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Maria sharapova hot
Showing posts with label Sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sports. Show all posts
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
Maria sharapova tennis star
Maria Sharapova is a former World No. 1 Russian professional tennis player. Sharapova has won 22 WTA singles titles, 3 WTA doubles titles and 3 Grand Slam singles titles, including 2004 Wimbledon, 2006 US Open and 2008 Australian Open. She was also runner-up at the 2007 Australian Open. She has also won the year-ending Sony Ericsson Championships in 2004. The Women's Tennis Association has ranked her World No. 1 in singles on 4 separate occasions. She regained this ranking for the fourth time on May 19, 2008. She became the World No.1 for the first time on Aug 22, 2005. She is currently (as of January 2011) ranked World No.16.
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Maria sharapova hot
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Maria sharapova hot
sania mirza hot
sania Mirza born November 15, 1986 is a professional female Indian tennis player. She began her tennis career in 2003. In 2004 she was awarded the Arjuna award by the Indian Government. She is known for her powerful forehand ground strokes.
In 2009, Sania Mirza got engaged with a childhood friend Sohrab Mirza, however this engagement did not last long.Mirza married Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik on April 12, 2010.The wedding was held in Hyderabad, India while the walima reception was held in Sialkot, Pakistan. The online attention the wedding generated made Mirza the most searched woman tennis player in 2010 according to Google Trends.The couple planned to settle down in Dubai.
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sania mirza hot
In 2009, Sania Mirza got engaged with a childhood friend Sohrab Mirza, however this engagement did not last long.Mirza married Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik on April 12, 2010.The wedding was held in Hyderabad, India while the walima reception was held in Sialkot, Pakistan. The online attention the wedding generated made Mirza the most searched woman tennis player in 2010 according to Google Trends.The couple planned to settle down in Dubai.
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sania mirza hot
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
PCB to play more home series at neutral venues
The PCB announced that it would be playing more major home series at neutral venues because of the refusal of teams to play in Pakistan because of the security situation.
PCB said the England and Wales Cricket Board had confirmed a full series of three Tests, five One-day internationals and a T20 match against Pakistan in early 2012 but the series would most probably be played at venues in the United Arab Emirates.
"There is nothing we can do as far as the security situation is concerned. We keep on our process of convincing teams to come and play in Pakistan but until the security situation is clear we just have to rely on neutral venues," Subhan Ahmed, PCB Chief Operating Officer, told reporters.
"The ECB has confirmed the number of matches for January-February 2012 and venues are being finalized. The series is part of the ICC future tours programme,? Subhan said.
Ahmed also said that Sri Lanka were also due to play a "home" series in Pakistan in October-November next year but that series could also be held at a neutral venue or even in Sri Lanka.
There has been no international cricket in Pakistan since March 2009 after militants ambushed the Sri Lankan team that was in Lahore to play a Test match.
Six policemen and a van driver were killed in the deadly attack and several Sri Lankan players were wounded, leading to the ICC not only shifting World Cup matches from Pakistan but foreign teams also refused to tour Pakistan because of security concerns.
But the finalisation of the series against England is good news for Pakistan cricket since relations between the two boards took a nose dive in September after a statement from the PCB Chairman, following the spot-fixing scandal in England during the Pakistan team's tour.
Source: ESPNstar.com
Shoaib malik
PCB said the England and Wales Cricket Board had confirmed a full series of three Tests, five One-day internationals and a T20 match against Pakistan in early 2012 but the series would most probably be played at venues in the United Arab Emirates.
"There is nothing we can do as far as the security situation is concerned. We keep on our process of convincing teams to come and play in Pakistan but until the security situation is clear we just have to rely on neutral venues," Subhan Ahmed, PCB Chief Operating Officer, told reporters.
"The ECB has confirmed the number of matches for January-February 2012 and venues are being finalized. The series is part of the ICC future tours programme,? Subhan said.
Ahmed also said that Sri Lanka were also due to play a "home" series in Pakistan in October-November next year but that series could also be held at a neutral venue or even in Sri Lanka.
