nitish Rana comes out to bat.22.48 IST: OUT! Mohit has the last laugh! A touch behind length, Parthiv walks ahead a touch and looks to go over covers but the ball rises on him. Ends up lobbing it straight up. Vohra from extra cover gets underneath the ball and completes the simple catch. Can Punjab chip in with a quick few wicket and put the pressure back on Mumbai? KXIP 99/1 from 8.4 overs in chase of 231. Simmons 57* 22.47 IST: FOUR! Three in a row! Mohit comes from around the wicket and angles in a back of a length delivery. Patel gets across and helps it on its way fine down the leg side for a boundary.22.45 IST: FOUR! Unintended but Parthiv will take it! Another slower one, full and angling away, Patel looks to go inside out but ends up slicing it over a jumping Ishant at short third man for a boundary.22.45 IST: FOUR! Cheeky! Slower one around off, Parthiv gets a long way across and paddle scoops past the keeper for a boundary.22.44 IST: Mohit Sharma into the attack.22.43 IST: Just five runs from the over. KXIP 87/0 from 8 overs in chase of 231. Simmons 57*, Parthiv 32*22.41 IST: Glenn Maxwell into the attack.22.41 IST: Seven overs gone. MI 82/0 in chase of 231. Simmons 51*, Parthiv 28* 22.40 IST: SIX! Another one! Full outside off, Simmons once again uses his feet. Gets to the pitch and smokes it over wide long off for a biggie. All eyes on Mohit Sharma.22.39 IST: SIX! Use of the feet! Served around middle and leg, Simmons dances down the track and hoists it over the bowler’s head for a maximum. That’s fifty for Simmons.22.37 IST: Axar Patel into the attack.22.35 IST: 16 runs off that over! MI are 68/0 in 6 overs vs KXIP. Good powerplay for Mumbai.22.33 IST: Mohit to Simmons, SIX! MI 67/0 in 5.4 overs vs KXIP.22.31 IST: Mohit Sharma to Simmons, SIX! Simmons is oozing class. Launched! Slower delivery, full around off. Simmons gets across, setshimself for the big shot and tonks it over long on for a biggie. MI 59/0 in 5.2 overs vs KXIP.22.29 IST: Ishant to Simmons, FOUR! Placement! Length delivery on middle, Simmons tickles it fine down the leg side. Beats short fine leg and gets a boundary. Mumbai have got a great start to the tough run chase. MI 52/0 in 5 overs vs KXIP.22.26 IST: Ishant to Parthiv, FOUR! Parthiv Patel edges that and lucky that the ball fell in no man’s land. MI 47/0 in 4.4 overs vs KXIP.FOUR! A cover drive perfect to the T! That should get Simmons going.#CricketMeriJaan #MIvKXIP #MI pic.twitter.com/lRZtMvrdXT- Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 11, 201722.25 IST: Ishant to Simmons, FOUR! Classy shot and beautifully finds the gap. Timing! Low full toss, Simmons just times his drive past mid off for a boundary. MI 42/0 in 4.2 overs vs KXIP. 22.22 IST: Sandeep to Simmons, FOUR! Good end to the over for Mumbai! Once again Simmons dances down. Disturbs Sandeep’s length, who ends up slipping a full toss on the hips. The West Indian just whips it past short fine leg for a boundary. MI 37/0 in 4 overs vs KXIP.Excellent first over from @ImIshant as just 6 runs come off it. MI are 29/0 after 3 overs. Let’s get that 1st wicket soon sheron! #MIvKXIP- Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) May 11, 201722.17 IST: Ishant to Simmons, FOUR! Wonderful! Banged in short again, Simmons leans back slightly and glides it over the vacant slip cordon for a boundary. That was really a class act. Ishant shouldn’t be doing too much of this short stuff. MI 29/0 in 3 overs vs KXIP.Expensive first over for @Matthenry014 as 13 runs come off it. Score is 23/0 after 2 overs. #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi #MIvKXIP #KXIP- Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) May 11, 201722.14 IST: 13 runs off the second over. MI 23/0 in 2 overs vs KXIP.22.12 IST: Henry to Parthiv, FOUR, FOUR! Parthiv has given a solid start to Mumbai. MI 23/0 in 2 overs vs KXIP.22.10 IST: Matt Henry to Parthiv, FOUR! On a length and angling away. Parthiv mistimes his pull but gets in the gap and has enough on it to run to the fence.22.08 IST: Sandeep Sharms goes for 10 in the first over. MI 10/0 in 1 over vs KXIP.Sandeep follows the boundary with a wide. We have 5 runs with 1 ball in the innings.#CricketMeriJaan #MIvKXIP #MI- Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 11, 201722.05 IST: Sandeep to Simmons, FOUR! Boundary to start off! On a length and angling in, Simmons shimmies across a touch and wrists it past Ishant at short fine leg. Sharma tries chasing it down but comes second.22.04 IST: Parthiv Patel and Lendl Simmons are out to open the innings for Mumbai while Sandeep Sharma will begin the bowling attack.The only man to concede under 10 runs an over in the innings – @Jaspritbumrah93. Let’s make it for the night!#CricketMeriJaan #MIvKXIP #MI pic.twitter.com/PASpAkpm1v- Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 11, 2017The Mumbai team is in a huddle and Rohit wants a have a word with his side. They have been hit all around the park for the highest score in this edition of the Indian T20 League. They made a change at the top of the order and it worked wonders for them. Saha not only gave them a flying start but carried his bat through to score a 55-ball 93. Martin Guptill, Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh all chipped in with handy cameos.The hosts had an innings to forget. Apart from Jasprit Bumrah none of the bowlers hit their mark and struggled on the new surface on offer today. They have a deep batting line-up and will bank them to come good. They will hope for dew to come in as well. This will take some chasing though. Join us in a while for the chase.We need to come up with a record chase to beat KXIP tonight. Let’s do this guys! ??