Gambhir not even a probable
New Delhi: Seasoned opener Gautam Gambhir was on Friday omitted from India’s 30-member probables for the upcoming ICC World Twenty20 scheduled to held in Bangladesh while veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh was named in the list. Delhi all-rounder Rajat Bhatia was a surprise inclusion while young Kerala wicket-keeper Sanju Samson, who has been a revelation in the shortest format, and former India U-19 captain Unmukt Chand were also included in the probables list for the event to be held from March 16 to April 6. Unheralded Railways leg-spinner Karn Sharma, who made an impression in the IPl and Champions league for Sunrisers Hyderabad, has also been named in the list announced by the BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel.
Perera, Mathews miss hundreds
Sharjah: Dilruwan Perera missed a century on his debut while skipper Angelo Mathews fell for 91 as Sri lanka frustrated Pakistan in the third and final Test in Sharjah on Friday. Perera (95) and Mathews made life difficult for Pakistan through their 112-run seventh wicket stand before Sri lanka declared their first innings at 428-9, leaving Pakistan to score 19-0 in a tricky six overs before the close of the second day’s play. Openers Ahmed Shehzad (five) and Khurram Manzoor (14) survived an anxious time as Pakistan go in search of a big lead to square the series after losing the second Test by nine wickets in Dubai. Sri lanka, leading the series 1-0 after the first Test ended in a draw in Abu Dhabi, are aiming to seal the series.
India’s no 1 rank at stake
Dubai: India must win the upcoming five-match One-day series against New Zealand if they have to retain their number one status in the ICC team rankings. India are sitting atop the ICC team rankings table with 120 ratings points, and enter the series leading eighth-ranked New Zealand by 36 ratings points. If India lose the series, starting Sunday in Napier, they will lose their numero uno status and as many as six ratings points. India have been the number-one ranked ODI side since January 2013.
Ranji Trophy semi-finals
Punjab take on Karnataka at home
Mohali: Punjab would be looking to make the most of home conditions when they take on a formidable Karnataka side in the semi-final of the Ranji Trophy starting here on Friday. Harbhajan Singh-led Punjab were comprehensively beaten by Karnataka in the group stages in Hubli last month and would be keen on returning the favour when the two teams square off in what promises to be an exciting encounter. The home team would expect that Yuvraj Singh, who has been a proven match-winner, plays a timely knock as he has not done anything worth noting in the four matches that he has played for Punjab.
Bengal face Maharashtra
Indore: It will be a battle of attrition between a top-notch batting line-up and a quality seam attack when Maharashtra clash with Bengal in the Ranji Trophy semifinals, starting here on Friday. Bengal, who have been a surprise package in the national championship, peaked at the right time defeating Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Railways in three back-to back matches while Maharashtra recorded an inspirational eight-wicket win against defending champions Mumbai.