New Zealand finish third at rugby WC
Tokyo: Veteran winger Ben Smith scored a classy try double as New Zealand beat Wales 40-17 to clinch third spot at the Rugby World Cup on Friday in the perfect send-off for storied coach Steve Hansen. In what was the final Test for both Hansen and Wales counterpart Warren Gatland, after seven and 12 years at their respective helms, both sides produced an entertaining encounter that saw New Zealand outscore the Welsh by six tries to two. The result means New Zealand have won 32 of their 35 meetings with Wales, last losing in 1953, while Hansen's incredible record includes just 10 defeats in 107 Tests in charge.
Eng draw first blood against black caps
Christchurch: A maiden half century from James Vince powered England to a convincing seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the opening T20 match in Christchurch on Friday. Vince top-scored for the tourists with 59 as England chased down New Zealand's 154-run target in 18.3 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. A three-wicket haul from spinner Mitchell Santner was not enough to rescue the Black Caps, whose batting line-up failed to fire after Morgan won the toss and sent them in.
Aus sweep T20 series against sri lanka
Melbourne: Australia cruised past Sri Lanka to clean-sweep their three-match T20 series on Friday, with an in-form David Warner grinding out a third successive half-century in the seven wicket win. Sri Lanka posted a competitive score of 142 for six, with Kusal Perera hitting 57. But their bowlers, led by Lasith Malinga, have been no match for a quality Australian batting line-up, spearheaded by Warner who has now scored 217 in three innings without losing his wicket. He end the match unbeaten on 57, aided by Ashton Turner who chipped in with 22 as Australia reached 145 for three with 14 balls to spare.
India C enter Deodhar Trophy final
Ranchi: Openers Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal smashed spectacular hundreds before Jalaj Saxena took a career-best seven-wicket haul, steering India C into the final of the Deodhar Trophy with a massive 232-run win over India A on Friday. India C skipper Gill (143 off 142) and Mayank Agarwal (120 off 111) shared a 226-run stand before a special knock from Suryakumar Yadav (72 not out off 29) propelled the team to 366 for three in 50 overs. India A were never in the chase and off-spinner Saxena (7/41) ran through their batting line-up with a memorable spell. It was India A's second successive defeat in as many days, knocking them out of the tournament. India C and India B will play the final on Monday before meeting each other in the final league game today.
Bale not fit to face real Betis: Zidane
Madrid: Zinedine Zidane said on Friday Gareth Bale has resumed light training but will not be available for Real Madrid's La Liga game at home to Real Betis. Madrid can register their third consecutive victory by beating struggling Betis today but Bale remains on the sidelines, as he continues his recovery from a calf problem. The Welshman was not with the rest of the squad for Friday's early session but did some running alone with a team physio. “He is here with us, he is training and working hard,” said Zidane in a press conference on Friday. “He is back from his trip and he is getting better. He is not available yet but he is recovering bit by bit.”