South Africa rest big guns for final 2 ODIs against Windies

Friday, January 23, 2015 | 4:48 PM    

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (CMC) – South Africa will rest strike bowler Dale Steyn for the remainder of the last two One-Day Internationals against West Indies.

The hosts have already sewn up the five-match series, winning the first three matches by comprehensive margins.

Selectors will also rest in-form batsman Hashim Amla for the fourth ODI at St George’s Park on Sunday, while captain AB de Villiers will be relieved of the glove work for that match, and could be rested for the final game in Centurion next Wednesday.

“We want to play everybody that is in the squad so we will use these next two games as an opportunity for some of the fringe players to stake a claim and to put in some performances for us,” said Proteas coach Russell Domingo.

“It’s highly unlikely that AB will ‘keep for the next two games. I’m waiting to confirm with the selectors but my plan is for Morne van Wyk to ‘keep in the next game and then, in all likeliness, depending on approval from the medical committee, have Quinton de Kock playing the last game.”

De Kock is yet to feature in the series because of injury.

South Africa clinched the series last Wednesday when they trounced the Caribbean side by nine wickets in East London.

The victory followed on from a 61-run win in the opening ODI in Durban and a 148-run victory in Johannesburg in the second game.

Domingo said the series win was especially pleasing because of the pressure the side had come under on recent tours.

“We’re always happy to win the series. You can never take wins or series win in international cricket for granted so we have to be pleased with the way we have played and enjoy the moment. We are pretty happy with where we are at the moment,” Domingo explained.

“We have been under pressure all year. We have had some tough series so whether or not we are under pressure now or six months ago doesn’t matter too much for us. We have been under pressure in Australia, in Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, so it’s not that important for me at this stage.”

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South Africa rest big guns for final 2 ODIs against Windies

Final four face off in conference championships

BY TONY SCOTT

Friday, January 16, 2015    

LAST weekend’s Divisional Play-off round had its fair share of excitement and controversy, and when the dust settled, the Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots were left standing.

The Divisional Play-offs usually deliver some of the best football of the season and this year’s was no exception. We saw the reigning Super Bowl champs, the Seattle Seahawks, play like the champions that they are, whipping the Panthers 31-17. It seems these guys are peaking at the right time and the possibility of repeating looms large. There has not been a repeat Super Bowl winner since the Patriots in 2004.

The Seahawks showed some inconsistencies during the regular season due to injuries and off-the-field strife, but now they seem to have got their groove back, which makes them a favourite to go all the way.

Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts put on a stellar display against the iconic Peyton Manning and his Denver Broncos, beating them 24-13. Luck proved once and for all that he is destined for greatness and that indeed the old order has changed, yielding place to the new. The Luck era has begun and his next big test comes up this Sunday as he faces yet another iconic figure in Tom Brady.

Speaking of Tom Brady, he led the Patriots to an impressive 35-31 come-from-behind victory over a determined Ravens team, advancing to his ninth AFC Championship game. Many of us had the Ravens, who were 6.5 point betting underdogs, to at least cover the point spread, which they did. But the Patriots prevailed on the scoreboard. The Tom Brady/Bill Belichick era is one for the record books.

Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers went up against Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys in a game that ended amidst an officiating controversy that saw a spectacular Dez Bryant catch disallowed after review. This was a game-changer and the Packers went on to beat the Cowboys 26-21.

Now I’m no fan of the Dallas Cowboys, but what I saw on the replays indicated that it was a catch. Some say that this call was poetic justice as the Cowboys were the beneficiaries of a similar ruling in their wild card game against the Lions a week earlier. Aaron Rodgers is obviously still not 100 per cent, but thanks to the protection of his offensive line he was able to make plays from inside and outside the pocket.

As far as our post-season picks go, Peter Lindo posted a 3-1 mark last week and now leads the pack with an impressive 7-1 play-off picks record, which probably makes him unassailable. Way to go, Peter. Andre Hutchinson also went 3-1 last week (5-3 overall), while yours truly went 3-1 as well (4-4 overall). Bringing up the rear for the first time this season is the regular season picks champion Mark Archer, who went 1-3 last week and is a surprising 3-5 in the play-offs. We’ll see how the guys do this week.

Let’s take a look at the impending clashes, starting first with the Indianapolis Colts at the New England Patriots in Foxboro. First of all, there is the home field advantage factor which automatically gives the Patriots the edge. Not that they need it, because they are formidable opponents anywhere. Add to this the fact that the Patriots beat the Colts 42-20 back in November and they’ve beaten Indy in five straight meetings.

The Patriots have a culture of winning and their superstar quarterback Tom Brady is coming off a good performance against a tough Ravens team. Their defence is somewhat suspect and this could be exploited by Andrew Luck, particularly if he gets hot and gets hot early. Luck’s protection is very good, too, as demonstrated against the Broncos when he went virtually untouched.

My take on this game is that once again youth may very well prevail, and the pendulum may swing in favour of the young gun to outlast the old veteran.