There has been no international cricket in Pakistan since March 2009 after militants ambushed the Sri Lankan team that was in Lahore to play a Test match.
Six policemen and a van driver were killed in the deadly attack and several Sri Lankan players were wounded, leading to the ICC not only shifting World Cup matches from Pakistan but foreign teams also refused to tour Pakistan because of security concerns.
But the finalisation of the series against England is good news for Pakistan cricket since relations between the two boards took a nose dive in September after a statement from the PCB Chairman, following the spot-fixing scandal in England during the Pakistan team's tour.
Source: ESPNstar.com
Shoaib malik
Southee's five help New Zealand end losing streak
The youngsters shone for New Zealand as they defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the first Twenty20 at Eden Park.
Tim Southee ripped the heart out of the Pakistan line-up with a brutal spell of five for 18 in four overs, and Martin Guptill's fearless half-century ensured the chase went smoothly for the hosts. The visitors had rocketed to 58 for 1 in 5.5 overs before Southee struck five times in nine deliveries to derail the middle order, using his height and pace to torment the batsmen on the quick, hard surface, and throwing in the odd slower ball to keep them guessing.
Guptill then attacked the Pakistan bowling with style and chutzpah, to get his team off to a rapid start, and continued to attack throughout his innings, despite the fall of wickets at the other end.
Guptill began with gusto as he flayed Abdul Razzaq for 15 in his first over with two commanding strikes and a tickle down to fine leg, before hoisting Shoaib Akhtar for a giant six over square-leg. The pace of the Auckland pitch showed up three balls later as Jesse Ryder's thick edge off Shoaib flew at shoulder height to slip, almost at the edge of the circle. Guptill continued to make merry despite the loss, hitting Shoaib for another six on the leg-side before the bowler struck again, this time to remove debutant Dean Brownlie for five.
Scott Styris uppercut his second ball for six, but was undone soon after by Shoaib, attempting an ugly slog across the line to an indipper that pegged back leg stump. Shoiab had another, and the aeroplane was on show for the third time in three overs, but although there were breakthroughs, Guptill's fireworks at the other end boosted the score to 55 in five overs.
The Pakistan spinners provided some respite, but Guptill motored to his maiden Twenty20 fifty in 23 deliveries, hitting Wahab Riaz for consecutive boundaries and lofting Mohammad Hafeez over long-on. The dazzling knock came to an end when he was run out attempting an ill-advised single on 53, after having pushed the Pakistan fielders to the limit with swift singles during his stay.
Ross Taylor was content to cruise alongside James Franklin while the spinners operated, with his side well ahead of the required rate. Hafeez picked up his second wicket when he hurried one onto Franklin, but with 29 runs to get in more than five overs, the victory was all but secured. A couple of trademark slog sweeps later, New Zealand were within striking distance, and Peter McGlashan finished the job for the hosts with 2.5 overs to spare.
The Pakistan innings too was off to a rollicking start, thanks to some aggressive intent from the Pakistan openers. Shahid Afridi, having promoted himself to the top, wasted little time unfurling his signature slogs, while Hafeez also swung away with abandon to propel Pakistan to 36 in 3.5 overs, before the wickets began to tumble.
Afridi was caught at mid-on by a backpedalling Ross Taylor, after New Zealand's other debutant, Adam Milne, had shelled a chance off the previous delivery. Pakistan kept the foot on the pedal as they raced to 50 in five overs. Southee then came on to cripple the innings with pace, movement and bounce to leave Pakistan reeling at 68 for 6. Southee's barrage included a hat-trick - New Zealand's second in Twenty20 internationals, and third overall - which accounted for Younis Khan, Hafeez and Umar Akmal, who was wrongly given out lbw.
Umar Gul and Riaz were on hand for Pakistan, scoring invaluable thirties as the tail pushed Pakistan towards respectability with some sensible batting and a flurry of late boundaries. Southee's spell, however, had done the damage, and 143 proved too few to defend on a ground with a hard surface and short straight boundaries.