#CricketMeriJaan #MIvKXIP #MI pic.twitter.com/U1NEpQg6I6- Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 11, 2017Highest scores by keepers in #IPL 201797 Rishabh Panth93* Wriddiman Saha87 Robin Uthappa#MIvKXIP- Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) May 11, 201721.50 IST: Pandya to Axar, SIX! Axar finishes off in style. KXIP 230/3 in 20 overs vs MI. A huge total for Mumbai but they have the batting quality to chase it down.21.48 IST: Saha misses out on a century. On the second last ball of the innings, tries to go for a big shot but is able to take only a single.21.44 IST: Pandya to Saha, SIX! First boundary for Punjab after 13 deliveries. Saha into the 90s! Low full toss on the stumps, Saha gets under it and dumps it over mid-wicket for a biggie. This is already the highest total in the Indian T20 League 2017! KXIP 221/3 in 19.2 overs vs MI.21.43 IST: Wonderfully tight over by McClenaghan, just 7 runs off that penultimate over. KXIP 214/3 in 19 overs vs MI.21.40 IST: McClenaghan to Axar, DROPPED! Nitish Rana drops Axar at 9. Length ball on middle and leg, Axar Patel makes room and slogs it over mid-wicket. Nitish Rana comes running in from the deep but fails to hold onto it. Two runs taken. KXIP 211/3 in 18.3 overs vs MI.Mumbai Indians have conceded 200+ totals in #IPL on five occasionsto CSK, RR, DD, RCB (235/1) and now to KXIPWon 1, lost 3#MIvKXIP- Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) May 11, 20172?0?7?/3? in 18 overs!#Malinga completes his spell, conceding just 9 runs off his final over.#CricketMeriJaan #MIvKXIP #MI- Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 11, 201721.37 IST: Malinga gives 9 runs off that third last over. KXIP 207/3 in 18 overs vs MI.Over mid-off and four more for @Wriddhipops as he moves on to 79! 17 overs gone, score is 198/3! #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi #MIvKXIP #KXIP- Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) May 11, 201721.31 IST: Bumrah to Saha, FOUR! Up and over! Full outside off, Saha gets under it and launches it over mid off for a boundary. He is closing in on his ton here. KXIP 198/3 in 17 overs vs MI.17 runs off that over! We race to 190/3 at the end of 16 overs. #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi #MIvKXIP #MIvKXIP- Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) May 11, 201721.27 IST: Saha looks in good shape. And if he stays, Punjab can get to a massive total. KXIP 190/3 in 16 overs vs MI.21.26 IST: McClenaghan to Saha, FOUR! Hit away! Good length around off and middle, Saha gets behind it and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. He is playing a gem of a knock here. KXIP 189/3 in 15.5 overs vs MI.OUT! That wicket-taking ability! McClenaghan bowls a slower one, Marsh goes after it and miscues it.#CricketMeriJaan #MIvKXIP #MI- Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 11, 201721.23 IST: McClenaghan to Marsh, OUT! And Marsh is out for 25 off 16 balls. Fuller outside off, Shaun Marsh looks to go big but gets a top edge. Patel calls for it and takes the catch towards backward point. Marsh has to depart. Mumbai need to keep striking. KXIP 183/3 in 15.2 overs vs MI.21.21 IST: McClenaghan to Marsh, SIX! Over the ropes! Fuller outside off, Marsh gets under it and launches it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum. Poor worries for Rohit as it is a no ball.21.19 IST: Malinga’s over leaks 12 runs. KXIP 173/2 in 15 overs vs MI.Slower delivery from #Malinga picked up by @Wriddhipops and he deposits it into the crowd. Six more! #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi #MIvKXIP #KXIP- Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) May 11, 201721.15 IST: Malinga to Saha, SIX! Sensational Saha! Slower fuller ball outside off, Saha gets under it and lofts it over the head of the bowler for a maximum. What a strike. KXIP 168/2 in 14.2 overs vs MI.1?4?7?/2? in 13 overs!Karn Sharma has been bowling on a different pitch tonight.#CricketMeriJaan #MIvKXIP #MI- Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 11, 2017.@shaunmarsh9 gets into the act! Sweeps #Bhajji over midwicket for a massive six! #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi #MIvKXIP #KXIP- Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) May 11, 201721.10 IST: Harbhajan to Marsh, SIX! Massive one this! Into the stands! Fuller outside off, Shaun Marsh gets under it and swings it over long on for a biggie. The onslaught is just not stopping from Punjab. KXIP 161/2 in 14 overs vs MI. And it’s Strategic Time-out!21.09 IST: Harbhajan to Saha, FOUR! Flat outside off, Saha comes down and hammers it over mid off. The fielder from long off looks to cut it off going to his right but the ball wins the race. KXIP 153/2 in 13.3 overs vs MI.21.07 IST: Another good over by Karn Sharma, just 6 runs off it. KXIP 147/2 in 13 overs vs MI.1st half century of the season for @Wriddhipops! What an innings its been so far! #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi #MIvKXIP #MIvKXIP pic.twitter.com/p98DTDdDXm- Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) May 11, 201721.02 IST: Harbhajan to Saha, SIX! Superman Saha! Harbhajan doles it outside off, Saha comes down and swings it over long on for a biggie. What a knock this has been from the keeper. KXIP 141/2 in 12 overs vs MI.OUT, CASTLED!3? it is! Bumrah has bowled Maxwell with a pacy delivery!