Didn't expect so much dew, says Kohli after loss

March 1, 2014

Kohli_after_lossFatullah (Bangladesh), Mar 1: India skipper Virat Kohli said the dew on the ground was "way beyond our expectations" but credited his bowlers for taking their Asia Cup match against Sri Lanka into the last over, here today.

Sri Lanka chased down the 265-run target set by India in 49.2 overs, courtesy a marvellous century by experienced wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Sangakkara.

"I think the bowlers did a good job, there was a lot of dew in the end. We didn't expect so much dew because there wasn't so much of it yesterday. But credit to them (bowlers) to take it to the last over," Kohli said at the presentation ceremony.

While praising all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja for tilting the match in India's favour with two quick strikes, Kohli said his batsman could have added 25-odd runs to the eventual total had they batted more smartly.

"We could have been smarter with our batting and could have added 25-30 runs more. Jadeja was magnificent with the ball. To give just 30 runs on that wicket and pick up three was just brilliant from Jadeja. We were just waiting for the ball to turn before the dew," he said.

Jadeja bagged the wickets of Mahela Jayawardene, Dinesh Chandimal and Chaturanga de Silva to help India tighten the noose on the Lankan batting in the middle overs.

Meanwhile, Sangakkara, who made a breathtaking 83-ball 103, said he was trying to stay till the end and the dew made his job easier.

"My job was to stay there for as long as possible and stay competitive. The dew on the ground made it a lot easier for me. We had a great opening partnership which really set us up. And with Thisara in the end, we knew he could do the job. It was a team effort overall," the 36-year-old veteran said.

"I think handling pressure comes with experience. It's been a few good months for me, I've worked hard on my fitness and experience counts," he said.

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews praised his bowlers for restricting India to a manageable total.

"We looked to play good cricket and we did well to restrict them to 260. The spinners did a beautiful job. And then the champion came in to play a terrific knock," Mathews said.

Spinner Ajantha Mendis bagged four wickets for Sri Lanka and prevented the Indian side from finishing on a high.

"Yes, Mendis is our trump card. We chose to bowl first as the dew factor comes in to play in the second innings. Our spinners did really well to contain India," he added.

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News Network
April 12,2020

New Delhi, Apr 12: As devotees across the world celebrate Easter today, former Sri Lanka skipper and current Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) president Kumar Sangakkara on Sunday condoled the demise of people who lost their lives during last year's Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka and said someone must seek answers to the questions which still remain unresolved.

"A year on we all share the pain of the families grieving lives lost, we stand with you and for you. We remember. So many questions still unanswered, but answer them someone must," Sangakkara tweeted.

On April 21, 2019, multiple blasts ripped through Sri Lanka when the Christian community was celebrating Easter Sunday.
The explosions rattled churches and high-end hotels across the country, killing 258 people and injuring over 500.

A local terror group called National Thowheeth Jama'ath had claimed responsibility for the devastating attacks.

The island nation was put under a state of emergency for a period of four months from April to August.

The Sri Lankan police had then said that 293 suspects were arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday bombings in the island country in April.

This year, most of the devotees would be offering the prayers from their homes as mass gatherings have been suspended in most countries due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ following his crucifixion on Good Friday. It also marks the culmination of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and penance.

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News Network
May 9,2020

May 9: Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar has donated an undisclosed amount to financially help 4,000 underprivileged people, including children from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) schools, amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tendulkar made the donation to the Hi5 Foundation, a non-profit organisation based out of Mumbai.

“Best wishes to team Hi5 for your efforts in supporting families of daily wage earners,” Tendulkar tweeted.

The organisation, through a tweet, thanked Tendulkar for doing his bit for the needy.

“Thanks @sachin_rt for proving once again that #sports encourages compassion! Your generous donation towards our #COVID19 fund enables us to financially aid 4000 underprivileged people, including children from @mybmc schools. Our budding sportspersons thank you, Little Master!”

The legendary batsman had earlier contributed Rs 25 lakh each to Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the country’s fight against COVID-19. Tendulkar had earlier pledged to bear the cost of feeding 5,000 people for a month in a couple of areas in Mumbai.

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News Network
June 20,2020

Melbourne, Jun 20: If 15 teams can be allowed to enter Australia for the T20 World Cup then fans will not be stopped from watching live action from the stadiums, Cricket Australia's interim CEO Nick Hockley said on Saturday.

Hockley replaced under-fire Kevin Roberts, who recently got the boot from Cricket Australia, which is grappling with financial woes.

Different possibilities are being worked out for the T20 World to go ahead as scheduled later this year and one of them is to host the tournament before empty stands in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Hockley said crowds will be allowed, though, hosting 15 teams with players, officials and support staff is "complex" as of now, hinting that probably the ICC flagship event could be pushed back.

"The reality is, and we've got much more understanding about this in recent weeks, is crowds are most likely to come back before international travel. Our biggest challenge is getting 15 teams into the country," Hockley told cricket.com.au when asked if he would like to see the World Cup proceed without fans.

"If I compare it with the prospect of a bilateral tour, you're talking about bringing one team in and then playing individual matches. But the prospect of bringing 15 teams in and having six or seven teams in one city at the same time, it's a much more complex exercise."

When specifically asked whether crowds would be permitted by the time borders have opened to the point that 15 teams will be allowed to travel to Australia, Hockley replied in an affirmative.

"That's the current thinking, yes."

Hockley said it came as a shock when he was asked by Cricket Australia to replace Roberts.

"I've had very mixed emotions. I was very shocked to be asked. I didn't see it coming at all, so I probably haven't had time yet to process it. I feel very sad for Kev (Roberts). On the other hand, I feel this is a massive privilege to be asked, it's a massive responsibility and a massive opportunity even if it's only for the next few months," he said.

Hockey did not commit when asked if he would like to assume the role full time, but he did say that he would quit as CEO of the T20 World Cup Organising Committee.

"My approach throughout my entire career has been to focus on doing the best job I can with what I've been tasked with, and the future will look after itself. And I'll continue the same approach.

"That's (T20 World Cup) been a real priority over the last 48 hours. We're reasonably well progressed and we will be appointing an interim because you just can't do both," he said.

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