In the earlier game on Sunday, the Green Bay Packers visit the Seattle Seahawks and find themselves facing a team that is playing at a very high level in all aspects of their game. The defence is fearsome and the offence is explosive. They also have a pretty good quarterback in Russell Wilson, who is arguably the best of the young guns. Then there is the hostile environment in Seattle where the noise level can be disruptive to the opposing signal caller. Seattle also beat Green Bay 36-16 back in Week One of this season. I anticipate a game that will go back and forth before coming down to the final play. If I were writing the script, Russell Wilson would hand off the ball to Marshawn Lynch, and ‘The Beast’ would run roughshod over the Packers defence and explode in the end zone for the winning score.

On Sunday, the Packers vs Seahawks game will air on FOX at 3:05 pm, while Colts vs Patriots kicks off at 6:40 pm on CBS. You can also head to Ribbiz Ultra Lounge at the Acropolis Barbican, Cuddy’z Sports Bar or Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records to take in some BIG screen action. You can even place your bets on the games at those venues up to five minutes before kick-off.

The Super Bowl match-up is almost set, folks. Enjoy the games and I hope you all win some money with JustBet. Make sure to watch the JustBet sports betting feature, JustBet Before The Whistle, this and every Thursday at 9:30 pm on TVJ.

To find out more about JustBet, including how to bet and where to place your bets, visit www.justbetja.com, ‘like’ us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/justbet, ‘follow’ us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/justbet_ja, watch our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/justbetja or call our help line toll-free at 1-888-SUPPORT (1-888-787-7678).

EXPERTS’ PICKS AGAINST THE SPREAD

PETER LINDO’S Conference Championship Picks (in bold)

SEAHAWKS v PACKERS

PATRIOTS v COLTS

Last week’s record: 3-1

Play-off Record to date: 7-1

ANDRE HUTCHINSON’S Conference Championship Picks (in bold)

SEAHAWKS v PACKERS

PATRIOTS v COLTS

Last week’s record: 3-1

Play-off Record to date: 5-3

TONY SCOTT’S Conference Championship Picks (in bold)

SEAHAWKS v PACKERS

PATRIOTS v COLTS

Last week’s record: 3-1

Play-off Record to date: 4-4

MARK ARCHER’S Conference Championship Picks (in bold)

SEAHAWKS v PACKERS

PATRIOTS v COLTS

Last week’s record: 1-3

Play-off Record to date: 3-5

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Final four face off in conference championships

India earn tense draw in final Test against Aussies

SYDNEY, Australia (AFP) — India clung on for a tense draw with three wickets left to deny Australia their third victory of the series in the fourth Sydney Test yesterday.

The Australians, with nine fielders crowding around the bat towards the final stages, pushed for victory but could not dislodge Ajinkya Rahane and Bhuvneshwar Kumar as the gritty tourists batted it out at 252 for seven.

Rahane was unbeaten on 38 and Kumar was 20 not out when the game was called off with one ball left.

The Australians kept pushing throughout the final session and looked headed for victory once they removed batting mainstays Murali Vijay and skipper Virat Kohli, but the tail end resisted.

Australian skipper Steve Smith was named the player of the series after scoring four centuries for the winning side.

“I thought we were going to get there in the end but India hung on well,” Smith said.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t quite get there but I’m really proud of all the boys’ efforts for this Test match and for the series as well.”

The Australians declared at their overnight total of 251 for six, leaving the tourists to hunt down 349 runs to win off 90 overs on the fifth day.

Australia grabbed the vital wicket of Kohli for 46 in the 67th over as he sparred with Mitchell Starc, and Shane Watson took a catch low down at slip.

It completed a magnificent series for the new skipper, with a series aggregate of 692 runs at 86.50, the most by an Indian batsman in a series against Australia.

“The guys stood there, dug it out and pulled out a draw which is satisfying,” Kohli said.

“We took them to the end on three occasions, two Tests were draws and one was a loss that could have gone either way.

“I’m really proud of the way the guys have played in this series.

“We certainly do have negatives we want to improve on, especially seeing the way the Australians bowl.

“If we can improve on that we’re going to be a very strong test team moving forward.”

Vijay was out in the fourth over after tea when he slashed at Josh Hazlewood outside off-stump to be taken by Brad Haddin for 80.

The opener passed fifty for the fifth time in the series and batted for 255 minutes off 165 balls with seven fours and two sixes.

Vijay’s series aggregate of 482 at an average of 60.25 was the most by an Indian opener in Australia, eclipsing 464 by Virender Sehwag.

Australia’s hopes soared when the hapless Suresh Raina went for a pair of ducks, this time he lasted three balls before he was leg before wicket by Starc.

Wriddhiman Saha also went for a duck, trapped leg before wicket by Lyon as India’s innings began to quickly fall apart.

Hazlewood got another leg before wicket decision, this time on Ravichandran Ashwin for one and India were three wickets away from defeat with 11.4 overs left. Yet that was as close as the Australians got at the end.