#CricketMeriJaan #MIvKXIP #MI pic.twitter.com/wRnHB1qOb5- Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 11, 201721.00 IST: Bumrah to Maxwell, OUT! He has had the wood over Glenn Maxwell, this is the third time he has dismissed him in the Indian T20 League! Bumrah angles it on a length, Maxwell looks to make room and force it through the off side but is beaten and gets bowled. Bumrah exults in joy and why not. This is a huge wicket for the home side. Bumrah was brought back for that very reason. KXIP 131/2 in 11 overs vs MI.20.58 IST: Bumrah to Maxwell, FOUR! Edged! Outside off on a length, Maxwell looks to run it down to third man but gets an outside edge. The ball runs down into the third man fence. The luck is with Punjab right now.20.57 IST: Mumbai bowlers are beginning to restore some parity, 11 deliveries without a boundary. KXIP 127/1 in 10.4 overs vs MI.20.55 IST: After all that massive hitting, an excellent over by Malinga. Only 5 runs off his over. KXIP 126/1 in 10 overs vs MI.Two consecutive dots – worth its weight in gold!#CricketMeriJaan #MIvKXIP #MI- Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 11, 201720.52 IST: Malinga is going well now, 4 balls into his over and only 3 runs..@Gmaxi_32 moves onto 41 off just 14 balls as the 50 run partnership is up with @Wriddhipops! Keep it going sheron! #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi pic.twitter.com/ne6oo8q9MF- Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) May 11, 201710th time an #IPL side reaching team 100 inside 8 overs.KXIP best: 7.3 ov v SRH at Hyderabad 2014#MIvKXIP- Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) May 11, 201720.48 IST: Harbhajan to Maxwell, SIX! Bang! Off spinner around off, Maxwell clears his front leg again and sends the white object into the stands behind long on for half a dozen. This is the third maximum of the over. Maxwell is on a roll. KXIP 121/1 in 9 overs vs MI.back-to-back sixes to welcome #Bhajji into the attack! #GlennMaxwell is on fire! #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi #MIvKXIP #KXIP- Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) May 11, 201720.46 IST: Harbhajan to Maxwell, SIX, SIX! Back-to-back biggies! Stand and deliver stuff from Maxi. He stays back and smashes it over mid-wicket for a maximum. Maxwell is off and running! KXIP 112/1 in 8.2 overs vs MI.1?0?0?/1? in 8 overs!We may be staring at a huge total, unless we dismiss some of their batsmen.#CricketMeriJaan #MIvKXIP #MI- Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 11, 201720.45 IST: Karn to Maxwell, SIX! KXIP 100/1 in 8 overs vs MI.20.43 IST: Karn to Maxwell, NOT OUT! A straighter on this time. Maxwell looks to drive but fails to make connection again. Parthiv collects and takes off the bails. Appeals and the umpire goes upstairs. The replay shows that Maxwell had his foot grounded firmly.20.42 IST: Karn to Maxwell, SIX! KXIP 99/1 in 7.5 overs vs MI.20.41 IST: Karn to Maxwell, SIX! Boom! Tossed up on middle, Maxwell clears his front leg and clobbers it over long on for a maximum. Even the break doesn’t break their momentum.20.39 IST: We’re back from the time-out! Karn Sharma is back in attack.With that, the strategic time out is called. Score is 85/1 with #GlennMaxwell(6) & @Wriddhipops(40) in the middle. #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi- Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) May 11, 201720.36 IST: McClenaghan to Saha, FOUR! Once again McClenaghan bowls it slower on a length outside off, Saha makes room and glides it through the gap between backward point and short third man for a boundary. McClenaghan proves expensive again. Concedes 14 runs in this over. KXIP 85/1 in 7 overs vs MI. And it’s Strategic Time-out! 20.35 IST: McClenaghan to Maxwell, FOUR! Well-placed by the Australian. Edgy but intended! Length delivery, angling away, Maxwell looks to guide it down but gets it off the outside edge past the keeper. It’s very fine and the ball runs to the fence. KXIP 80/1 in 6.4 overs vs MI.20.34 IST: McClenaghan to Saha, FOUR! Clever! Another slower one, angling in, Saha kneels down and paddle scoops it over short fine leg for a boundary. He is looking solid today. KXIP 75/1 in 6.2 overs vs MI.20.33 IST: Harbhajan is back on the field.20.31 IST: Punjab are 61/1 inside the powerplay – this is the highest score of Punjab in the powerplay this season.20.30 IST: Karn to Guptill, OUT! Finally something for Mumbai to celebrate! Karn doesn’t shy of tossing up, loops one leg break around middle. Guptill gets down on one knee and looks to slog it but gets a top edge. The ball flies high in the air. Hardik at mid on, backpedals and takes a superb catch with a reverse cup. End of a 68-run stand off 33 balls. KXIP 71/1 in 6 overs vs MI.20.29 IST: Karn to Guptill, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! Full in the line of the stumps, Guptill clears his front leg and hits it over the bowler’s head for a boundary. Now, Karn is under the line of fire.20.28 IST: Karn to Saha, FOUR! Karn nicely loops it around leg, Guptill goes down on one knee. Looks to slog but gets it off the inner half through the gap between short fine leg and backward square leg for a boundary.20.26 IST: Harbhajan is out of the field, some injury maybe!20.25 IST: Good over by Bumrah after the boundary on the first ball. KXIP 60/0 in 5 overs vs MI.20.23 IST: Bumrah to Guptill, FOUR! Punjab on a rampage. KXIP 55/0 in 4.1 overs vs MI.50 run partnership up in under four overs! Stunning start to the game! #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi #MIvKXIP pic.twitter.com/gQqWIaGOT4- Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) May 11, 