Source: espncricinfo.com
Umar gul
Tim Southee ripped the heart out of the Pakistan line-up with a brutal spell of five for 18 in four overs, and Martin Guptill's fearless half-century ensured the chase went smoothly for the hosts. The visitors had rocketed to 58 for 1 in 5.5 overs before Southee struck five times in nine deliveries to derail the middle order, using his height and pace to torment the batsmen on the quick, hard surface, and throwing in the odd slower ball to keep them guessing.
Guptill then attacked the Pakistan bowling with style and chutzpah, to get his team off to a rapid start, and continued to attack throughout his innings, despite the fall of wickets at the other end.
Guptill began with gusto as he flayed Abdul Razzaq for 15 in his first over with two commanding strikes and a tickle down to fine leg, before hoisting Shoaib Akhtar for a giant six over square-leg. The pace of the Auckland pitch showed up three balls later as Jesse Ryder's thick edge off Shoaib flew at shoulder height to slip, almost at the edge of the circle. Guptill continued to make merry despite the loss, hitting Shoaib for another six on the leg-side before the bowler struck again, this time to remove debutant Dean Brownlie for five.
Scott Styris uppercut his second ball for six, but was undone soon after by Shoaib, attempting an ugly slog across the line to an indipper that pegged back leg stump. Shoiab had another, and the aeroplane was on show for the third time in three overs, but although there were breakthroughs, Guptill's fireworks at the other end boosted the score to 55 in five overs.
The Pakistan spinners provided some respite, but Guptill motored to his maiden Twenty20 fifty in 23 deliveries, hitting Wahab Riaz for consecutive boundaries and lofting Mohammad Hafeez over long-on. The dazzling knock came to an end when he was run out attempting an ill-advised single on 53, after having pushed the Pakistan fielders to the limit with swift singles during his stay.
Ross Taylor was content to cruise alongside James Franklin while the spinners operated, with his side well ahead of the required rate. Hafeez picked up his second wicket when he hurried one onto Franklin, but with 29 runs to get in more than five overs, the victory was all but secured. A couple of trademark slog sweeps later, New Zealand were within striking distance, and Peter McGlashan finished the job for the hosts with 2.5 overs to spare.
The Pakistan innings too was off to a rollicking start, thanks to some aggressive intent from the Pakistan openers. Shahid Afridi, having promoted himself to the top, wasted little time unfurling his signature slogs, while Hafeez also swung away with abandon to propel Pakistan to 36 in 3.5 overs, before the wickets began to tumble.
Afridi was caught at mid-on by a backpedalling Ross Taylor, after New Zealand's other debutant, Adam Milne, had shelled a chance off the previous delivery. Pakistan kept the foot on the pedal as they raced to 50 in five overs. Southee then came on to cripple the innings with pace, movement and bounce to leave Pakistan reeling at 68 for 6. Southee's barrage included a hat-trick - New Zealand's second in Twenty20 internationals, and third overall - which accounted for Younis Khan, Hafeez and Umar Akmal, who was wrongly given out lbw.
Umar Gul and Riaz were on hand for Pakistan, scoring invaluable thirties as the tail pushed Pakistan towards respectability with some sensible batting and a flurry of late boundaries. Southee's spell, however, had done the damage, and 143 proved too few to defend on a ground with a hard surface and short straight boundaries.
Source: espncricinfo.com
Umar gul
Wenger wary of Drogba threat
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits shackling Didier Drogba is the key to defeating Chelsea. Drogba has never been on the losing side against the Gunners, plundering 13 goals in 13 appearances to become their chief tormentor. Wenger believes the Ivorian has the mentality to thrive when the pressure is on and fears his combination with midfielder Frank Lampard.
"Drogba was always been very efficient against us. He is a big game player," said Wenger "Recently when Chelsea were in trouble against Tottenham, who turned up? It was Drogba again. "When you play against Chelsea he is the guy you need to keep quiet. The way he works in tandem with Frank Lampard is also important. Lampard always finds Drogba when he plays so we have to stop that.
"If you look at the statistics, defending against Drogba is one of the keys - if not the biggest key - of the game." Wenger admits Marouane Chamakh's form has suffered amid his heavy workload this season and may choose to rest the Moroccan. With Robin van Persie ready to start and Nicklas Bendtner also available, Wenger has options should he decide Chamakh needs a break.