The highest successful run chase in the fourth innings of a Sydney Test remains Australia’s 288 for two against South Africa nine years ago.

Vijay gave a few chances before his dismissal, offering a tough chance to Shaun Marsh at short cover on 42 off Ryan Harris in 37th over.

Marsh had two grabs at the ball before it went to ground.

It was Australia’s 17th missed fielding opportunity in the series.

But Rohit Sharma was out for 39 in the next over when Steve Smith took a brilliant flying right-handed catch at second slip off Watson.

First innings centurion Lokesh Rahul was the only wicket to fall in the morning session.

He advanced down the wicket only to glove Lyon to David Warner at leg-slip for 16 in the 14th over.

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India earn tense draw in final Test against Aussies

Germany fan Rihanna flashes more than a smile at World Cup final in Brazil

Rihanna celebrates with the German players (Rihanna/Instagram)

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, Tuesday July 15, 2014 – The last time we checked Rihanna in Brazil, she was taking off her clothes for a mostly nude magazine shoot. Our latest update on Sunday saw her partially disrobing for the cameras again, but this time in wild jubilation.

Barbados’ pop princess flashed a generous amount of flesh – yanking up her jersey to display the goods from bra to below the navel – to celebrate the victory of her pet team Germany when it created history as the first European squad ever to win football’s greatest prize on South American soil.

The Talk That Talk girl, who is one of the world’s most popular Twitter users with 36.3 million followers, also helped contribute to the 32.1 million tweets sent during the match, which at one point broke the all-time record for most tweets per minute with 618,725 when the game ended after Germany’s big 1-0 win against Argentina.

For my German boys pic.twitter.com/cRzlNINBuf

— Rihanna (@rihanna) July 13, 2014

The Diamonds singer had dazzled with a barrage of tweets since the festivities kicked-off last month, but was at her brilliant best when the eagerly anticipated final got underway at the Maracana Stadium in Rio. The Unapologetic star was exactly that, with titillating tweets from “Mueller is always in the right position!” to “Super f*****g Mario!!!” but her excitement reached fever pitch when 22-year-old Mario Goetze ended Germany’s 24-year wait for another World Cup title by scoring the winning goal in extra time. “Goooooaaaaalllll!!!” she tweeted ecstatically. Germany’s sexiest World Cup fan went on to tweet a picture of herself holding the prized cup with a group of the winning players and the caption: “They brought me the cup!!! I love these guys!!! Congratulations.”

They brought me the cup!!! I love these guys!!! Congratulations!!!! pic.twitter.com/6K9sr56uHt

— Rihanna (@rihanna) July 14, 2014

The 26-year-old multiple Grammy winner went on to say it all by tweeting: “Congrats to my German boyz! This was the most epic experience of my entire life! You guys made me so proud to be here.”

By way of reply, Lukas Podolski tweeted the somewhat cryptic “What a night with our biggest fan. UnFOURgettable! Thanks Rihanna!!”

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Germany fan Rihanna flashes more than a smile at World Cup final in Brazil

Lifeline - Jamaica still has slim World Cup Final chance

AS Jamaica’s World Cup dream suffered a potentially fatal body blow with a 1-1 draw against Costa Rica in their match at the National Stadium last night, crowd favourite Jermaine ‘Tuffy’ Anderson had his moment of redemption.