201720.21 IST: Malinga to Saha, FOUR! Back of a length delivery, angling in, Saha drags his pull past short fine leg for a boundary. KXIP 51/0 in 4 overs vs MI.20.19 IST: Malinga to Saha, FOUR! Slower one around off, Saha goes inside out. Lofts it over covers for a boundary. Punjab are cruising at the moment. Punjab are hitting all over the park. First maximum of the game comes off the bat of @Martyguptill! Beautiful shot over cover! #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi #MIvKXIP- Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) May 11, 201720.17 IST: Malinga to Guptill, SIX! And it’s also a no-ball, free hit for Punjab. KXIP 41/0 in 3.2 overs vs MI.20.16 IST: Rohit Sharma has got Malinga into the attack now.20.14 IST: Excellent over by Bumrah, just three runs off it! KXIP 32/0 in 3 overs vs MI.20.10 IST: McClenaghan to Guptill, FOUR! Great way to finish off the over. Punjab are out for a flying start. KXIP 29/0 in 2 overs vs MI.20.09 IST: McClenaghan to Guptill, FOUR! Just a loft! Pitched around leg, Saha lofts it through the line over mid on. The ball goes on the bounce across the fence. He is off to a flier. And it’s a Free Hit!20.06 IST: McClenaghan to Saha, FOUR! Deft! Length delivery, angling away, Saha just guides it behind square on the off side. Third man is up and the ball beats him to find the fence. Excellent placement, this! KXIP 18/0 in 1.2 overs vs MI.20.05 IST: Pandya to Saha, FOUR! Punched away! On a length outside off, Saha punches it past Pollard at backward point and the ball races away to the fence. Good start for Punjab. 13 runs from it! KXIP 13/0 in 1 over vs MI.20.03 IST: Pandya to Guptill, FOUR! Edged but dropped! Outside off and swinging away just a touch, Guptill goes after it. Gets an outside edge and the ball flies over Harbhajan at first slip. He jumps and stretches his right hand, gets fingertips to it but fails to hang onto it. The ball still runs towards the fence behind. Such a quick outfield!20.02 IST: Pandya to Guptill, FOUR! Guptill into the act straightaway! Pitched outside off, Martin frees his arms and lofts it over covers for a boundary.20.00 IST: Martin Guptill and Wriddhiman Saha are out to start the batting for Punjab while Hardik Pandya has been given the new ball..@mipaltan @ImIshant Starting XI: M Guptill, M Vohra, S Marsh, G Maxwell(C), W Saha, A Patel, R Tewatia, M Sharma, S Sharma, I Sharma, M Henry. #MIvKXIP- Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) May 11, 2017No tinkering with our line-up! We are going in with the same playing XI from the last game.#CricketMeriJaan #MIvKXIP #MI pic.twitter.com/qoiN0slRpf- Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 11, 201719.35 IST: Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to bowl first.”We will field first. Looks like a good track, it’s a new one, we haven’t played this season on this, dew is always a factor, so chasing is the way to go.”Rohit said that they were just looking to play good cricket and they want to finish at the top.”I think the top two is still not secured. But we are not thinking about it, just want to play a good game and that’s what we have done so far, looking to not continue from where we left last game.”Mumbai Indians are playing the same team as the previous game.On the other hand, Glenn Maxwell stressed on the importance of the game and said they would look to win.”It’s a semi-final for us, last game was a quarter-final. Big game against Mumbai Indians, they are a quality side and beat us last time around.”Regarding the toss, Maxwell said, “Haven’t won too many tosses, just four. We probably would have wanted to field as well but it is nice to know what total to chase. We did defend the total well last time around.”Kings XI Punjab have one change and Maxwell joked that “we haven’t had too many Sharmas in the playing eleven.” Ishant Sharma has come in for Swapnil. 19.34 IST: Here are the playing XI of both the teams.Kings XI Punjab: Manan Vohra, Martin Guptill, Shaun Marsh, Wriddhiman Saha(w), Glenn Maxwell(c), Axar Patel, Rahul Tewatia, Matt Henry, Mohit Sharma, Ishant Sharma, Sandeep SharmaMumbai Indians: Lendl Simmons, Parthiv Patel(w), Nitish Rana, Rohit Sharma(c), Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Karn Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, Mitchell McClenaghan, Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga19.29 IST: The Kings XI Punjab are gearing up for a tough battle against Mumbai Indians.The @lionsdenkxip boys are warming-up ahead of their match against @mipaltan #MIvKXIP pic.twitter.com/tTKY7KiK1e- IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 11, 201719.27 IST: Jos Buttler will want to do a repeat of his previous performance against Kings XI Punjab.Buttler top-scored in our last meeting against KXIP. Who will score the most runs tonight? Tell us using #MI.