"Marouane has given a lot. He has played a lot on his own up front. He is a bit tired at the moment," said Wenger. "He's used to having a winter break in France at this stage of the season. "He has played nearly every game since the start of the season.
"He feels that he had a little dip physically, but he's working very hard in training to come back."
Source: ESPN
Didier Drogba
"Drogba was always been very efficient against us. He is a big game player," said Wenger "Recently when Chelsea were in trouble against Tottenham, who turned up? It was Drogba again. "When you play against Chelsea he is the guy you need to keep quiet. The way he works in tandem with Frank Lampard is also important. Lampard always finds Drogba when he plays so we have to stop that.
"If you look at the statistics, defending against Drogba is one of the keys - if not the biggest key - of the game." Wenger admits Marouane Chamakh's form has suffered amid his heavy workload this season and may choose to rest the Moroccan. With Robin van Persie ready to start and Nicklas Bendtner also available, Wenger has options should he decide Chamakh needs a break.
"Marouane has given a lot. He has played a lot on his own up front. He is a bit tired at the moment," said Wenger. "He's used to having a winter break in France at this stage of the season. "He has played nearly every game since the start of the season.
"He feels that he had a little dip physically, but he's working very hard in training to come back."
Source: ESPN
Didier Drogba
Dale Steyn wrecks India on Day One
Bad light brought an early end to the second Test in Durban with India tottering at 183 for six.
Dale Steyn grabbed four wickets to reduce India to 183 for six and put South Africa in command at stumps of a shortened day one of the second Test at Kingsmead.
Only 56 overs were possible in Durban after overnight rain and morning drizzle meant play started an hour late, with the first two sessions then extended by 30 minutes each.
And only 18 more deliveries were sent down after tea, before the light was offered to the batsmen, who happily walked off after a day of struggle in bowler-friendly conditions.
VVS Laxman (38) top scored for the Indians, but Steyn (four for 36) and Lonwabo Tsotsobe (two for 40) plugged away with wickets coming at regular intervals.
Under overcast skies, the toss was again crucial - just as it was in the first Test at Pretoria which the home side won - and Graeme Smith called correctly, inviting the tourists to bat.
The hosts looked dangerous from the outset despite the two India openers doing well to survive the first 45 minutes on a green track.
Virender Sehwag was hit flush on the glove first ball by Steyn, with his partner Murali Vijay dropped on three when an edge from the same bowler dipped at the last moment on Paul Harris at first slip.
But the paceman had his revenge when Sehwag (25) edged to Jacques Kallis at second slip, before Vijay (19) followed by tickling behind to Mark Boucher.
Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid helped them reach lunch on 74 for two, but they were dealt a major blow in the first over of the second session when the former went for 13 - his edge off Tsotsobe held comfortably by Kallis at second slip.
Laxman almost followed shortly afterwards when he top-edged Morne Morkel, but the ball landed safely despite Hashim Amla's efforts to turn and chase it from short leg.
He was on eight then and gradually began to rebuild the innings, taking the visitors past the 100 mark in the 31st over.
However, a lack of stability continued at the other end with the loss of Dravid (25), who gave Steyn a third wicket when he edged to Boucher.
The bowler had team-mate Tsotsobe to thank for the wicket of Laxman, though, when he stuck out his hand at mid-wicket and plucked the ball one-handed when it already looked like it had passed him.That reduced India to 130 for five.Cheteshwar Pujara (19) came in and looked good until he tried to pull Tsotsobe and skied the ball straight up, allowing Boucher to claim his third catch and send the Proteas into tea firmly in command on 168 for six.With the light quickly deteriorating after tea, only three more overs were sent down as Mahendra Singh Dhoni (20 not out) and Harbhajan Singh (15) took the world number one side to the close.
Source: ESPNstar.com
Dale Steyn southafrican cricketer
Dale Steyn grabbed four wickets to reduce India to 183 for six and put South Africa in command at stumps of a shortened day one of the second Test at Kingsmead.