The Waterhouse striker, who was kept out of the team by the previous coaching team, gave Jamaicans something to cheer about in the dying moments when he scored to give the Reggae Boyz hopes of a comeback having entered the field of play in the 68th minute.But Costa Rica, who scored in the 74th minute through another substitute, Randall Brenes, moved to 15 points in the CONCACAF hexagonal play-offs, and secured qualification along with the USA, who defeated Mexico 2-0 at home to boost their points tally to 16, for a safe passage to the Brazil 2014 World Cup Finals.Honduras followed up their 2-1 victory over Mexico at the Azteca last Friday with a 2-2 result against Panama at home to move to 11 points, while Panama inched up a place to fourth on eight points, the same as Mexico. Jamaica advanced to four points, but remained firmly rooted at the bottom of the six-nation group, but having failed to gather maximum points and with nearest rivals Mexico and Panama doing likewise, the Reggae Boyz were kept on life support, as they still have a mathematical chance of stealing fourth place, should they register maximum points from their two remaining games, and neither Mexico nor Panama score a win in either of their games.The team that finishes in fourth place will earn another chance at qualification when they engage the winner of the Oceania region, New Zealand, in a home-and-away play-off series in mid November.Jamaica will oppose the USA on October 11 in Kansas City, and then Honduras at home four days later, while Mexico welcome Panama to the Azteca on October 11, before travelling to the already qualified Costa Rica on October 15, as Panama entertain the US on the same day.Jamaica made their first purposeful move on goal in the fifth minute when Marlon King volleyed from the back post from a floated corner in by Shaun Cummings.Costa Rica responded a minute later through captain Bryan Ruiz, who rifled goalward, but stand-in goalkeeper Richard McCallum had to fist away the ball.In minute 13, Ruiz was at it again with another shot from distance, and again McCallum had to mop up.Jamaica made a breakaway down the right side in the 17th minute with skipper Luton Shelton, but his low cross inside could not find Jobi McAnuff, who had sprinted up field to lend support.The Boyz had another chance courtesy of Shelton, whose right-footed free kick from 25 yards was held by Costa Rican custodian Patrick Pemberton, even as it took a slight deflection.Garath McCleary re-ignited the Jamaican offensive thrust in the 64th when he dribbled across the field and got himself into a shooting position, but his final right-footed effort from 20 yards, went wide.At the other end, something was going terribly wrong when goalkeeper McCallum’s poor pass out of his area lacked logic and conviction and rolled nicely for an alert Brenes. The Costa Rican substitute licked his finger at the generous gift from the goalkeeper to beat the Jamaican at his near post.But after some probing, Jamaica’s goal came from hometown hero Anderson, who drifted wide for a gentle tap in after a long lofted ball from defender Jermaine Taylor found its mark.But as it turned out, and sadly, the Waterhouse man’s goal was a piece of magic too little, too late in front of about 7,000 spectators, nearly half of which we clad in Costa Rica’s red and white.Teams: Jamaica — Richard McCallum, Adrian Mariappa, Westley Morgan, Jermaine Taylor, Lloyd Doyley, Shaun Cummings, Marvin Elliott (Chris Humphrey 83rd), Garath McCleary, Joel McAnuff, Luton Shelton (Jermaine Beckford 46th), Marlon King (Jermaine Anderson 68th).Subs not used: Jacomeno Barrett, Gariece McPherson, , Kemar Lawrence, Darren Mattocks, Jermaine Johnson, Ryan Johnson, O’Brian Woodbine, Daniel Gordon, Theo Robinson.Booked: NoneCosta Rica — Patrick Pemberton, Michael Umana, Giancarlo Gonzalez, Johnny Acosta, Junior Diaz, Christian Gamboa, Celso Borges, Yeltsin Tejeda (Jose Miguel Cubero 57th), Diego Calvo (Randall Brenes 68th), Joel Campbell (Carlos Johnson 78th), Bryan Ruiz.Subs not used: Leonel Moriera, Oscar Duarte, Oscar Esteban Granados, Bryan Oviedo, Victor Nunez, Mauricio Castillo, Yendrick Ruiz, Michael Barrantes.Booked: NoneReferee: Jair Antonio Marrufo (USA)Assistant Referee 1: Eric Boria (USA)Assistant Referee 2: Frank Anderson (USA)Fourth Official: Silviu Petrescu (Canada)Referee Assessor: Luis Enrique Yero Rodriquez (Cuba)Goalscorer Jermaine ‘Tuffy’ Anderson acknowledges the applause of spectators as he exits the field at the end of the game last night. (PHOTO: JOSEPH WELLINGTON)Jamaica’s captain Luton Shelton (left) competes with Yeltsin Tejeda of Costa Rica during their World Cup Qualifier at the National Stadium last night. (PHOTO: JOSEPH WELLINGTON)

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Lifeline - Jamaica still has slim World Cup Final chance

Lifeline - Ja still has slim World Cup Final chance

News

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

JAMAICA’S Road to Rio campaign suffered a near fatal blow last night after the Reggae Boyz drew 1-1 with Costa Rica in their World Cup Football Qualifier at the National Stadium.However, the point earned from the game gave the Reggae Boyz a slim mathematical chance of grabbing the fourth spot to a play-off with New Zealand after the USA defeated Mexico 2-0 at home and Honduras drew with Panama 2-2.Story in Sport.Jamaicans Chris Humphrey (18), Jermaine Anderson (5), Jermaine Beckford (7) and Jobi McAnuff (10) compete for the ball with Costa Rica’s Christian Gamboa (16) and his unidentified teammate last night at the National Stadium in Kingston. (PHOTO: JOSEPH WELLINGTON)

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Lifeline - Ja still has slim World Cup Final chance

Indonesia moves Miss World final round to Bali

News

Saturday, September 07, 2013 | 11:48 AM

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesia’s government has moved the final round of the Miss World pageant from main Java island to the resort island of Bali amid protests by hard-line Muslims against the contest, an official said Saturday.The decision, announced by Coordinating Minister for People’s Welfare Agung Laksono, makes Bali the sole location for the event, which opens Sunday.The final round was initially set for September 28 in Sentul, on the outskirts of Jakarta, the capital.“The changes are made in accordance with people’s aspirations and for the sake of Indonesia’s tourism development,” Laksono told a news conference. “So the event will be held completely in Bali.”Bali is the only Hindu-dominated province in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim country.Laksono said, however, that the contestants would not be prevented from visiting other parts of the country.Muslim hard-line groups have protested in Jakarta and other cities, urging the government to cancel the contest.Rejection of the event has also come from the country’s most influential clerics’ group, the Indonesia Ulema Council, which argues that exposure of skin by women in such a competition violates Islamic teachings.Jamaica’s Gina Hargitay is representing the island in this year’s competition.Miss Jamaica World Gina Hargitay