#CricketMeriJaan #MIvKXIP pic.twitter.com/TOcYNFSys0- Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 11, 2017Mali get into the bus, we got a match to play!! #LasithMalinga pic.twitter.com/zsVLmtx3Pd- sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 11, 201719.22 IST: Kings XI Punjab need to win every match to keep their play-offs hopes alive and having beaten Kolkata Knight Riders in their previous outing, they will be looking upset the table-toppers today.Brief Preview:Table-toppers Mumbai Indians, the first team to secure a berth in the 2017 Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs, are all set to take on a confident Kings XI Punjab at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.Mumbai, sitting atop the IPL standings with nine wins and three losses, will be looking to shrug off their performance in the last match, where they lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets.On the other hand, high on confidence after defeating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 14 runs on Tuesday, Punjab will look for a big win as, to qualify for the playoffs, they have to win all their three remaining matches in the cash-rich tournament.Going into Thursday’s tie, the hosts will have a slight advantage as they have a much more balanced team as compared to Punjab.In the batting department, opener Parthiv Patel along with Jos Buttler, Rohit Sharma, Nitesh Rana and Hardik Pandya are going through a purple patch that will surely help the visitors in outplaying the hosts.The bowling department, which includes the likes of veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, Mitchell Mcclenaghan, Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah are also in prime form. So it will be an uphill task for the visitors to beat Mumbai in their own den.On the other hand, Punjab’s batting department which includes in-form Manan Vohra, Martin Guptill, Shaun Marsh and Wriddhiman Saha all have chipped in from time to time but need to be more consistent to lend depth to the batting.Skipper Glenn Maxwell is due for a big score after getting under 300 runs in 12 matches, with an unbeaten 44 being his highest score this season.On the bowling front, medium pacer Sandeep Sharma, Mohit Sharma and leg-spinner Rahul Tewatia were brilliant in the last match and they will like to continue their form.Apart for them, Axar Patel and Swapnil Singh also contributed well for the cause.So Punjab will aim for a strong finish in order to qualify for the playoffs.
Maria Sharapova gets wildcard for Wimbledon warm-up event
Former world number one Maria Sharapova has been handed a wildcard to the Wimbledon warm-up tournament in Birmingham in June, Britain’s Lawn Tennis Association said on Thursday.The five-times grand slam champion, who recently served a 15-month doping ban, learned on Tuesday she would not be given a wildcard into the French Open, with the question over whether Wimbledon will grant her one as yet unanswered.The 30-year-old’s comeback has divided opinion, with some fellow players criticising the decision to award her wildcard entries into WTA claycourt tournaments in Stuttgart, Madrid and Rome.The Aegon Classic in Birmingham has now offered Sharapova the chance to fine-tune her grasscourt game after she committed to appear there next year as well.”We have received a two-year commitment from one of the most famous athletes in the world, Maria Sharapova, to play the Aegon Classic,” LTA Chief Executive Michael Downey said.”In return we are providing Maria with a main draw wildcard for this year. This wasn’t a decision we took lightly and we recognise not everyone will agree with it.”However Maria has served her ban in full and is now back playing high quality tennis… Now that Maria has earned direct entry into Wimbledon qualifying, we want to give British tennis fans the chance to see her compete on grass here in Britain beforehand.”Sharapova’s first round win in Rome meant her ranking, now 211, will have improved enough to gain a place by right in the Wimbledon qualifying tournament held the week before the Championships, which start on July 3.advertisementHaving retired injured in her second round match, however, she will miss the ranking cut-off for a main draw entry and would need a wildcard from the All England Committee on June 20 to avoid having to win three rounds of qualifying.She won the first of her five grand slams at Wimbledon in 2004.Commenting on her Aegon Classic entry, she said: “I am really excited to be coming back to Birmingham …as part of my build-up to Wimbledon and I thank the LTA for this opportunity.”
Xiaomi Mi Max 2 to launch in India on July 18, expected to be priced under Rs 20,000
Another month. Another Xiaomi phone. This time around the Chinese company is launching Mi Max 2 in India on July 18. The phone, which is the successor to the Mi Max that was launched last year, sports a huge 6.44-inch screen and if the last year’s Max is any indication would be too big and too bulky for most consumers. The phone weighs around 211 grams, which is rather heavy for a device you will carry in your pockets.Mi Max 2 specsThe Mi Max 2, just like other phones launched by Xiaomi in India this year, is a mainstream phone with decent hardware under the hood. It other words it is a utilitarian device, unlike something flashier or premium like the Xiaomi Mi 6, which the company so far has no intention to bring to India. The Mi Max 2 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, has 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage.There is also a 128GB variant available in China but chances are that Xiaomi may not bring that to India because it may push the price of the phone above Rs 20,000. The company wants to keep the price of the Mi Max 2 in India below Rs 20,000 similar to the price of the Mi Max, which was launched last year at the starting price of Rs 14,999, although a more premium version sold for Rs 19,999. However, whereas last year Xiaomi had two variants of the Mi Max, this year there is expected to be just one.The large 6.44-inch screen in the Mi Max 2 has a resolution of 1080P, which seems on the lower side for a phone with such large screen. The rest of hardware is standard affair although the F2.2 lens on the primary camera seems to be slower side considering the fact