Only 56 overs were possible in Durban after overnight rain and morning drizzle meant play started an hour late, with the first two sessions then extended by 30 minutes each.
And only 18 more deliveries were sent down after tea, before the light was offered to the batsmen, who happily walked off after a day of struggle in bowler-friendly conditions.
VVS Laxman (38) top scored for the Indians, but Steyn (four for 36) and Lonwabo Tsotsobe (two for 40) plugged away with wickets coming at regular intervals.
Under overcast skies, the toss was again crucial - just as it was in the first Test at Pretoria which the home side won - and Graeme Smith called correctly, inviting the tourists to bat.
The hosts looked dangerous from the outset despite the two India openers doing well to survive the first 45 minutes on a green track.
Virender Sehwag was hit flush on the glove first ball by Steyn, with his partner Murali Vijay dropped on three when an edge from the same bowler dipped at the last moment on Paul Harris at first slip.
But the paceman had his revenge when Sehwag (25) edged to Jacques Kallis at second slip, before Vijay (19) followed by tickling behind to Mark Boucher.
Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid helped them reach lunch on 74 for two, but they were dealt a major blow in the first over of the second session when the former went for 13 - his edge off Tsotsobe held comfortably by Kallis at second slip.
Laxman almost followed shortly afterwards when he top-edged Morne Morkel, but the ball landed safely despite Hashim Amla's efforts to turn and chase it from short leg.
He was on eight then and gradually began to rebuild the innings, taking the visitors past the 100 mark in the 31st over.
However, a lack of stability continued at the other end with the loss of Dravid (25), who gave Steyn a third wicket when he edged to Boucher.
The bowler had team-mate Tsotsobe to thank for the wicket of Laxman, though, when he stuck out his hand at mid-wicket and plucked the ball one-handed when it already looked like it had passed him.That reduced India to 130 for five.Cheteshwar Pujara (19) came in and looked good until he tried to pull Tsotsobe and skied the ball straight up, allowing Boucher to claim his third catch and send the Proteas into tea firmly in command on 168 for six.With the light quickly deteriorating after tea, only three more overs were sent down as Mahendra Singh Dhoni (20 not out) and Harbhajan Singh (15) took the world number one side to the close.
Source: ESPNstar.com
Dale Steyn southafrican cricketer
Ryan Giggs: The Second goal was key
Veteran Ryan Giggs has pointed to Manchester United's second goal against Sunderland as the key to their win. United won 2-0 against a Sunderland outfit that had overturned Chelsea 3-0 at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season.
Dimitar Berbatov scored the opener, but when the Bulgarian hit the upright and Anderson disturbed the cross-bar, there would have been some nerves in the United area. However, Berbatov grabbed his second courtesy of a deflection and the Red Devils coasted to a win from there on. Giggs, who was superb in midfield, pointed to that second goal as an important development.
"You're always a bit nervy when you're up against a very good Sunderland team and it's only 1-0, but once we got that second goal it was comfortable," he told MUTV. "We played really well in the first half an hour and created a lot of chances, just as we did against Blackburn.
"The difference that day was we were putting the chances away pretty much every time we went forward and it could have been the same today [Sunday]. The goals just didn't come though and we were a bit disappointed to come in at half-time with the score only at 1-0.
"As I said though, once we got the second we were comfortable and we were happy to see the game out knowing that we've got a game in a couple of days. We didn't want to go flying about and pick up any injuries." The Welshman then went on to praise Berbatov, who has now scored 14 goals this season despite not being guaranteed a starting place in Sir Alex Ferguson's XI.
"Berba is playing really well," said Giggs. "He's scoring goals, good goals and when you're a front player that's what you want to do. "He's getting himself in positions where he's getting chances and he could have even got a couple more today."
United now travel to St Andrews' on Tuesday to face Birmingham City.
Source: ESPN
Ryan Giggs
Dimitar Berbatov scored the opener, but when the Bulgarian hit the upright and Anderson disturbed the cross-bar, there would have been some nerves in the United area. However, Berbatov grabbed his second courtesy of a deflection and the Red Devils coasted to a win from there on. Giggs, who was superb in midfield, pointed to that second goal as an important development.