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Indonesia moves Miss World final round to Bali

Indonesia moves Miss World final round to Bali

Latest News

Saturday, September 07, 2013 | 11:48 AM

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesia’s government has moved the final round of the Miss World pageant from main Java island to the resort island of Bali amid protests by hard-line Muslims against the contest, an official said Saturday.The decision, announced by Coordinating Minister for People’s Welfare Agung Laksono, makes Bali the sole location for the event, which opens Sunday.The final round was initially set for September 28 in Sentul, on the outskirts of Jakarta, the capital.“The changes are made in accordance with people’s aspirations and for the sake of Indonesia’s tourism development,” Laksono told a news conference. “So the event will be held completely in Bali.”Bali is the only Hindu-dominated province in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim country.Laksono said, however, that the contestants would not be prevented from visiting other parts of the country.Muslim hard-line groups have protested in Jakarta and other cities, urging the government to cancel the contest.Rejection of the event has also come from the country’s most influential clerics’ group, the Indonesia Ulema Council, which argues that exposure of skin by women in such a competition violates Islamic teachings.Jamaica’s Gina Hargitay is representing the island in this year’s competition.Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserverFollow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserverMiss Jamaica World Gina Hargitay

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Indonesia moves Miss World final round to Bali

Russell explodes as Jamaica Tallawahs reach CPL final

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad & Tobago (CMC) — The Jamaica Tallawahs have fixed an appointment with the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the final of the inaugural Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament here, slated for last night at the Queen’s Park Oval.

The Tallawahs on Friday night eliminated the Barbados Tridents by seven wickets, in the second semi-final, as big-hitting all-rounder Andre Russell and veteran Sri Lankan left-hander Kumar Sangakarra steered them home with nine balls to spare.Replying to the Tridents’ 148 off 20 overs, the Tallawahs romped to 152 for three (off 18.3 overs) with Russell not out 29, off just six balls, and Sangakarra unbeaten on 50 off 36 deliveries.With the Tallawahs needing 32 from 20 balls when he came to the crease, Russell crushed the ambitions of the Tridents in the 19th over with a thrilling display of shot-making, as he plundered three big sixes off former Pakistani all-rounder Azhar Mahmood.Bowling the last of his four overs, after earlier capturing the prized wicket of Chris Gayle (three runs) cheaply in the fourth over of the innings, Mahmood produced some fodder deliveries to the Jamaican all-rounder who fired them into the stands and secured the advance of the Tallawahs.Man-of-the-match Sangakarra, mixing aggression with clinical stroke play, guided the team in the difficult overs and also shared an important second-wicket partnership of 71 with opener Chadwick Walton, who benefitted from a dropped chance before he was off the mark and scored 45 off 40 balls.Walton, who was eventually run out by wicketkeeper Johnathan Carter, punished the Tridents for the early left-off and pulled around the game with the help of Sangakarra for Russell to launch his amazing blitz in the late overs.The Tridents, who struggled and recovered to post a competitive total in their innings, generally kept themselves in the game up until the 18th over, when the Tallawahs needed 15 from 12 balls, and up until Russell exploded.The Tridents were sent in to bat and were set back early, losing the wickets of opener Dwayne Smith and promoted all-rounder Jason Holder with just six runs and three overs into the innings.Young left-handed opener Ramon Reifer then joined with Shoaib Malik to put on 102 runs for the third wicket, off 14 overs, before both fell in successive balls in the 17th over. Reifer was run out for a well-played 36 off 43 balls, while Malik, seeking to hit Chris Gayle out of the ground, was caught at deep midwicket for 49 off 46 balls.From 108 for 3 — Mahmood (14), captain Keiron Pollard (13) and Kyle Mayers (12) added 40 runs off the last three overs to set up what was anticipated to be an interesting tussle for a place in the final.As it turned out, the Tallawahs made light work of the target and qualified to face the Warriors, who defeated them twice in the preliminary rounds.

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Russell explodes as Jamaica Tallawahs reach CPL final

CPL: Barbados Tridents set Jamaica Tallawahs 149 to win semi final

News

Friday, August 23, 2013 | 8:32

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Barbados Trident sent in the bat by the Jamaica Tallwahs in the CPL T20 semifinal at Queens Park Oval Friday night reached 148 for 6 off 20 oversScores: Barbados Tridents  148 for 6 off 20 overs — (Ramon Reifer 36, Shoaib Malik 49,Keiron Pollard 13,  Azhar Mahmood 14; Vernon Philander 2/28).The winner of this the second semi final will face the Guyana Amazon Warriors in Saturday’s final.

