Rani named captain for Korea tour
new delhi: Ace striker Rani Rampal on Friday was named captain of a 20-strong Indian women's hockey team for next month's season-opening away series against Korea, where fit-again forward Poonam Rani will make a comeback. India will play five matches against the hosts at the Jinchun National Athletic Centre, from March 3 to 12. Defender Sunita lakra will be Rani's deputy during the trip. With celebrated goalkeeper Savita rested for the tour, Rajani Etimarpu will be joined by debutant Swati to guard the Indian goalpost in Korea. The defence line will feature the experienced Deepika, who was out of action following a knee surgery last year. She will be joined by Suman Devi Thoudam, Deep Grace Ekka, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam and Gurjit Kaur who will double up as dragflicker.
Pakistan retain top T20 ranking
Wellington: Australian cricket chiefs have clarified that Pakistan still top the Twenty20 world rankings, despite Australia's victory in the T20 tri-series also featuring New Zealand and England. Cricket Australia said this week that Australia would take the number one spot if they were unbeaten in the tri-series, a feat they achieved with a 19-run win over New Zealand in Auckland on Wednesday. But in a statement late Thursday, it said a "clerical error" by the International Cricket Council meant the calculation was wrong and Pakistan retain the top spot. Australia were second on 125.65, 0.19 points behind Pakistan on 125.84.
Mary Kom in final
Sofia (Bulgaria): MC Mary Kom (48kg) turned on the style as she advanced to the finals, while Vikas Krishan and two other male boxers entered the semifinals at the 69th Strandja Memorial Tournament here on Friday. Five-time world champion and Olympic bronze-medalist Mary Kom, who's targeting her third successive gold, toyed with China's Ye Jiali to make the summit clash. In the men's draw, Vikas Krishan (75kg), Satish Kumar (+91kg) and Gaurav Solanki (52kg) advanced to the semi-finals to assure themselves of medals. With their victories India are now assured of 10 medals in the tournament.