that F2.0 is norm nowadays in this price range. Talking of the primary camera, it comes equipped with a 12-megapixel image sensor and on the front there is a 5-megapixel camera.advertisementAlso Read: Xiaomi Mi Max 2 launched with Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, 5300mAh batteryThe Mi Max comes with a big battery with capacity of 5300 mAh, although the bigger battery also means that relative to the Mi Max from last year, it’s size and weight has gone up slightly. This seems rather strange design choice from Xiaomi considering the fact Mi Max was anyways a rather big phone for most people.On the software side, you are going to get the usual Xiaomi stuff. The phone will come powered by Android Marshmallow aka Android 6 software, which is nearly 2 years old although Xiaomi believes that it doesn’t matter. This Android comes modified with Xiaomi’s own custom user interface called MIUI, which some consumers and some don’t. MIUI is typical Chinese software, which looks and feels completely different compared to Android in Moto phones or Google Pixel phones. Although we have seen in the past that performance of the MIUI software is smooth and some of its features are useful for many consumers.Where is Mi 6?As Xiaomi launches the Mi Max 2, the question again pops up: where is the company’s flagship phone Xiaomi Mi 6? For now available only in China, the Mi 6 is a high-end phone. However, even though Xiaomi has a sizable fan following in India, the company believes that for Indian consumers budget phones are better fit.The India Today Tech has learn that Xiaomi earlier evaluated whether in India it should launch the Mi 6 or the Mi Max 2. In the end decided to go with the Mi Max 2 for several reasons, one of them being the fact that Mi 5 didn’t do as well as the company was hoping for last year in India.Although Mi Max too didn’t set the charts on fire, similar to what the cheaper Redmi phones have done for the company, for Xiaomi managing the Mi Max 2 is supposedly a less risky launch in India. It is also a safer launch for the company through logistics point of view because whereas Mi 6 seems to be popular in China, the Mi Max 2 hasn’t found as many takers so there are more units of this phone available for countries like India.
Despite the doubters, Mo Farah bows out as the best
Mo Farah will bring down the curtain on his championship career with a bid for yet another distance double in London but, despite his unmatchable palmares, the Briton still finds himself fighting for appreciation in some quarters.Five years ago, when the same stadium produced that unprecedented rolling roar to help carry the home-town favourite to emotional Olympic victories over 10,000 and 5,000 metres, Farah was the golden hero.Since then, he has successfully defended both titles at Rio, something only Lasse Viren had previously achieved, and kept his grip on the world championships.He is seeking a third successive world double in London and a seventh world title, with his last global defeat coming in the 10,000m in Daegu in 2011. He also has five European titles to his name.To put that in perspective, no Briton had previously won the 10,000 or 5,000m at the Olympics or world championships and no British track and field athlete managed more than two Olympic golds.Yet, just as in the Tour de France, where the idea of a British victor was something of a joke for a century and now is so commonplace it’s expected, Farah’s accomplishments have somehow become so predictable that the blood doesn’t pump the same way.Perhaps, like Monaco-based and Africa-raised Chris Froome, the Somalia-born and America-based Farah is just not considered British enough.To some fans it doesn’t matter how often he grabs the microphone post-race to rave about loving London – where he lived after arriving at the age of eight – if he then jumps on the first plane out to return to his preferred training environment of Alberto Salazar’s much-criticised Oregon project.advertisementAmong athletics aficionados too, there are sometimes murmurs of doubt. Farah’s titles should brook no argument, but nagging whispers remain that he has somehow had it easy.Critics say that he is lucky to be operating in a period when the best African talent has begun diverting to the lucrative marathon circuit at a younger age than previously and that his championship opposition is not in the class of previous champions such as Kenenisa Bekele.Of course, Farah can only beat whoever lines up against him, even if they all too often play into his hands and allow him to dominate races. It is easy to shout from the sidelines that the best Kenyans and Ethiopians should try to run his finish out of him, but they just don’t have the quality to do it for long enough to make an impact. Farah has also developed into a tactically astute operator and is always ready to mark and react to any moves.A world record at 5,000 or 10,000 would silence all the doubters but, at 34, that now looks an impossibility – unless something very unusual happens over the next two weeks.Farah will race twice more after London, in Birmingham and Zurich, before switching full time to the marathon.He deserves and will get great support in his championship farewell and will hope to get the feel-good factor going early when he goes over 10,000 on the opening night on Friday.Whether or not he triumphs then, and again over the shorter distance eight days later, he will depart as undoubtedly Britain’s greatest track and field athlete and right in the mix for the title of the country’s greatest performer in any sport.