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CPL: Barbados Tridents set Jamaica Tallawahs 149 to win semi final

CPL: Amazon Warriors trounce T&T Red Steel to reach final

Latest News

Friday, August 23, 2013 | 7:18 AM

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — A thoroughly professional and clinical performance in the field and with the bat by the Guyana Amazon Warriors secured them a place in the finals of the inaugural Caribbean Professional League (CPL) after beating T&T Red Steel by seven wickets in the first semi-final played at the Queens Park Oval Thursday night. Red Steel were routed for 103 off 19.3 overs when sent in by the Warriors who then successfully chased down their target reaching 107-3 off 16.2 overs. Tillakaratne Dilshan, playing his first match of the League for the Warriors was named man of the match, striking 39 from 29 balls with three fours  and one six during the Warriors innings and picking up two wickets when the Red Steel batted for 14 runs off four overs.Ramnaresh Sarwan hoisted  Kevon Cooper for a boundary to mid wicket to finish undefeated on 18 while William Perkins, playing his first match of the competition scored 18 off 19 balls with three boundaries. Red Steel had their confidence lifted when Lendl Simmons was caught by Sulieman Benn pulling at Fidel Edwards for eight.Perkins was caught at extra cover by Samuel Badree miscuing a flick off Benn and Dilshan was deceived by a slower delivery from Cooper offering a tame return catch to the bowler. Sarwan and James Franklin came together to feature in an unbroken stand of 29 for the fourth wicket to steer the Amazon Warriors to the finals.When Red Steel batted they seemed to lose wickets in pairs — Adrian Barath and  Darren Bravo with the score on 32,  Kevon Cooper and Sulieman Benn at 101, Darren Bravo and Fidel Edwards on 103. Cooper, with two sixes in his knock, topscored with 27 of 17 balls before holding out to James Franklin at long on off Sunil Narine. Dwayne Bravo, who got a fighting 26 was also caught  by  Franklin  at deep cover off Lasith Malinga, another Sri Lankan getting a first taste of Caribbean Professional League cricket. Apart from Dilshan’s fine spell, the consistent Krishmar Santokie bagged two for 20 and Malinga ended with two for 18. The second semi-final will be played at the same venue Friday with Barbados Tridents facing the Jamaica Tallawahs.Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserverFollow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserver

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CPL: Amazon Warriors trounce T&T Red Steel to reach final

Tridents 108/4 after 17 overs vs Tallawahs in CPL semi final

News

Friday, August 23, 2013 | 8:14 PM

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — The Jamaica Tallawahs won the toss and sent Barbados Tridents in to bat in their CPL T20 semifinal at Queens Park Oval Friday night. After 17 overs the Tridents were 108 for 4.Teams:Barbados Tridents – DR Smith, R.  Reifer, Shoaib Malik, Shakib Al Hasan, KA Pollard (captain) JL Carter (wkp), Azhar Mahmood, K Mayers, A Nurse, R Emrit, J O HolderJamaica Tallawahs – C Gayle (captain)  C Walton, K Sangakkara, D Hyatt, A Russell, J Blackwood, C Baugh (wkp) ,D Bernard, V Philander, N Miller, M MuralitharanUmpires: Noel Duguid and Joel WilsonTV umpire -BF Bowden (New Zealand)Match referee – MJ Procter

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Tridents 108/4 after 17 overs vs Tallawahs
in CPL semi final

Tridents 108/4 after 17 overs vs Tallawahs in CPL semi final

Latest News

Friday, August 23, 2013 | 8:14 PM

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — The Jamaica Tallawahs won the toss and sent Barbados Tridents in to bat in their CPL T20 semifinal at Queens Park Oval Friday night. After 17 overs the Tridents were 108 for 4.Teams:Barbados Tridents – DR Smith, R.  Reifer, Shoaib Malik, Shakib Al Hasan, KA Pollard (captain) JL Carter (wkp), Azhar Mahmood, K Mayers, A Nurse, R Emrit, J O HolderJamaica Tallawahs – C Gayle (captain)  C Walton, K Sangakkara, D Hyatt, A Russell, J Blackwood, C Baugh (wkp) ,D Bernard, V Philander, N Miller, M MuralitharanUmpires: Noel Duguid and Joel WilsonTV umpire -BF Bowden (New Zealand)Match referee – MJ ProcterLike our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserverFollow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserver

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Tridents 108/4 after 17 overs vs Tallawahs
in CPL semi final

Sangakkara joins Tallawahs for the final matches of the LCPL

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara is set to link up with the Jamaica Tallawahs for the final stretch of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL), organisers have confirmed.

