The New Nation - Internet Edition

Ashraful blames poor batting for defeat to SA

UNB, Dhaka

Bangladesh skipper Mohammad Ashraful Wednesday admitted that poor batting performance was the main reason behind the team's defeat to South Africa.

"Had we been able to score 230-250 in this pitch than we had a chance to win the match, but our batsmen failed to make a good start," he told reporters after a post-match briefing at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

But the Bangladesh skipper said that they would bounce back in the 3rd and last match on Friday at the same venue to restore some pride.

He said team captaincy is not hampering his batting performance. "I'm rather playing well after taking the charge of the team."

However, South African captain Graeme Smith was happy as they won the series 2-0 in this condition.

Evaluating the batting of AB devilliers and Jean Paul Duminy he said, "I'm very happy to see that the two young guys took the responsibility as you know batting on a wicket like this is tough."

He said the ball was not moving as the wicket got slower in the afternoon. "It was really nice to see the two gays taking the responsibility to finish the game. Their partnership will take them a long way in the international cricket," Smith hoped.

Replying to a question, the South African captain gave the credit to his bowlers for the day's victory.

Host Rajshahi makes flying start beating Kushtia

UNB, Dhaka

Hosts Rajshahi DSA made a flying start in the final round of the JFA Cup Under-15 Football Championship outplaying Kushtia DSA by 5-0 goals at the Rajshahi Stadium on Wednesday.

They led the first half by 3-0 goals.

Ashique struck twice, Rakib, Parvez and Masud Rana (suicidal) netted one for the winners.

In the day's other match, Dhaka DSA also earned a facile 5-0 victory over Bhola DSA at the same venue in the afternoon.

Police, BDR move into final

UNB, Dhaka

Bangladesh Police and Bangladesh Rifles moved into the final of the EXIM Bank 18th National Men's Handball Competition eliminating their respective opponents in the semifinals at the Bangabandhu National Stadium (BNS) Outer Handball Ground here Wednesday.

In the first semifinal, Bangladesh Police beat Bangladesh Ansar by 25-18 goals after trailing by 9-10 goals in the first half.

In the 2nd semifinal, Bangladesh Rifles outclassed Rajshahi DSA by 36-18 goals after enjoying a 16-9 first half lead.

The final match of the competition will be held Thursday at 3:00pm, also at the same venue. Private satellite channel ATN Bangla will telecast live the final match.

The 3rd place decider will be held earlier in the morning.

Bangladesh Handball Federation president and Industries Secretary Dr Mohammad Nurul Amin will be present at the final ceremony as chief guest and distribute prizes.

EXIM Bank director and chairman (audit committee) Nurul Fazal Bulbul and ATN Bangla senior vice president Noazish Ali Khan will be present as special guests.

Sri Lanka axes icons Jayasuriya, Murali for limited-overs series against Windies

AP, Colombo

Sri Lanka has dropped iconic stars Sanath Jayasuriya and Muttiah Muralitharan from its squad for the three-match limited overs series in the West Indies next month, the sport's governing body said Wednesday.

Fast bowler Lasith Malinga also does not feature in a new-look 15-member squad.

Jayasuriya, a 38-year-old veteran of 411 limited overs matches scored just 103 runs in seven matches in the recent tri-nations series in Australia. Jayasuriya retired from test cricket in December to concentrate on his limited-overs game.

Sri Lanka's poor showing in the Australian tournament saw it finish last behind champion India and the hosts.

Ace offspinner Muralitharan was expensive in the series despite taking 11 wickets in eight matches.

Uncapped left-handed batsman Mahela Udawatte is likely to open the batting with Upul Tharanga.

The also selectors have called in talented 22-year-old spinner Ajantha Mendis from Sri Lanka Army who has impressed with 37 wickets in 19 domestic matches.

Allrounder Kaushalya Weeraratne has earned a spot in the national squad after nearly five years.

The three-match limited series begins in Trinidad on April 10. The squad: Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Kumar Sangakkara, Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chamara Silva, Mahela Udawatte, Jehan Mubarak, Chamara Kapugedera, Chaminda Vaas, Kaushalya Weeraratne, Malinga Bandara, Nuwan Kulasekara, Ishara Amerasinghe, Ajantha Mendis and Thilan Thushara.

Roddick set to skip Beijing Olympics for US event

AFP, Washington

US star Andy Roddick will skip the Beijing Olympics in August to defend his crown at the ATP Washington Classic two weeks before the US Open.

Roddick will bring star power to the only event on the men's tennis tour that conflicts with the high-profile showdown for Olympic gold in China.

Roddick has decided to remain in the United States to better preapre for the US Open, the year's final Grand Slam tournament that starts in New York on August 25, the day after the Olympics conclude in Beijing.

"My goal every summer is to win the US Open," said Roddick. "I have won the Legg Mason Tennis Classic three times and feel defending my title in Washington best prepares me for another Grand Slam title."

Sixth-ranked Roddick captured the ATP title in Dubai last weekend with victories over Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic and reigning French Open champion Rafael Nadal in the run.

Roddick defeated big-serving US wild card John Isner in last year's Washington final.

The Olympic tournament and Washington's event are both set to be played on the week starting Monday, August 11.

With Roddick's absence, ninth-ranked James Blake is the top-rated American in line to play for Beijing Olympic singles gold.

4th round of the premier cricket league begins today

UNB, Dhaka

The 4th round matches of the Metropolis Premier Division Cricket League begin today (Thursday) at different venues in the city and its adjoining areas with three matches billed for the day.

Holders Abahani Limited will play all-losers Partex SC at the BKSP ground 2, while BKSP meet Young Pegasus Club at the Dhanmondi Cricket Stadium and Kalabagan KC will face City Club at the Narayanganj Osmani Stadium in Fatullah today.

After the third round matches, Dhaka Mohammedan SC and Bangladesh Biman dominated the league table with all-win record securing full six points from three matches.

Defending champions Abahani Limited followed them neck and neck collecting five points from three outings after sharing points with BKSP in the rain-effected 2nd round match. Surjotarun Club and Old DOHS SC earned four points each, while BKSP bagged three points, playing three matches each.

Victoria SC, Young Pegasus Club, City Club and Kalabagan KC collected two points each while Partex SC and Sonargaon Cricketers are yet to open the account, also playing three matches.

School Volleyball's finals today

UNB, Dhaka

Children Academy and BIT moved into the boys group final of the South Breeze School Volleyball Tournament beating their rivals in the semifinals at the Volleyball Stadium here Wednesday.

Children Academy eliminated tournament's sponsor South Breeze School by 25-16, 25-14 points while BIT overcame Emarat Hossain High School by 25-9, 23-25, 16-14 points in the semifinals.

In the girls' group semifinals, Viqarunnisa Noon School defeated Green Herald by 5-25, 25-15, 15-12 points while SOS Shisu Palli beat Scholastica School by 25-12, 12-25, 17-15 points to reach the final.

The final matches of both the boys and girls' groups will be held today (Thursday) afternoon at the same venue.

Renowned freedom fighter and sports organiser Major General (retd) Amin Ahmed Chowdhury will be the chief guest in the final and distribute the prizes.