The New Nation - Internet Edition

Gambhir guides India to 296-3

AP, New Delhi

Gautam Gambhir scored his second hundred in consecutive matches with an unbeaten 149 Wednesday to ensure India dominated day one of the third cricket test against Australia.

Left-hander Gambhir, who scored 67 and 104 in an emphatic 320-run victory in Mohali last week, continued India's domination by steering the hosts to a commanding 296 for 3 wickets at stumps.

The polished opener received strong support through half-centuries to Sachin Tendulkar and V.V.S Laxman, and even managed to upset some of the Australians during a series of verbal exchanges.

India can clinch the four-match contest with a win here and Gambhir provided the ideal platform after he and Tendulkar lifted the side from 27-2 with a 130-run partnership for the third wicket.Once Tendulkar departed for 68 Gambhir added another 139 with Laxman, who eased to 54, and India finished the day on a high.

Gambhir's century came up in sensational style when he charged down the wicket to Shane Watson and thumped him over mid-on for six.

The pair had a few animated exchanges - including when Gambhir pushed his elbow into Watson's chest while going for a second run in the middle session - but the batsman came out on top.

Gambhir also had a verbal clash with Simon Katich late in the day when the pair was separated by umpire Billy Bowden.

Gambhir took his time initially, reaching his 50 from 121 deliveries, but he lifted his pace on the way to three figures and his career-best innings lasted 285 balls. He struck some superb shots through midwicket and cover and also impressed with his

cutting and glancing, which contributed to his 20 fours.

Tendulkar, who holds the test run-scoring record with 12,105, was out in the over before tea after scoring his 51st half-century.

The third-wicket partnership with Gambhir saved the hosts from a dangerous position and sapped Australia's early momentum on a flat surface at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium.

Tendulkar, who struck 11 boundaries, overtook Gambhir and was first to his 50, the milestone coming from 79 balls with a glide for four through gully off Stuart Clark.

Mitchell Johnson was the successful bowler in the middle session when he had Tendulkar caught behind by wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.

Australias attack looked increasingly fragile as the bowlers struggled for regular impact after a strong start.

Lee dismissed Virender Sehwag for 1 with a ball angling into his pads in the third over, a welcome dismissal for the Australian pace spearhead who struggled for impact in the opening two matches.

But there was no more success and at stumps he had 1-70 from 19 overs.

Johnson, who finished with 2-61, replaced Lee for the 11th over and struck with his fourth ball when Rahul Dravid drove at a wide delivery angled across him and was caught low to the ground by Matthew Hayden at first slip.

Clark (0-29) did not gain a wicket on his return to the side from an elbow problem, but brought Australia some much-needed control as he gave up barely more than a run an over.

India skipper Anil Kumble won the toss and elected to bat. He returned to the lineup after recovering from an injured right shoulder that prevented him from playing in Mohali. Offspinner Harbhajan Singh succumbed to a toe injury that allowed legspinner Amit Mishra to hold his spot.

Ashraful didn't know Bangladesh needed 163 runs to avoid follow on

UNB, Dhaka

Sounds incredible, but as the skipper of a test playing team Mohammad Ashraful was not aware of the fact that Bangladesh needed 163 runs to avoid follow on at the end of 4th day in the 2nd Test against New Zealand.

Replying to New Zealand's first innings total of 262/6 (dec.), Ashraful went to the crease as number three batsman despite sending a night watchman thinking that he would be able to avoid follow on scoring 63 runs in quick time. But rules suggest that Bangladesh had to score 163.

"I was not aware of this follow on rule before going to the crease to bat," said Ashraful in reply to a question at a post match briefing at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium (SBNS) after the 2nd Test of the BRAC Bank Series here Wednesday.

However, he thinks that they played well as a team throughout the series and created chance of winning in both the ODI and Tet Series.

He said: "We had a reasonably good series… had a very good chance of winning the ODI series. We also played well in the first Test. Overall, both the series were good for us."

Ashraful, a victim of lbw for duck in the first innings by Vettori, believed that this series will boost their confidence ahead of the ensuing South Africa tour.

"After the lone 20/20 match, we will play the ODI series and then the Test series (in South Africa). The confidence level of every player is now good and there is a chance of winning there if we can deliver our best, although the conditions will be difficult," he said.

Asked to comment on his counterpart Vettori, the Bangladesh skipper said: "He (Vettori) has a lot of variations and bowled well in the Test Series. He is different from our left-arm spinners with his flight variations."

Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons also believed that his side had a very good chance of winning both the ODI and Test series. "We were in a position to win both the series but we could not do that."

About Junaed Siddiqui, who was stumped on Tuesday from the bowling of Vettori for 4 after dancing down the wicket, Siddons said: "He still hasn't come out with a reasonable explanation. He played a stupid, unexpected shot."

Asked about his concern in the top order ahead of the South Africa tour, the Australian coach of Bangladesh said: "They (South Africa) have a pretty good attack and our top four (batsmen) need to play well. Our top four need to fire up. We got a tough series coming and it will be very tough winning over there."

But he thinks that it will take some time as Junaed Siddiqui is still young and Tamim Iqbal is only 21 years old. "We are working on them," Siddons said.

Vettori pretty happy winning both ODI, Test Series

UNB, Dhaka

After winning both the BRAC Bank ODI and Test series overcoming the odds, New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori seemed pretty happy with the outcome.

Vettori told a post match briefing on Wednesday that winning the series is a wonderful feeling after facing a tough situation.

"Bangladesh really fought well. They gave us scare and always put us under sword. But we kept our cool and gradually improved in the series. I am pretty happy with the outcome," the 29-year old skipper said.

Vettori also was happy to see his top order batsmen in form after having a dismal start in the series.

Citycell 2nd B League resumes today

UNB, Dhaka

After a five-day recess, the Citycell 2nd B. League resumes Thursday with Brothers Union taking on Dhaka Mohammedan SC at the Bangabandhu National Stadium (BNS).

The match kicks off at 5 pm.

On the following day (Friday), holders Dhaka Abahani Limited will face Chittagong Abahani at the same venue.

Brothers Union Club secured eight points from four matches, while Dhaka Mohammedan SC bagged seven points from three matches.

Delta Life Women's Handball Competition begins Nov 8

UNB, Dhaka

The 12th Delta Life Women's Handball Competition, organized by Bangladesh Handball Federation, will begin on November 8 in the city.

The teams, yet to register their names with the Federation, have been asked to do so by November 5 with entry fee of Tk 500.

Viqarunnissa move to semifinals

UNB, Dhaka

Riding on a hattrick by Pinki and Habiba, Viqarunnissa Noon School and College on Wednesday reached the semifinals of the Dhaka Metropolitan Women's School Football Tournament.

They eliminated Natun Kuri by 11-0 goals in today's play at the Dhanmondi Women Sports Complex.

Pinki and Habiba both scored hattrick with four goals, while Adiba, Moriom and Farjana scored one goal each for the Group D champion Viqarunnissa.

In the day's other match, Papiya scored a double hattrick to guide the Siddheshwari Girls School to post a massive 7-0 goals win over Azimpur Girls High School.

Papiya scored her double hattrick with six goals, while Fatema netted the other one for Siddheshwari Girls School.

In the day's another match, Master Mind edged past Summerfield by a solitary goal scored by Noushin.

Earlier, Aga Khan School confirmed their semifinal position after emerging Group A champion.