"You're always a bit nervy when you're up against a very good Sunderland team and it's only 1-0, but once we got that second goal it was comfortable," he told MUTV. "We played really well in the first half an hour and created a lot of chances, just as we did against Blackburn.
"The difference that day was we were putting the chances away pretty much every time we went forward and it could have been the same today [Sunday]. The goals just didn't come though and we were a bit disappointed to come in at half-time with the score only at 1-0.
"As I said though, once we got the second we were comfortable and we were happy to see the game out knowing that we've got a game in a couple of days. We didn't want to go flying about and pick up any injuries." The Welshman then went on to praise Berbatov, who has now scored 14 goals this season despite not being guaranteed a starting place in Sir Alex Ferguson's XI.
"Berba is playing really well," said Giggs. "He's scoring goals, good goals and when you're a front player that's what you want to do. "He's getting himself in positions where he's getting chances and he could have even got a couple more today."
United now travel to St Andrews' on Tuesday to face Birmingham City.
Source: ESPN
Ryan Giggs
Pakistan will bounce back in T20 series: Intikhab
Team manager Intikhab Alam on Monday conceded that Pakistan is facing difficulty in adjusting to the conditions in New Zealand but said the side will bounce back in the remaining two matches of the Twenty20 international series.
Pakistan were beaten by five wickets in the first match by New Zealand yesterday and also suffered the humiliation of being bowled out for just 91 runs in a T20 side match against Auckland last Friday.
"This team has the ability to bounce back in the series.
Although there is no doubt the players are facing problems adjusting to the different conditions in New Zealand," the former test captain told Geo Super channel.
Intikhab also said that for players who toured New Zealand for the first time it took time for them to adjust to the different weather and pitch conditions.
"But the coach has told the batsmen to show more application and patience while batting in the remaining matches," he said.
Intikhab said the players also realized how important it was for the team to have a successful tour of New Zealand as it was their final international outing before the 2011 World Cup in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
The Pakistan manager also noted that on the smaller boundaries in New Zealand touring teams had to score atleast 175 runs in the T20 format of the game to nullify the advantage of the hosts.
"We are confident that the team will comeback strongly in the series because despite all the problems Pakistan cricket has faced in recent months the players have been told to just focus on their cricket," he said.
Intikhab said that there were no disciplinary issues in the team as the management had made it clear to everyone that their would be no compromise on discipline.
"The senior players who have been to New Zealand before also realise that they need to show the way to the younger players and help them adjust to the conditions," he added.
Intikhab was coach of the Pakistan team that toured New Zealand last year for a "home series" and drew the Test series.
Source: ESPNstar.com
intikhab alam
Pakistan were beaten by five wickets in the first match by New Zealand yesterday and also suffered the humiliation of being bowled out for just 91 runs in a T20 side match against Auckland last Friday.
"This team has the ability to bounce back in the series.
Although there is no doubt the players are facing problems adjusting to the different conditions in New Zealand," the former test captain told Geo Super channel.
Intikhab also said that for players who toured New Zealand for the first time it took time for them to adjust to the different weather and pitch conditions.
"But the coach has told the batsmen to show more application and patience while batting in the remaining matches," he said.
Intikhab said the players also realized how important it was for the team to have a successful tour of New Zealand as it was their final international outing before the 2011 World Cup in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
The Pakistan manager also noted that on the smaller boundaries in New Zealand touring teams had to score atleast 175 runs in the T20 format of the game to nullify the advantage of the hosts.
"We are confident that the team will comeback strongly in the series because despite all the problems Pakistan cricket has faced in recent months the players have been told to just focus on their cricket," he said.
Intikhab said that there were no disciplinary issues in the team as the management had made it clear to everyone that their would be no compromise on discipline.
"The senior players who have been to New Zealand before also realise that they need to show the way to the younger players and help them adjust to the conditions," he added.
Intikhab was coach of the Pakistan team that toured New Zealand last year for a "home series" and drew the Test series.
Source: ESPNstar.com
intikhab alam
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