The elegant 36-year-old left-handed batsman will take over from Pakistan top-order player Ahmed Shezhad, who is leaving to join the Pakistan squad on tour in Zimbabwe.Sangakkara, who has played for three franchises in the Indian Premier League – Deccan Chargers, Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad – becomes the fourth Sri Lanka player to join the LCPL following on from the signings of Muttiah Muralitharan (Jamaica Tallawahs), Mahela Jayawardene (Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel) and Lasith Malinga (Guyana Amazon Warriors).Reflecting on his move, Sangakkara said: “I did not expect to be playing the Limacol CPL this year, but when Murali telephoned and asked whether I might be interested in playing for the Jamaica Tallawahs I jumped at the chance.“To play alongside Murali again will, of course, be a great privilege, and it will also be very exciting to bat with Chris (Gayle) rather than being his opponent.“The Tallawahs have had a great season thus far, and I hope I can make a positive contribution as we seek to win the inaugural tournament.”Sangakkara brings with him not only that wealth of IPL experience, but also a significant amount of international experience too.He has played a total of 117 Tests, 354 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 45 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), and led his country to the final of the ICC World Twenty20 in England in 2009, where they were defeated by Pakistan at Lord’s.Sangakkara was also part of the Sri Lanka side that again reached the final of the ICC World Twenty20 in his home country last October, only to be beaten once more, this time by the West Indies.In Tests he has scored 10,486 runs at an average of 56.98, with 33 hundreds and 42 fifties, while in ODIs his aggregate is 11,798 runs at 39.99 with 16 more hundreds, as well as 79 fifties.In T20Is he has a tally of 1,178 runs with a strike-rate of 120.08 runs per hundred balls and including seven fifties, while in all Twenty20 matches, domestic and international combined, he has played 138 times, scoring 3,481 runs with 20 fifties and a strike-rate of 124.76.The inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League runs until August 24, with the two semi-finals taking place in Trinidad and Tobago on August 22 and 23 and the final on the August 24.

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Sangakkara joins Tallawahs for the final matches of the LCPL

Sangakkara joins Jamaica Tallawahs for final CPL matches

Sport

Sunday, August 18, 2013 | 12:38 PM

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara is set to link up with the Jamaica Tallawahs for the final stretch of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL), organisers have confirmed.The elegant 36 year-old left-handed batsman will take over from Pakistan top-order player Ahmed Shezhad, who is leaving to join the Pakistan squad on tour in Zimbabwe.Sangakkara, who has played for three franchises in the Indian Premier League – Deccan Chargers, Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad – becomes the fourth Sri Lanka player to join the LCPL following on from the signings of Muttiah Muralitharan (Jamaica Tallawahs), Mahela Jayawardene (Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel) and Lasith Malinga (Guyana Amazon Warriors).“I did not expect to be playing the Limacol CPL this year, but when Murali telephoned and asked whether I might be interested in playing for the Jamaica Tallawahs I jumped at the chance,” Sangakkara said.“To play alongside Murali again will, of course, be a great privilege and it will also be very exciting to bat with Chris (Gayle) rather than being his opponent.“The Tallawahs have had a great season thus far and I hope I can make a positive contribution as we seek to win the inaugural tournament.”Sangakkara brings with him not only that wealth of IPL experience but also a significant amount of international experience.He has played a total of 117 Tests, 354 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 45 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) and led his country to the final of the ICC World Twenty20 in England in 2009, where they were defeated by Pakistan at Lord’s.Sangakkara was also part of the Sri Lanka side that again reached the final of the ICC World Twenty20 in his home country last October, only to be beaten once more, this time by the West Indies.In Tests he has scored 10,486 runs at an average of 56.98 with 33 hundreds and 42 fifties while in ODIs his aggregate is 11,798 runs at 39.99 with 16 more hundreds, as well as 79 fifties.In T20Is he has a tally of 1178 runs with a strike-rate of 120.08 runs per hundred balls and including seven fifties, while in all Twenty20 matches, domestic and international combined, he has played 138 times, scoring 3481 runs with 20 fifties and a strike-rate of 124.76.The inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League runs until August 24 with the two semi-finals taking place in Trinidad and Tobago on August 22 and 23 and the final on the August 24.

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Sangakkara joins Jamaica Tallawahs for final CPL matches

Knights win thriller in NBL final

Sport

BY GERALD REID Observer writer Sunday, August 18, 2013

DEFENDING champions Urban Knights came through by the skin of their teeth to beat Spanish Town Spartans 77-75 in triple overtime in Game One in the best-of-three finals in the 2013 FLOW/National Basketball League at the Stadium Courts on Friday.Knights took a 17-10 lead at the end of the first quarter, and at half-time the scores were tied at 22-22. Despite both teams missing a number of jump shots, it was evenly contested before the Knights held a slim 36-31 lead at the completion of the third quarter.It was so close from then onwards that nobody knew who would win with the Knights going up 40-34 in the fourth and final quarter, but the Spartans applied themselves nicely to cut the lead to 39-40, and from then onwards the battle was on as the pace of the game quickened.With three minutes left in the game the scores were tied at 46, 48 and at the final buzzer, the teams were locked at 50 points, forcing the first period of overtime.The Spartans went up 58-52 and looked all over a winner, but the Knights rallied strongly with Oneil Mundle scoring a three-pointer to tie the match at 58, forcing double overtime.Another five minutes of overtime was given and it was action-packed throughout as the defending champions went up 65-60 with 90 seconds remaining. However, the Spartans never allowed the Knights to pull away and they scored to level at 65 with 40 seconds left in the game.With 4.1 seconds remaining after a time-out was taken by the Spartans, the injured Javon Bailey entered the court with the Knights leading 68-65, and in the nick of time he unleashed a long-ranged shot that went inside to force the third overtime, before the Knights prevailed 77-75.Point guard Andre Murray was the Knights’ top scorer with 21 points, including nine rebounds and four steals, shooting guard Omar Barnes had 16 points and 10 rebounds, while forward Kwame Lawrene netted 13 points and eight rebounds for the Knights.The principal scorers for the Spartans were centre Adrian Forbes with 20 points, including 12 rebounds and nine blocked shots, shooting guard Lynford Brown shot 15 points and four rebounds, and guard Bailey added 12 points and seven rebounds.Game Two of the best-of-three finals will be played inside the National Arena on Tuesday starting at 7:00 pm.