We have given a prime minister who speaks: Shah in Amethi
By Arunav SinhaAmethi (UP), Oct 10 (PTI) BJP president Amit Shah today hit back at Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi for questioning what his party had done during its rule, saying it has “given a prime minister who speaks”.Shah also slammed Rahul for mocking the development in Gujarat by asking the Congress leader what three generations of his family had done for Amethi.”He is mocking at the development in Gujarat. I want to ask Shahzade of Congress as to what your three generations have given to Amethi,” the BJP president said at a public meeting here.”You sought account of our past three years but people of Amethi are taking account of works done here by your past three generations,” he said.On Rahul Gandhis repeated poser as to what the BJP had done, Shah said, “We have given a prime minister who speaks.””You have trusted a family for 60 years, now trust BJP and (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi and you will not feel betrayed,” Shah told the gathering in the presence of Union minister Smriti Irani and chief minister Yogi Adityanath.Shah said there were two models of development here — a Nehru-Gandhi model and the other the Modi model.”Congress ruled the country for 70 years. I want to ask you that you have been MP here for a long time but why there is no collectors office, TB hospital and Akashwanis FM here. Erosion of land due to Gomti river has not been stopped,” Shah said.advertisementNaming the schemes launched by the Narendra Modi government, he said that 106 projects were launched in the past three years.”For the first time in 35-40 years, I am seeing that the winning candidate remains missing from his constituency and a defeated candidate is giving time for the people,” Shah said, hailing the work being done in the area by Irani.Irani was defeated by Rahul in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.The BJP chief said that Amethi is known all over the world as a Nehru-Gandhi family bastion, but there has been no development.”Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will develop UP,” he asserted.Taking a swipe at Rahul, Shah said, “Rahul baba cannot see development as he sports Italian spectacles.” PTI NAV ABN SMI ASK ASK
Lionel Messi to become father for third time
Argentinean football star Lionel Messi is set to be a father for the third time, his wife Antonela Roccuzzo confirmed.Roccuzzo posted a family photo on Instagram of Messi and their two sons, Thiago and Mateo, on Sunday touching her belly with the legend “Family of 5,” reports Xinhua news agency.The announcement was made on the same day as Argentina celebrates Mother’s Day.Messi, 30, married his childhood sweetheart Roccuzzo in July in their home town, Rosario, 300km north of Buenos Aires.The couple already has two boys, Thiago, aged 4, and Mateo, aged 2.The footballer also recently celebrated Argentina’s qualification for the World Cup 2018 in Russia, leaving it late until the last day of qualifying when they beat Ecuador 3-1.Messi will play his fourth World Cup next year, with some analysts saying this trophy is the only thing standing between him and becoming the uncontested greatest player of all time.
Every one thought AAPs CM candidate was my man: Parrikar
Panaji, Nov 7 (PTI) Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar today said that in the run up to the February 2017 assembly elections, there were apprehensions that the Aam Aadmi Partys (AAP) chief ministerial candidate was “planted” by him in that party.The Aam Aadmi Party, which had failed to win even a single seat of the 39 it contested, had projected former bureaucrat Elvis Gomes as their chief ministerial candidate.Gomes had resigned as Inspector General of Prisons to join AAP and led its campaign in Goa.”In fact a lot of people thought that Elvis is my strong officer. When he went to a political set up, lot of people asked me whether I have planted my man there,” Parrikar said.”That was the reaction… He (Gomes) also must have heard people saying it, because people in Goa dont think that political thinking can be different from other things,” the chief minister said.Parrikar wasaddressing the event to launch Vedantas Womens Football League.Gomes who is also president of Goa Football Association was present on the dais along with the chief minister.Parrikar said he does not mix politics and development or football.”Whether it is development, game or state as a whole, for me every person is equal and I dont treat them as an adversary,” he said.Referring to Gomes, he said “political differences will be there. Once election code of conduct is announced, we wont see each other. But after that we can work together.”Talking about Indian football, Parrikar said the sport requires lot of more energy so that it crosses a threshold.advertisementHe said Goa also requires the push in football.”In spite of all our efforts we cant find many of them representing the country. Lot of facilities need to be opened up but the only problem is that there has to be some discipline,” he commented. PTI RPS RMT
RCB-Govt tieup boosts sales at jungle lodges& resorts: KhargeÂ
Bengaluru, Nov 13 (PTI) Karnataka Tourism Minister Priyank Kharge today said the state tourism department has registered a 40 per cent increase in sales at jungle lodges and resorts after tying up with RCB, led by Virat Kohli. Karnataka Tourism is one of the sponsors of Royal Challengers Bangalore. The association with RCB, led by Kohli has been a great move to promote Brand Bengaluru and Karnataka as a tourist destination, Kharge told PTI. “We are making a video with RCB players, shooting for which is in progress. Players, including Virat Kohli are seen promoting sports tourism in Karnataka, especially Bengaluru,” he said. Kharge said that serious efforts are being made to drive the economy of the state not only with cricket, but also other sports. For the first time the 100,000 U.S. Dollars Bengaluru Open is being hosted in an attempt to put the city back on tennis world map, Kharge said. The Bengaluru Open would become a feature in the annual calendar for the city and Tourism department will sponsor the event for next three years, the minister said. He said a three-day kayaking festival was held at Kali river in Dandeli recently,in which over 167 kayakers took part from across the country and from countries like New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom, the United States, Italy and Nepal. “This increased footfalls considerably in the region,” he�said. Nature walks, rock climbing, marathon and cyclothon,bird watching,heritage trails, and cultural events at the foothills are being planned as part of Nandi Hills Utsav, Kharge said. “The department will tap this festival to showcase the hills as an eco-tourism destination,” he said. The department also launched sky diving and other aero sports in Mysuru, Kharge said. “We have also drawn up a plan to make Mysuru an adventure sports hub. Chamundi Hills is set to become a launch pad for paragliding activities,” he said. Five adventure sports activities ? skydiving,parasailing, paragliding, hot air balloon riding, and helicopter riding ? have been finalised as part of tourism promotion in the district, Kharge said. The department also announced Bengaluru Open 2017 Golf� Championship, in association with the Professional Golf Tour� of India and Karnataka Golf Association this�month, he said. “In recent years, Karnataka has emerged as a major powerhouse in golf and the state is determined to offer the best of infrastructure and support to the golfing fraternity. Some of the biggest names in Indian golf would come together for the maiden tournament, he said. PTI BDN RA APR APRadvertisement
India-South Africa Test rubber named Freedom Series
Mumbai, Dec 22 (PTI) The upcoming three-Test series between India and hosts South Africa has been named as “Freedom Series.””This tour was originally labelled the Friendship Series ? it was South Africas way of reciprocating Indias efforts in ending the countrys sporting isolation in 1991.”India had been among the principal opponents of apartheid. The Freedom Series was felt by both nations to be a be more fitting name in recognition of South Africas and Indias shared history of winning freedom through non-violence, not to mention their shared love of cricket!” said a media release issued by Cricket South Africa.A specially designed Freedom Series Trophy Podium will also commemorate the landmark series and will be unveiled in a special ceremony ahead of the first Test, commencing in Cape Town on January 5, 2018.The last two Tests are scheduled to be played at Centurion (from January 13) and Johannesburg (from January 24). PTI SSR NRB
Manchester City’s David Silva doubtful for crucial Manchester derby
Manchester City midfielder David Silva is doubtful for Sunday’s Premier League derby against Manchester United after picking up an injury, manager Pep Guardiola said.The 31-year-old Spain international, who scored the winning goal against West Ham United to maintain City’s eight-point lead at the top of the table, will miss Wednesday’s Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk and will need to prove his fitness ahead of the match at Old Trafford.”He was uncomfortable in the last minutes after the goal,” Guardiola told a news conference on Tuesday.??? @21lva ruled out for #fcsdvcity and is not a certainty for Sunday… https://t.co/UF1iPRK7qQ- Manchester City (@ManCity) December 5, 2017″Before the goal he felt something. Now hopefully he can play on Sunday, but it was too risky to play here (Shakhtar).”