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Knights win thriller in NBL final

Nickiesha Wilson only Jamaican in 400m hurdles final

Sport

Tuesday, August 13, 2013 | 10:33 AM

KINGSTON, Jamaica- Jamaican Nickiesha Wilson qualified for the women’s 400M hurdles final to be held on Thursday August 15 at 11:45am Jamaica time.Wilson progressed as one of the fastest losers (54.94), after finishing fifth in the first semi-final Tuesday.Ristananna Tracey the other Jamaican in the semi finals also finished fifth running 55.43 in semi final two.Wilson will compete against World defending champion American Lashinda Demus, as well as the in-form Zuzana Hejnova of the Czech Republic.Reigning Olympic Champion Natalya Antyukh failed to make the finals, after finishing sixth in her semi in 55.55 seconds.

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Nickiesha Wilson only Jamaican in 400m hurdles final

T&T"s Gordon wins 400m semi final 1 from Culson

Sport

Tuesday, August 13, 2013 | 11:34 AM

KINGSTON, Jamaica –Caribbean hurdlers dominated the first semi final in the 400m hurdles with Trinidad’s Jehue Gordon winning in 48.10 and Puerto Rico’s Javier Culson (48.42)in second Jamaica’s Isa Phillips, hurdling a season’s best 49.28, finished fifth while top seeded Bershawn Jackson of the US pulled up early and did not finish.Mamadou Kasse Hanne of Senegal was third (48.69) and Cornel Fredericks of Russian fourth (48.85), The first two automatically qualify for the final.

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T&T"s Gordon wins 400m semi final 1 from Culson

Jamaica out of men’s 400m final, five hurdlers in semis

Latest News

PAUL A REID Observer WriterTuesday, August 13, 2013 | 8:42 AM

MOSCOW, Russia — Jamaica will not add to its medal tally on today’s fourth day of the 14th IAAF World Championships in Moscow, Russia after the three 400m runners all failed to get pass the semi-finals on Day 3.However five intermediate hurdlers, three men and two women will be seeking places in the finals of the 400m event set for Thursday.Nickeisha Wilson and Ristananna Tracey will contest the women’s semi-finals set to start at 10:05pm Jamaica time. The first three from each heat and the two fastest losers will advance.Wilson is drawn in the first heat running out of lane seven and will have Olympic Games bronze medallist and World Leader Zuzana Hejnova in her heat.Tracey, a semi-finalist in Daegu, South Korea two years ago will contest the second of the two semi-final heats that looks like a finals line up of a major championships with the likes of Olympic champion Natalya Antyukh of Russia, Great Britain’s Peri Shakes-Drayton and American Lashinda Demus.On the men’s side, Isa Phillips runs in the first semi-final where he will match strides with American Bershawn Jackson, Trinidad’s Jehue Gordon and Puerto Rico’s Javier Culson.Olympic finalist Leford Green is in the second semi final heat with American Michael Tinsley while newcomer to the event Annsert Whyte is in the third semi-final where he will go up against Felix Sanchez of the Dominican Republic and Kerron Clement, the third American in the event.Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserverFollow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserver

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Jamaica out of men’s 400m final, five hurdlers in semis

Jamaica out of men"s 400m hurdle final

Sport

Tuesday, August 13, 2013 | 11:29 AM

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica is out of the men’s 400 hurdles final on Thursday after failing to progress from the semi finals Tuesday.Even with Leford Green clocking a season’s best 48.88, Annsert Whyte a personal best 49.17 and Isa Phillips a season’s best 49.28 the trio all finished out of contention.Omar Cisneros of Cuba with his world leading 47.93 in the semis heads the line up for the final with medals s expected to come from Michael Tinsley of the US, Felix Sanchez of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico’s Javier Culson and American Kerron Clement. Completing the line up for the final scheduled for 12:00 noon Thursday (Jamaica time) are Jehue Gordon of Trinidad, Mamadou Kasse Hanne of Senegal and Serbia’s Emir Bekric.

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Jamaica out of men"s 400m hurdle final