Still Undefeated, Pretty Boy Floyd Mayweather Outpoints Marcos Maidana
TweetPinShare0 Shares LAS VEGAS,, NV — Argentina’s Marcos Maidana came close to one of the bigger upsets in recent boxing history on Saturday as he took the fight right up to Floyd Mayweather Jr. for 12 tough rounds, before losing a majority decision.Mayweather, regarded as the world’s best fighter pound-for-pound, retained his unbeaten record, but not by much. Maidana swarmed all over him from the opening bell and gave him perhaps his toughest fight in a 16-year professional career.In the end, though, Mayweather got the win — just as he did in his previous 45 fights. He retained his WBC welterweight title by winning 117-111 on one scorecard and 116-112 on another. A third judge had it even at 114-114.The Associated Press scored it for Mayweather 115-113.Maidana threw far more punches, but Mayweather was more accurate as the two battled into the late rounds with the fight still very much in doubt. Cheered on by a large contingent of Argentine fans, Maidana took the fight to Mayweather, who was cut by the right eye in the fourth round by an accidental head butt.“It was a tough, competitive fight,” Mayweather said. “I normally like to go out there and box and move. But he put pressure on me. I wanted to give the fans what they wanted to see so I stood and fought him.”Maidana raised his arms in victory when the final bell sounded, and Mayweather watched pensively from his corner as the scorecards were added up before he was declared the winner.“I won the fight,” Maidana said. “He didn’t fight like a man.”Punch stats by Compubox showed Mayweather landing 230 of 426 punches to 221 of 858 for Maidana. It was the most punches landed by any fighter against Mayweather in 38 fights where punch stats were compiled.“I couldn’t see for two rounds after the head butt,” Mayweather said. “After I could see again it didn’t both me. That’s what champions do, they survive and adjust.”Maidana had said before the fight he was going to treat Mayweather like any other fighter and go right after him. He did just that, bringing the sellout crowd at the MGM Grand hotel to its feet as he landed some big overhand right hands to the top of Mayweather’s head.“He never hurt me with a punch,” Maidana said. “He wasn’t that tough, I thought I won.”Maidana complained about being forced to fight with gloves he didn’t want to use when the two camps engaged in a standoff over gloves at the rules meeting a day earlier.“If I would have had my gloves I would have knocked him out,” Maidana said. “They took away my advantage.”Mayweather, who earned $32 million for the fight, was a 6-1 favorite coming to remain unbeaten. He had picked Maidana over Amir Khan as an opponent and may have been ruing that decision.Mayweather seemed confused early and unable to adapt to the wild punches thrown by Maidana. It wasn’t until the middle rounds that he got into more of a rhythm, hitting Maidana with hooks to the body and right punches to the head.Still, the fight was in doubt late as Maidana kept coming forward. With the crowd on its feet in the final round he tried to land big punches, but Mayweather was able to escape most of them.Maidana, who was cheered by the crowd as he left the ring, said he wanted a rematch, and both promoter Richard Schaefer and Mayweather said he just might get one after nearly pulling off one of the biggest upsets in recent years.“If the fans want to see it again, let’s do it again,” Mayweather said.
Olympiakos Soccer Rivals Lose
ATHENS — Olympiakos’ rivals in the Greek soccer league suffered surprise defeats on Dec. 18, keeping the defending champion a point from the top of the 18-team table.Leader PAOK lost 3-0 at Giannina on goals from Andi Lila, Nikos Korovesis and Michalis Manias.PAOK coach Angelos Anastasiadis described the result as a “bad day for everyone at the club.”Third-place Panathinaikos was also overrun in Xanthi, losing 4-2, with Dimitris Goutas finding the net within three minutes, and followed by Theodoros Vasililakakis, Karim Soltani and Pantelis Kapetanos.Greece striker Nikos Karelis scored both goals for the Athens club.TweetPinShare0 Shares